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ZVOX Z-Base 550

Powered single-speaker sound system and platform for flat-panel TVs

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  • ZVOX Z-Base 550

    Supporting a flat-panel TV (not included)

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Item# 729ZB550 offer details

Item# 729ZB550

Review Summary

 
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Original price $299.99
We recommend this similar item, or shop all Sound Bar Speakers
 
 
 
 

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ZVOX

Sound bar speakers: room-filling sound with less clutter

Add big sound to your TV without a roomful of speakers. Sound bars require minimal space and wiring, and their sleek designs complement today's flat-panel TVs. Most sound bars have their own built-in amplification, so you won't need to use a home theater receiver. Some models use advanced surround processing and carefully aimed speaker drivers to simulate the effects of a full home theater audio system.

Our take on the ZVOX Z-Base 550

by Chris Egner

ZVOX's Z-Base 550 is an innovative, décor-friendly way to improve the sound of your TV. This one-piece system houses five full-range speakers, a high-output woofer, and built-in amplification — you won't need to use a separate receiver or run wires to any external speakers. The Z-Base 550 is designed to serve as a base for most flat-panel TVs with screen sizes from 26" to 50". Place it directly underneath your TV and you won't have to worry about making room for it on your entertainment stand.

The Z-Base 550 creates virtual surround effects by manipulating the phase and timing of each channel, sending signals to separate drivers at the appropriate moment. This expands the soundstage and "tricks" your ears into thinking that sound is coming from points throughout your room.

Setup couldn't be simpler, with just one cable to plug into your TV. Control the Z-Base 550 from your favorite chair with the included remote. Signal-sensing on/off circuitry powers the system on and off along with your TV.

Highlights:

  • video-shielded
  • serves as a platform for most flat-panel TVs from 26"-50" — TV base should not exceed 27"W or 13"D, and TV should not exceed 90 lbs.
  • PhaseCue virtual surround sound
  • frequency response 45-20,000 Hz
  • built-in 60-watt (peak power) amplifier
  • five 2" full-range speakers
  • 5-1/4" woofer
  • 2 stereo RCA inputs
  • RCA output for connecting an optional powered subwoofer
  • auto on/off
  • remote control
  • rigid MDF (medium density fiberboard) cabinet
  • 28-1/16"W x 3-3/8"H x 15-13/16"D
  • weight: 20 lbs.
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Shop all ZVOX Sound Bar Speakers
     

    Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

    Features and Specs

    Features and Specs
    General
    Enclosure
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    Bass Reflex
    Pieces in System
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    1
    Color
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    Black
    Tweeter
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    2" Cone (x5)
    Midrange
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    ---
    Woofer
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    5.25" Cone (x1)
    Separate Subwoofer
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    No
    Subwoofer Driver
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    ---
    Mounting Bracket Included
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    ---
    Surface Mount Stand Included
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    No
    Speaker Parts Warranty
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    1 Year
    Speaker Labor Warranty
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    1 Year
    Amplifier Parts Warranty
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    1 Year
    Amplifier Labor Warranty
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    1 Year
    Specifications
    System Frequency Response
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    45-20k Hz
    Powered System
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    Yes
    Sound Bar RMS Power
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    60W total
    Audio Inputs
    Mini Stereo Audio Inputs
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    None
    RCA Stereo Audio Inputs
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    2
    Optical Digital Audio Inputs
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    None
    Coaxial Digital Audio Inputs
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    None
    HDMI Audio Video Connections
    HDMI Inputs
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    ---
    HDMI Outputs
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    ---
    Dimensions
    Sound Bar (inches)
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    3-3/8H x 28-1/16W x 15-13/16D
    Sound Bar Weight
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    20 lbs
    Subwoofer (inches)
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    ---
    Subwoofer Weight
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    Not Given

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • ZVOX Single cabinet surround system
    • Wireless remote control
    • CR 2025 Lithium battery
    • AC adapter with attached 6' DC output cord (19 volts DC/3.15 amps)
    • 5.5' AC power cord
    • 6.5' Audio cable (Stereo RCA plugs on both ends)
    • Instructions

    Our Product Research Team

    At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

    Features

    Overview: The ZVOX Z-Base550 is a single-cabinet audio system for use with TVs, iPods and other MP3 players, and PCs. It combines high-quality speakers, a built-in amplifier, a built-in subwoofer, and ZVOX PhaseCue 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.

    Placement: Most 32"-50" flat panel TVs can be placed directly on the Z-Base550. The TV should be 90 pounds or less and the base should not exceed 27" wide x 13" deep.

