Swampscott, Mass. – ZVOX has expanded
its Z-Base series of single-cabinet sound systems that enhance flat-panel TV
sound, deliver virtual surround, and double as TV pedestals.
The three new models expand the
Z-Base selection to five and reduce the opening price point to $199 from $399.
The Z-Base 220, 320 and 420
retail, respectively, for a suggested $199, $249, and $299, joining the
$399-suggested Z-Base 555 and $499 Z-Base 580.
The Z-Base 220 is about the size
of a DVD player and fits under most TVs with screen sizes of 22 inches to 32
inches. It feature three full-range speakers, a 5.25-inch powered subwoofer,
35-watt amplifier and proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround sound in a 3.4 by 17 inch by 14.5 inch cabinet.
The $249 Z-Base 320 supports most
TVs with 27- to 46-inch screen sizes and incorporates three full-range
speakers, 5.25-inch powered subwoofer, 40-watt amp, PhaseCue II in a cabinet
that is 24-inches-wide and 11.5-inches-deep.
The $299 Z-Base 420 supports TVs
up to 55 inches in size and features five full-range speakers, a 45-watt
amplifier and a 5.25-inch subwoofer in a 3.4 by 28 inch by 14.5 inch cabinet.
None features embedded Dolby
Digital 5.1 decoding, which were available in the $399 and $499 models
introduced in mid 2011. All three, however, feature two analog audio inputs,
one optical digital input, one coaxial digital input, and a front-panel 3.5mm
aux in to connect to iPods, other-brand MP3 players, and smartphones. Any input
can be selected using either the supplied Z-Base remote or the controls below
the speaker grille. The systems automatically switch to the 3.5mm aux input
when a portable device is plugged into it.
All three can also be programmed
to learn the volume, mute, power and input functions of a TV or cable-box
remote, and output leveling to prevent abrupt volume shifts when channels are
changed, TV commercials appear, and sources are switched. Proprietary PhaseCue
II technology virtual surround processing that 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 previously available $399
model features 70-watt amplification, built-in 5.25-inch ported subwoofer and
five 2-inch drivers with long-throw design in a 3.38 inch by 28 inch by 14.5
inch cabinet. It also has a subwoofer output jack to add a separate powered
sub. The previously available $499 model features 120 watts of amplification,
dual 6.25-inch ported subwoofers, five 3.25-inch main long-throw drivers, and
subwoofer output in a cabinet that is 5 inches by 36 inches by 16.5 inches.
