Crutchfield - North America's electronics authority since 1974

1.888.955.6000
 
 
Free Shipping on Everything.  60-Day Money-Back Guarantee  |  Lifetime Tech Support
 

ZVOX Z-Base 550

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

Zoom ZVOX Z-Base 550
Supporting a flat-panel TV (not included)
Video loading and will display in just a moment.
Photos
ZVOX Z-Base 550 ZVOX Z-Base 550 ZVOX Z-Base 550
 
Videos
 

Item# 729ZB550 offer details

Item# 729ZB550

Review Summary

 
DISCONTINUED
 
This item is no longer available to purchase.
 
Contact us for other options
 
Call   Email  
 
Looking for a similar item?
 
 
 
 

By buying this product you'll earn up to 300 Rewards points.

When you sign up for a Crutchfield account, you’ll be enrolled in Crutchfield Rewards. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on gear from us. You can turn your points into Rewards Cards that you can use toward future purchases. You can sign up for an account now, or after you complete your purchase (you’ll get credit for the points either way).

 
ZVOX

Our take on the ZVOX Z-Base 550

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
 

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

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Enclosure
Loading...
Bass Reflex
Pieces in System
Loading...
1
Color
Loading...
Black
Tweeter
Loading...
2" Cone (x5)
Midrange
Loading...
---
Woofer
Loading...
5.25" Cone (x1)
Separate Subwoofer
Loading...
No
Subwoofer Driver
Loading...
---
Mounting Bracket Included
Loading...
---
Surface Mount Stand Included
Loading...
No
Speaker Parts Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Speaker Labor Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Amplifier Parts Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Amplifier Labor Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Specifications
System Frequency Response
Loading...
45-20k Hz
Powered System
Loading...
Yes
Sound Bar RMS Power
Loading...
60W total
Audio Inputs
Mini Stereo Audio Inputs
Loading...
None
RCA Stereo Audio Inputs
Loading...
2
Optical Digital Audio Inputs
Loading...
None
Coaxial Digital Audio Inputs
Loading...
None
HDMI Audio Video Connections
HDMI Inputs
Loading...
---
HDMI Outputs
Loading...
---
Dimensions
Sound Bar (inches)
Loading...
3-3/8H x 28-1/16W x 15-13/16D
Sound Bar Weight
Loading...
20 lbs
Subwoofer (inches)
Loading...
---
Subwoofer Weight
Loading...
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 from the Crutchfield Labs

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)
Video: ZVOX Z-Base 550 Sound Bar

Video: ZVOX Z-Base 550 Sound Bar

Tara W., Video Guest
5/8/2009
based on 3 ratings
 

The ZVOX Z-Base 550 sound system provides simulated surround sound, and sits discretely right beneath your TV.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

26 people say:
(13)
(7)
(2)
(4)
(0)
 

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences about this product. Please be sure to focus your comments on the product itself. Read our Review Guidelines for more information.

Review title
* Email
Your email won't be visible. Please use the email address that is associated with your order.
Display name
(e.g., JohnD) Your review will be signed using the display name and location
* Your location
(e.g., Charlottesville, VA)
* Your rating
Click on a star to rate the overall product on a scale of 1-5
1500 characters left * Your review
Attach a YouTube Review
Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines
  • Only submit videos that you made or are authorized to use.
  • Do not submit videos that contain music, video or visuals that are copyrighted and belong to someone else.
  • Please see our Review Guidelines for more information.
Submit the URL of your YouTube™ video review or product demonstration. e.g., http://www.youtube.com/v/o79TWHh598U
500 characters left Pros
500 characters left Cons
* Agree to Terms
By checking this box you agree your review becomes the property of Crutchfield, that you are over 18 years of age, that you own or have owned this product, and that you are located within the United States or its territories. Please see our Review Guidelines for more information. We reserve the right (but are not obligated to) review all submissions and edit or remove any review in any manner which we deem necessary. Your review should be posted within seven days.
1-10 of 26 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Serves it's purpose perfectly!!

Written By Rich, Alabama on Monday, December 28, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
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
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Love it!

Written By Mike, Boulder CO on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
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
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Impressive

Written By Kenneth, Gallatin, TN on Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I wanted to improve the sound quality of the Samsung 46 LCD that is in my bedroom but did not want to add a receiver or have a multitude of spearkers to mount etc. I considered and was looking for a sound bar as we have one in another room. My concerns were adding a receiver and if I just put the bar in front of the TV it would block my remote sensor.

I stumbled across this item on Crutchfield. With no reviews (new item) I was a little skeptical so I researched the item and found a very positive official review online.

It was incredibly simple to set up. Sounds full and remarkable considering the ease of set up and the size. Sounds identical to my other Samsung 52 that is on a soundbar with a receiver. Makes a huge difference over the factory speakers and looks good under the TV. The remote is small but I was able to program the system into my universal so I am not using it anyway.

