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Features
Controls
Connections
Features
Overview: The ZVOX Z-Base 555 is a single-cabinet audio
system for your flat-panel television. It combines high-quality
speakers, a built-in amplifier, a built-in subwoofer, and ZVOX PhaseCue II Virtual
Surround Sound processing to give you an easy surround sound solution. Since there
are no speaker wires to deal with, you just need to connect the power and audio
cables to get started.
TV Compatibility: Most 26"-50" flat-panel TVs can be placed
directly on top the Z-Base 555 . The television should weigh 110 1bs or less The
TV's pedestal base should
not exceed 27" (w) x 13" (d).
Class D Amplifier: The ZVOX Z-Base 555 is bi-amplified,
using a specially designed, highly-efficient 70 watt Class D amplifier that
includes electronic contouring for superb frequency response.
Five 2" Drivers: The ZVOX
Z-Base 555 uses five 2" main speaker drivers that use a long-throw design to
create a remarkable wide range, and accurate sound.
5.25" Subwoofer: In addition to the five main speakers, the Z-Base 555
has a down firing high-mass, long-throw 5.25" subwoofer in a ported enclosure.
PhaseCue II Virtual Suround Sound: The Z-Base 555
uses ZVOX's proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround processing to give you
rich, three-dimensional sound with movies or music. PhaseCue II, as its name
implies, 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.
The benefits of PhaseCue II vary greatly based on program material. 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.
- Music: With music, PhaseCue II creates a very wide soundstage -
it literally sounds like you are listening to speakers eight feet apart from
each other.
- Movies: When listening to a good movie, the soundtrack will
envelop you - putting you in the middle of the action.
Note: While the virtual surround experience isn't the
same as a high-quality 5.1-channel system, the performance is much better
than the speakers built-in to most TV's.
Wood (MDF) Cabinet with Hand-Lacquered Side Panels: The
Z-Base 555 features a hand-built cabinet of heavy MDF with beautiful
hand-lacquered high-gloss end panels. Its low-profile design blends perfectly
with most flat-panel TVs.
Disappearing Display: The Z-Base 555 features a four-digit display
located behind the speaker grille that shows the current setting for volume,
bass/treble, and PhaseCue II (virtual surround). It also shows when you have
engaged the Mute, Output Leveling (OL), or Dialog Emphasis (DE) features. A few
seconds after you stop using your remote (or front panel) controls, the display
disappears completely.
Controls
Dialogue Emphasis (DE): Dialogue Emphasis (DE) provides an easy-to-use
and effective method for improving the intelligibility of television dialogue.
By pressing the Dialogue Emphasis (DE) function button on the remote control,
the system engages a circuit that mimics the functions of a hearing aid. The
frequencies used by human voices are dynamically emphasized, while other
frequencies are minimized.
Output Leveling (OL): The Output Leveling (OL) function
prevents large changes in volume levels. Simply press the Output Leveling (OL) button on
the remote control and a sophisticated processor takes over, making soft sounds
louder and loud sounds softer, so there are fewer jarring moments when switching
channels or when commercials come on. This system also helps by boosting the
audio levels from a DVD or Blu Ray player that is not loud enough.
Surround Settings: You can adjust the level of PhaseCue II virtual
surround processing effect. You can select from Surround One (low effect),
Surround Two (moderate effect), Surround Three (strong effect).
Tone Control: The bass control has a range from -8 to 4. The treble
control has a range from -4 to 4.
Remote Control: The included wireless remote has controls for power, mute, volume,
PhaseCue II effect level, bass & treble level. and DE/OL functions.
Programmable: The new Z-Base 555 can be programmed to respond to your
remote control. The illuminated display walks you through a less-than-a-minute
programming cycle. Then your TV remote, cable box remote, or satellite receiver
remote can control volume, mute, power and input functions of the ZVOX system.
Auto Standby: The Z-Base 555 will enter a low-power Standby mode after
approximately 5 minutes of no audio signal.
Connections
One Cable Connection: The
Z-Base 555 requires only one connection cable. You can use either analog or
digital connection options to your television.
Audio Inputs: The ZVOX Z-Base 555 offers analog and digital
audio inputs.
- Digital Input: The Z-Base 555 is equipped with
a coaxial digital (single RCA) and an optical digital (Toslink) input.
The digital inputs will accept either 2-channel PCM or Dolby Digital
bitstream signals.
- Analog Input: The Z-Base 555 has two rear-panel stereo RCA analog
inputs and a front-panel 3.5mm analog audio input.
Subwoofer Output: Although there is a single RCA subwoofer
output, the output voltage is too low to integrate with most powered subwoofers.
The output is full range.
Remote Control Input: This jack is reserved for ZVOX service only.