    PhaseCue: The proprietary PhaseCue virtual surround sound system 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. You can control the size of the sound stage and the amount of virtual surround effect using the included remote control. Dynamic soundtracks from movies and live recorded music programs provide a rich, 3-dimensional sound, while the surround effect is somewhat less with TV programs and newscasts. Note: While the surround experience isn't the same as high-quality 5.1-channel system, the performance is much more pleasing than simply using the TV's built-in speakers.

    Speaker Configuration: The ZVOX Z-Base550 uses five Ferrofluid cooled 2" main speaker drivers with neodymium magnets. The drivers use the Infinite Compliance system, which connects the outer two speakers with an acoustic tube, to create a big sound from a small cabinet. The speakers are magnetically shielded, allowing the unit to be placed near a CRT TV or monitor.

    Subwoofer: In addition to the five main speakers, the Z-Base550 has a down firing high-mass, long-throw 5-1/4" subwoofer in a ported enclosure. An optional powered subwoofer can be connected via the single rear-panel RCA output. The subwoofer output is full range.

    Power Output: The ZVOX Z-Base550 has a built in 60 watt amplifier that drives all of the speakers.

    Cabinet: The ZVOX Z-Base550 has an MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) wood cabinet.

    Auto Power: The Z-Base550 has an auto-on/off power circuit. The power automatically turns on when an audio signal is sensed (the power LED changes from green to blue). When you turn off the audio source, the Z-Base550's power will automatically turn off after approximately three minutes with no signal. There is also a power button on the remote to override the auto power circuit and a master power switch on the back panel.

    Inputs/Outputs: The ZVOX Z-Base550 has two pair of RCA inputs on the rear panel. Input 1 is for connecting your TV, PC, or other audio source; input 2 acts as a mixing input, you'll hear both simultaneously. A single RCA output allows you to connect an optional powered subwoofer.

    Remote: The included remote has controls for power, mute, volume, PhaseCue effect level, subwoofer output, and treble level.

    Connecting To Your TV: It is recommended that you connect the Z-Base550 to the audio output of your TV. If your TV's audio outputs can be set to Variable, you can use your TV's remote control to adjust the volume. If not, use the Z-Base550's remote to control the volume.

     

    Product Reviews

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    Reviews for the ZVOX Z-Base 550

    Average Customer Review:

    26 people say:

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    Showing: 1-20 of 26
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    5 out of 5

    kicks butt

    Written By jason, calif. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    this thing kicks butt. It is loud and clear with the adjustable treble and base you can simply dial it in for a full spectrum sound as if was a much larger more powerful speaker surround unit.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Great Product for Bedroom / Office

    Written By epubcar, Naperville, IL. on Monday, July 18, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This is our second ZVOX. First one went into master bedroom. Great job. This one is for guest bedroom / sewing room. Another great job. Perfect solution for small spaces.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    ZVOX Z-Base 550

    Written By Anonymous, Emerson, NJ on Wednesday, May 18, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    great system- one of my friends loved it and is going to recommend it to clients
    in the future.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Love It

    Written By Vette, Killeen, Texas on Friday, March 11, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I bought this item for bedroom. I am very satisfied.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    Great Buy Great Value

    Written By DSec, Crystal Lake, IL on Friday, March 04, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    My wife and I and indeed our entire family are very satisfied with the Zvox550. We have a
    new flat screen Sony that sits on a piece of furniture. The TV speakers are on the bottom
    of the TV and direct the sound downward to the top of the furniture, making it hard to hear.
    The Zvox lifts the TV up about 3.5" and provides excellent sound. We are able to control
    the base and treble and are enjoying the variations that the Zvox allows. Depending on the
    features included with your TV you may be able to control the Zvox with the TV remote
    however, that is not the case with our TV so we need to use the separate Zvox remote.
    Would definitely recommend as an auxiliary sound system....DSec
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    4 out of 5

    excellent sound for the money.

    Written By Sid G., Corpus Christi,Tx on Saturday, February 26, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This was one of my best purchases ever. The sound is very satisfying and makes a
    movie a complete experience. It is not a true surround system but with a connected
    subwoofer it will fill a mid size room with great sound. The remote is rudimentary but
    does what it has to do. For a plug and play system, it doesn't get any better than this.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    3 out of 5

    What happened to clear dialog?

    Written By G, San Diego on Friday, February 04, 2011
     
    Easy to install. Didn't actually make the voice section of programs as easy to hear as I
    had hoped. Then again, maybe television program makers are ramping up the music
    sections of their programs so they can comply with not making the ads significantly
    louder than normal programs. Movies seem for some reason to have the same
    problem, really loud music and special effects, but the actors whisper and mumble a lot!

    Not much feed back in changing volume or adjusting bass or treble. Both would be
    helpful (maybe an LED bar the lights up to show location, either on the unit or on the
    control unit.)
    2 out of 3 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Great speaker!

