Soundbar madness is in full swing among audio and video manufacturers, but ZVOX, one of the first companies to put a full suite of speakers into one compact box, has launched two new products into the let’s-make-audio-simple fray.
First, to be clear, these aren’t soundbars. They’re not flat, and they don’t hang on the wall under your LCD TV. And they’re not just speakers—both the Z-base 555 and 580 are integrated sound systems with amplifications, signal processing, multiple inputs and some features you expect from home theater receivers such as output leveling (to keep loud commercials from blowing you away), dialog emphasis feature and phase-based virtual surround processing (called PhaseCue II).
Each new Z-base, about the size of a Blu-ray player, is constructed of medium density fiberboard and includes built-in speakers and subwoofer. The systems can be controlled with your cable/satellite remote, and require only one wire connection.
Details below:
ZVOX 555
• Dimensions; 28”w x 14 1/2”d x 3 3/8”h
• Weight: 20 pounds. With box and packing: 23 pounds.
• Amplifier: The 555 uses a high-efficiency 70 watt Class D digital amplifier.
• Rear inputs: (2) analog stereo inputs, (1) optical (Toslink) digital input, (1) coaxial digital input.
• Front input: (1) 3.5mm stereo front panel input.
• Frequency range: 45 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Virtual surround sound: The 555 uses ZVOX’s proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround sound system. PhaseCue II manipulates the phase of the separate channels to “fool the ear” into believing that sound is coming from a variety of sources throughout the room. Live music and well-recorded modern movie soundtracks will deliver rich, three-dimensional sound – pulling the sound out from the speakers and into the room, literally surrounding the listener.
• The 555 is bi-amplified, using a specially designed amplifier that includes digital contouring for superb frequency response.
• The 555’s 5.25″ subwoofer uses a high-mass long-throw design in a ported enclosure.
• The 555’s five 2″ main speaker drivers use a long-throw design to create remarkably wide range, accurate sound.
• Unlike most systems in its category, the 555 uses an MDF (medium density fiberboard) wood cabinet – instead of molded plastic. MDF is the preferred construction material for high-performance speaker systems.
• A subwoofer output jack on the rear allows an owner to connect a separate powered subwoofer (optional).
• A 2-meter RCA-RCA analog stereo connecting cord is included.
• The ZVOX 555 is backed by a one year limited parts and labor warranty.
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $399.99
ZVOX 580
• Dimensions: 36”w x 16.5”d x 5”h
• Weight: 33 pounds. With box and packing: 39 pounds.
• Amplifier: The 580 uses a high-efficiency 120 watt Class D digital amplifier.
• Rear inputs: (2) analog stereo inputs, (1) digital (Toslink) optical input, (1) coaxial digital input.
• Front input: (1) 3.5mm stereo front panel input.
• Frequency range: 35 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Virtual surround sound: The 580 uses ZVOX’s proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround sound system. PhaseCue II manipulates the phase of the separate channels to “fool the ear” into believing that sound is coming from a variety of sources throughout the room. Live music and well-recorded modern movie soundtracks will deliver rich, three-dimensional sound – pulling the sound out from the speakers and into the room, literally surrounding the listener.
• The 580 is bi-amplified, using a specially designed amplifier that includes digital contouring for superb frequency response.
• The 580 uses dual 6.25″ subwoofers with a high-mass long-throw design in a ported enclosure.
• The 580’s five 3.25″ main speaker drivers use a long-throw design to create remarkably wide range, accurate sound.
• Unlike most systems in its category, the 580 uses an MDF (medium density fiberboard) wood cabinet – instead of molded plastic. MDF is the preferred construction material for high-performance speaker systems.
• A subwoofer output jack on the rear allows an owner to connect a separate powered subwoofer (optional).
• A 2-meter RCA-RCA analog stereo connecting cord is included.
• The ZVOX 580 is backed by a one year limited parts and labor warranty.
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $599.99