ZVOX ZBase 555 - Initial thoughts

[Shadowfax]

So after a bunch of research and internal debate, with myself and my wife, I purchased a ZVox 555 for enhanced sound from our bedroom Samsung Smart TV. I looked into all the other similar units, Bose, Dennon, and whatever else popped up. My wife really did not want another full blown stereo system in the bedroom along with speakers on her furniture. I already have 5 systems so did not need another one due to near future downsizing.

The packaging was less than good and the box was pretty beat up when UPS delivered it. Nothing was damaged but I expected 2x boxing.
Setup was a snap using a Mini to RCA cable and the supplied el-cheapo Optic cable. The sound is better from the RCAs.
The Unit easily learns your TV remote functions for On-Off-Volume-Mute in seconds.
I also hooked up an older DVD player to test physical CD and DVDs. Still testing whether going thru the TV and back to the ZVox is any better than direct from DVD to ZVox.

Regular TV sound is much improved. There are a few Surround Modes and a Emphasis for voice along with Bass and Treble adjustments.
I streamed some Pandora and some FLAC files from USB which was decent but tinny. The 555 has a 5.25 woofer out the bottom and 6 2" speakers out the front. It does have a Sub-Out which I will test at a later time.

I put the Return of the King DVD on and found a good Orc Stomping scene. Overall it was pretty good for what it is and will make movies and concerts watchable in the bedroom.

I also played my Carl Filipiak Electric Thoughts CD which sounded ok but real trebly and of course, lacked bass. But it sounded decent enough.

So is it Audiophile Quality? Nope! But is is many times better than the TV speakers. Since they are having an Anniversary Sale, all units were $50 off regular so the 555 was $349 shipped.

I guess I would recommend this unit to anyone looking for a simple solution to crappy TV sound in a limited space, or like me just not needing another full blown 2CH setup.

I will follow back up with more impressions as I get a few hours on this box but so far it seems to be a keeper.

 

[Mike]

Thank Brian - seems like a good investment.

 

[Shadowfax]

Update:

I know this is Lo-Fi so not many are interested, but for anyone that just wants clearer sound from a TV without a stereo setup, I will recommend this unit.

I don't spend to much time in the bedroom but did some more testing.
First, the sound from TV is much better using the 1/8 mini to RCA cable vs the Fiber cable.
For the DVD player used, close to 15 y/o player, I ran some older Tara Labs Quantum CX ICs directly to input 2 on the Zvox so as not to run the sound into the TV then back out. Good improvement there also.

TV sound in general is just super clear and easy to hear at the lowest of volume. I like to watch at night while my wife likes to sleep. Before the zvox, I ended up reading lips.
I started spinning concert DVDs which put out some decent sound and bass. Zappa Plays Zappa was pretty lively and not congested. I also played some Jeff Beck from Crossroads, with Tal and Vinnie which was a crappy disk but sounded pretty good thru the base. Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation Soundstage DVD was also really enjoyable.

I have yet to watch a whole movie but at this point, for what is is and does, I will be keeping it. At some point I will toss a sub into the mix to see if it is worth it or not.

Not a bad $350 spent but it is still over priced for what it is, a big ole Bose Wave. (maybe a bit better)

Cheers!