Highly Recommend!!
73 out of 81 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
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
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Near Perfect 3.0 Sound System

Written By Fred, Santa Fe, NM on Saturday, May 02, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Although I have a high end 7.1 surround system, sometimes I just want to watch television or 'talk talk' DVDs without the distraction of surround sound. The Zvox 550 provides outstanding television sound in a 3.0 format. The audio quality including the 'subwoofer' (really a woofer with good response in the 60-120 Hz range) is excellent. The 'phase' or width of the sound stage can be adjusted to any taste without sounding artificial. A clear left-center-right stage is created with very good center channel vocal response. Although the resulting sound is not as dynamic as with a true surround system, it is far ahead of the quality of any television's speaker system.

My only criticism of the Zvox (or any sound bar) is that the acoustic environment of the home can create a perceived imbalance in the left-right sound field that can only be eliminated by decreasing the width of the sound stage.
7 out of 8 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

ZVOX Z-Base 550

Written By Richard, Elizabeth, NJ on Saturday, March 07, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This product is exceptional. I have this hooked up to a 52" Toshiba TV and the sound quality is virtual surround. Because I dwell in an apartment house, I did not want to go with the true surround which would necessitate additional speakers, sub-woofer, etc. That's overkill in this type of living quarters.

This fits the bill. It has everything you need in just one unit. It's simple to set up and gives me the sound I want.

I couldn't be any more pleased. Well worth the investment.

Thank you.
13 out of 14 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
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?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
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
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Hookup doesn't get any easier - worth giving a listen

Written By Silverstonem5, Minneapolis, MN on Thursday, May 14, 2009
 
For what it is worth, when I first came across this product, I thought it was too good to be true. Like that ShamWow towel. It is just too simple to be effective.

I put this system in my living room with a 50" LG Plasma (50PC5DC) and it works fantastic. I programmed my TiVo remote to operate the volume up, down and mute codes of the ZVOX. Wife loves it. Neighbors are impressed. The bass rocks so much, that if you have kids that go to bed early, you may need to turn it down when you are watching movies. You certainly don't need an auxiliary subwoofer, but you can add one if you want.

You will want to adjust the surround sound settings based upon material that you normally listen to. For example Monday Night Football adds artificial surround crowd noise that will want to make you turn the surround down. If you watch a baseball game, turn it up. You will hear all sorts of things that you won't hear with a 5.1 system. I read their website on how they do it, but still don't get it. Mostly you will just set it and forget it.

I have a 7.1 system in my basement in a full-blown home theater setup. If you are looking for that, the 550 or any virtual surround product (even the Yamaha YSP series) won't cut it for a "true" home theater room. But, if you are looking for a simple to install, simple to use solution, particularly for a bedroom or living room, you will be happy with this product.
12 out of 15 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Impressively Simple and Sound

Written By JeffL, Plano, TX on Monday, October 18, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
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
 
5 out of 5

Great speaker!

Written By Chuck L, Bonita Springs, FL on Friday, November 12, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
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
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
1-10 of 26 items >>

Learn more about Sound Bar Speakers

Learn more about Sound Bar Speakers

Video: Choosing a Sound Bar

Video: Choosing a Sound Bar

Video Guest
9/29/2010
based on 230 ratings (9 comments)
 

Get the scoop on choosing a sound bar for your TV. Sound bars are a great choice for small or difficult spaces, or if you don't want wires running around your room.

 
Understanding Home Theater FAQ

Understanding Home Theater FAQ

Tara W.
7/16/2010
based on 9 ratings (3 comments)
 

What components make up a home theater system? I've never set up a home theater system before. Is it too complicated for a beginner? What is the difference between a component home theater and an...

 
Introduction to Home Theater & TV Sound

Introduction to Home Theater & TV Sound

Tara W.
8/17/2010
based on 1 rating
 

Find out how to improve your TV's sound, from single-speaker solutions to full home theater setups.

 
Video: Sound Bar Demo: Polk Audio Surroundbar® 3000

Video: Sound Bar Demo: Polk Audio Surroundbar® 3000

Guest Writer
6/22/2011
based on 12 ratings (3 comments)
 

J.R. listens to a sound bar demo at Crutchfield and picks out his favorite one — the Polk Audio Surroundbar® 3000.

 
Sound Bars: How to Choose

Sound Bars: How to Choose

Loren Barstow
9/2/2011
based on 1354 ratings (18 comments)
 

Single-speaker "sound bars" offer an easy way to get better sound. Learn all about them here.

 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend

Power Protection
Protect your investment from power surges and interference.
Panamax M8-AV-PRO
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$169.99
In Stock
 
 
Panamax M8-AV
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$119.99
In Stock
 
 
Panamax PM8-AV
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$89.99
In Stock
 
 
Panamax MD2
Space-saving surge suppressor with two outlets
$39.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
 
Add selected to cart
 

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the ZVOX Z-Base 550, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_729ZB550/ZVOX-Z-Base-550.html ).

Sorry, the ZVOX Z-Base 550 is no longer available for purchase.

ZVOX Z-Base 550