Looking for a soundbar that offers spatial audio? Check out these top 3 picks currently available
In the realm of premium audio equipment, three soundbars stand out for their exceptional performance and innovative features: the KEF XIO, Marshall Heston 120, and Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9. Each offers a unique blend of sound quality, design, and technology, catering to different preferences in high-end spatial audio systems.
KEF XIO Soundbar
The KEF XIO, a luxury spatial audio soundbar, is renowned for its ability to generate an authentic 'dome' of sound that extends impressively in all directions. Key features include:
- True Channel Configuration: Offers a 5.1.2 configuration with discrete drivers, ensuring actual surround sound rather than virtual effects.
- Uni-Q MX Drivers: Includes six 50mm concentric arrays for wide dispersion and consistent sound quality from any seating position.
- Force-Canceling Bass System: Features four P185 racetrack woofers with VECO technology to eliminate cabinet vibrations and provide cleaner low frequencies.
- Frequency Response: Offers an extended bass response from 34 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB) without needing a separate subwoofer.
- Total Amplification: Delivers 820W across 12 discrete Class D amplifiers, ensuring dynamic headroom for movies and music.
- Maximum Output: Provides a room-filling volume of 102 dB at 1 meter without distortion.
- Spatial Audio Support: Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio for immersive audio experiences.
- High-Resolution Streaming: Supports up to 24-bit/384kHz for high-quality audio from premium services.
- Modern Connectivity: Features HDMI 2.1 eARC for easy connection to TVs.
- Wireless Standards: Includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast for stable streaming.
- Intelligent Placement Technology: Automatically adapts audio output based on the environment for optimal sound quality.
One notable feature is that one of its drivers only comes into play when the soundbar is wall-mounted, and it can generate 820 watts of peak power. Despite its high cost, the KEF XIO is widely regarded as the best-sounding spatial audio soundbar among the three.
Marshall Heston 120 Soundbar
The Marshall Heston 120, a soundbar that takes design cues from Marshall's iconic backline amplifiers, features 11 drivers of various shapes and sizes, each with its own individual block of Class D amplification. It is compatible with 4K/120Hz content and Dolby Vision for high dynamic range.
The Heston 120 offers a spatial audio experience, though not as highly praised as the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9. It stands out for its big and bold sonic attitude, with a real facility for detail retrieval. Control is provided by three large rotary dials, and the design is repairable for environmental sustainability.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar
The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, despite being the largest soundbar among the three, is smaller than its previous model. It has room for 13 speaker drivers and is a stand-alone spatial audio soundbar that can be expanded with wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer.
The Bravia Theatre Bar 9 has earned five stars for its sonic performance, with crisp, clean delivery and impressive dynamic range. It offers exceptional Dolby Atmos processing, pushing sound far into the room and up to the ceiling. However, some reviewers note a slightly clinical tone in music playback.
Each of these soundbars is substantial in size, with the Marshall being 76 x 1100 x 145mm, the KEF 70 x 1210 x 165mm, and the Sony a whopping 64 x 1300 x 113mm. All three are compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio formats, and the KEF and Sony can also deal with Sony 360 Reality Audio. Each soundbar also features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, as well as physical inputs, and each has a clean and extensive control app.
In conclusion, these high-end spatial audio soundbars cater to different preferences, with the KEF XIO offering the best sound quality, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 providing exceptional performance, and the Marshall Heston 120 standing out for its design and detail retrieval capabilities. Each offers unique strengths and is a significant investment for those seeking an immersive audio experience in their home.
[1] KEF XIO Soundbar Review [2] Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 Review [3] KEF XIO Soundbar Technical Specifications [4] Marshall Heston 120 Soundbar Review [5] Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 Technical Specifications
- The KEF XIO Soundbar, with its TRUE Channel Configuration and Uni-Q MX Drivers, delivers an authentic surround sound experience by offering a 5.1.2 configuration with discrete drivers and six 50mm concentric arrays for wide dispersion.
- Among the three premium soundbars, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, with its 13 speaker drivers, stands out for its exceptional Dolby Atmos processing, pushing sound far into the room and up to the ceiling, earning it five stars for its sonic performance.
