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 32"-50" flat-panel TVs can
be placed directly on top the Z-Base 555 . The television should weigh 90 1bs
or less The TV's pedestal base should not exceed 27" (w) x 13.0" (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 3.25" Drivers: The ZVOX Z-Base 555 uses five 2.0"
main speaker drivers that use a long-throw design to create a remarkable wide range,
and accurate sound.
5.25" Subwoofers: In addition to the five main
speakers, the Z-Base 555 has a single firing high-mass, long-throw 5.25"
subwoofers 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: An optional powered subwoofer can be
connected using the full-range single RCA Sub Output on the back panel.
Remote Control Input: This jack is reserved for ZVOX service
only.