SWAMPSCOTT, MASS. —
Zvox is
bringing new features to its Z-Base
series of low-profile single-cabinet
sound systems that improve flat-panel
TV sound, deliver virtual surround, and
double as TV pedestals.
Compared to their predecessors,
the $399-suggested Z-Base 555 and
$599 Z-Base 580 add a dialogue emphasis
button to enhance dialogue
intelligibility; dynamic range compression
to prevent abrupt volume shifts
when channels are changed, TV commercials
appear, and sources are
switched; IR programmability to enable
control from most TV remotes;
and a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input
to connect mobile devices to play back
stored audio content.
Also new is a new generation of virtual
surround technology called Phase
Cue II, which manipulates the phase of
multiple audio channels to deliver what
Zvox called “room-filling three-dimensional
sound” from two-channel analog
and multichannel digital content. The
new version is said to perform better
on stereo music sources.
All of the new Z-Base features are
firsts for Zvox, which also offers soundbar-
like single-chassis audio systems
for TVs.
With the launches, Zvox is shrinking
its pedestal-sound-system selection to
two SKUs from four by offering analog
and digital inputs in the two new models.
Previously, the company offered
two SKUs with analog inputs and two
SKUs that offered analog and digital
inputs.
Both Z-Base models feature five
embedded main speakers, subwoofer
drivers, Class D amplification and Dolby
Digital 5.1 decoder.
Embedded connections consist of
two analog audio inputs, one optical
(Toslink) digital input and one coaxial
digital input. The top model adds frontpanel
3.5mm analog stereo input.
With both models, sources can be
selected from most any TV or cablecompany
remote or from the devices’
front panels. The TV and cable-company
remotes will also control the
products’ volume, mute and power
functions.
Both models feature wood MDF cabinets
and hand-lacquered side panels.
The $399 model is 3.38 by 28 by
14.5 inches and comes with 70-watt
amplification, bi-amplified design, frequency
range of 45Hz to 20kHz, builtin
5.25-inch ported subwoofer, five
2-inch drivers with long-throw design,
and a subwoofer output jack to add a
separate powered sub.
The $599 model is 5 by 36 by 16.5
inches and features 120 watts of amplification,
bi-amplified design, frequency
response range of 35Hz-20 kHz, dual
6.25-inch ported subwoofers, five
3.25-inch main long-throw drivers, and
subwoofer output.
Both products are shipping.