    Written By Chuck L, Bonita Springs, FL on Friday, November 12, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    We bought this speaker for our vacation home in Florida. Our Toshiba 46" TV has a great picture, but really poor sound. Sometimes we had to use closed captioning to follow the dialog. We didn't want the expense and wires of a full surround sound system, so tried the Zyvox Z-Base 550. While not as good as a surround system, it gives great sound. Turning up the woofer to maximum really gives as much base as I would want. No need to add a separate subwoofer. This speaker is well worth the money. The speaker arrived promptly and when i had a question about hookup, the Crutchfield team answered my question right away. Buy this speaker. You won't be sorry.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Impressively Simple and Sound

    Written By JeffL, Plano, TX on Monday, October 18, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I was looking to simplify from a full 5.1 receiver, surround speakers, and sub to a sound bar type set-up. Decided to try the ZVOX Z-Base 550 as it would meet my requirements. I was impressed on how quickly I could get it set-up, cut all the previous clutter, and still have a very good sounding system. Letting my 42" LCD switch all audio/video inputs from my Apple TV, Blu-ray player, Wii, and OTA TV. Nice looking one-piece system that sounds much better than many other sound bar/sub systems I listened to... ready to buy a ZVOX Mini for my son. As always - great service from Crutchfield!
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    2 out of 5

    Didn't Meet Expectations

    Written By Matt T., St. Louis on Friday, September 03, 2010
     
    I purchased the ZVOX 550 based on mainly positive reviews here and elsewhere. Accordingly, my expectations were high when I hooked it up, which was a breeze. Unfortunately, the sound was only slightly better than what my TV provides, which isn't that great. I'll be returning the 550 and looking for something that provides a real audio experience.
    1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    4 out of 5

    Great Sound

    Written By TA, Hartford. CT on Saturday, August 28, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Surprisingly good sound from a sleek low profile sound system. Big improvement
    over the TV speakers. Great solution if you're looking for an easy/ acceptable
    alternative to a .full surround sound system.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    2 out of 5

    ZVOX Z-Base 550

    Written By Bob, Montgomery, AL on Saturday, March 13, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    this unit made very little improvement in the sound of the tv, not enough to justify so much money.
    2 out of 5 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    ZVOX 550

    Written By Anonymous, Potomac, MD on Monday, February 15, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I bought this unit to supplement the sound on our HD in the bedroom. It is a good deal at this price. On the plus side, it is solidly built with good quality components. It is easy to set-up and has a clean, uncluttered look. Once the levels are set, you can control the volume with your variable audio out (if your TV has one). It turns itself on and off automatically. It provides good lower mid range but no base (you probably don't want much woofer in a bedroom anyway). The unit gives a warm sound with good depth - a definite improvement over the stock TV speakers.
    On the negative side, the "phasecue" surround system provided less surround than what the TV did naturally - I turned it off. It sounds like a good idea but I couldn't hear the difference.
    One thing never mentioned in these reviews is the problem with lipsync. I find that this can be an issue with all supplemental sound systems - even if all your connections are HDMI. The ZVOX 550 uses straight right and left audio out and lipsyncing is definitely an issue. My HDTV has a 0-5 millisecond lipsync adjustment (which outputs to the external audio) and I usually run a 4 millisecond delay to synchronize the lip movements correctly with the audio. If you do NOT have such an adjustment on your set, this could be a deal killer for you.
    It is for this last issue that I dropped my rating to 4 stars.
    5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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    4 out of 5

    Just what I needed

    Written By Hampton, Washington, DC on Friday, February 05, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Boosts the sound considerably from the 52" Samsung perfectly. I know it's not true theatre sound but for a smallish main room, it's perfect. Opens up the sound and no problems hearing anything. I like this dang thing and I like that it serves as a perfect base for the unit.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    Nice addition to our 46" Toshiba.

    Written By Richard, Feeding Hills, MA on Friday, January 15, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    We purchased this product for our new 46" Toshiba flat screen. At this time, I
    didn't want to deal with a true surround set-up AND I needed something simple
    that the wife could figure out. I cannot overstate the latter.
    This unit does exactly that, it adds a nice bottom to the sound, once
    set-up it's VERY easy to use. In fact, other than play with the Phasecue
    setting, it doesn't require much intervention at all. It goes on and off with
    the set and volume/bass/treble controls on the set are reflected in the sound
    out of the ZVox-550.
    The Phasecue setting is interesting and does add some depth to the sound
    stage over the stock speakers. This is NOT surround sound, however, so if that's
    what you seek, you need to look at something else. This also will not rattle
    the walls with bass. However, it does have a sub-woofer output if that's what
    you desire. I haven't tried that yet.
    It does a very adequate job of giving full spectrum sound to program
    material. My wife IS able to hear the difference (good) and she really likes the
    fact that she doesn't have to do anything different. It just works.
    My biggest concern was whether it would fit on our TV stand. It did. For
    those in a similar situation, the feet on the base will fit on a 25" wide x 13"
    deep platform.
    And kudos to the Crutchfield team for their helpful website and speedy
    shipping. We received it in 2 days with FREE shipping.
    8 out of 9 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Much better than flat screen speakers

    Written By Bryan, Chicago, IL on Tuesday, January 12, 2010
     
    I have a 46 inch sharp Aquos. Great picture, horrible sound. I hooked up the Zvox 550 in about 10 minutes and there was an immediate improvement. I took my old subwoofer from my previous surround system and plugged that into the back of the zvox speaker bar. Now it sounds even better. Its not as good as a complete surround sound system, but it sounds fantastic.
    The auto-off feature was giving me a slight problem. The sound bar would turn off during quiet parts of movies and shows. So i called crutchfield support and they were able to fix that problem. Now my system works perfect and the sound is an extreme improvement over the factor speakers. And it looks pretty cool too.
    5 out of 7 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Serves it's purpose perfectly!!

    Written By Rich, Alabama on Monday, December 28, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I bought this for my parents (senior citizens), who were constantly complaining about:

    1- wires all over the room
    2- DVD sound effects very loud, and speech very low
    3- numerous complex remotes

    I read the reviews, and went for it. I'm glad I did!
    You plug it in, hook it up, adjust it to your liking, and you're done.
    It turns on and off automatically, and has excellent sound.
    Both of my parents have hearing aids, and for some reason
    surround sound was very annoying to them.
    This product has solved their problem.
    This will not compete with full size home theater systems.
    It's not designed for that.
    What it will do is provide an easy to use, space saving alternative to a full size home
    theater.
    I fully recommend this product.
    8 out of 9 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Love it!

    Written By Mike, Boulder CO on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I saw enough positive web reviews on this unit to go forward with a purchase. This was part of a TV/Blu-Ray upgrade and a 'de-clutter' in my small living room, getting rid of my Denon 5.1 surround system in favor of something simpler. It's coupled with a new Sharp Aquos 40" LED LCD and a Blu-Ray player.

    While not an 'audio snob', I wasn't sure I was going to be happy. That feeling lasted about as long as it took me to unpack the unit and hook it up (about 5 minutes).

    I know that sound quality is a subjective thing, but I was simply awed when I turned it on and played with the settings a bit. I can't believe that much sound comes from a relatively small/compact unit! No, it's not as good as a true surround system...but it's still good.

    Star Wars Episode II was on Spike HD last night, and I turned the unit up for a big battle scene and was blown away. The dialong was crystal clear, the bass is booming, the PhaseCue seems to do the trick in mimicking surround effects...it's awesome. This unit offers exactly what I wanted to simplify my setup and maintain quality sound to match my new equipment. I might add a sub, but for now I don't see the need.

    I like this unit so much that I just ordered a ZVOX 325 for my computer in the basement, to replace the weak/cheapo speakers I'm using. I don't think I'll be disappointed...

    I never heard of ZVOX until I got my Crutchfield catalog a few weeks ago...but they just won another satisfied customer!
    18 out of 21 people found this helpful
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    2 out of 5

    Awkward remote

    Written By Edward, Knoville, TN on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    The installation was simple and the sound as advertised OK but not great. The "credit card" control is awkward - should be much improved. I was able to get IR commands "learned" on a Universal RF20 with great difficulty - and that works fine.
    5 out of 14 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Simple-Good Sound and Good Value

    Written By pete, Matawan, N.J. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I purchased this speaker to eliminate clutter with exterior speakers and negate the need for an amplifier [ has 60 watt amp of it's own]. Most unique is that you can put a 90lb. TV on top of it using the supplied pedestal that comes with the TV [footprint must be within 27X14 inches].
    Clutter and amp expense are eliminated.

    The sound does not compete with my home theater in the basement, but does well in a medium sized room [about 200 sq.ft.]. The response range of45 to20k gives enough bass without booming. A subwoofer can be added later if you want. The small remote easily changes the volume,base and treble along with the woofer and surround effect to suit the program you
    are watching.

    I tried a component hook-up, but found the HDMI hook-up worked best connecting the cable box to the TV and an analog connection for the speaker. TV MUST have an analog out for the speaker!

    Good sound - simple set-up - no clutter - good value


    16 out of 18 people found this helpful
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    1-20 of 26 >>

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    Rated 5-stars by consumers

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    • Supporting a flat-panel TV (not included)

      ZVOX Z-Base 550
    • Back

      ZVOX Z-Base 550
    • Facing left

      ZVOX Z-Base 550