ZVOX Audio Home Theater {Review & Discount}

About ZVOX Audio

ZVOX Audio is not just another speaker company. The world already has enough speaker companies and broad-line electronics manufacturers. ZVOX exists because they see an opportunity to create entirely new product categories that combine simplicity, high quality and affordability. They believe a sound system should be small, easy to install and inexpensive enough to keep you from trying to balance your debt on PartyBingo.com or selling your firstborn child. Is that so unreasonable?

If you want to know more about ZVOX Audio, you can check them out on their website, Facebook or Twitter. Also, since my readers rock and (as you’ll find out if you read my review below) so does ZVOX, you can save 10% off ZVOX’s already super-low prices by using the discount code “LINDSAY_ZVOX” when making a purchase at www.zvoxaudio.com! Plus, all of their systems are already on sale to celebrate their 7th anniversary, so it’s a double good deal.

About the ZVOX 325

The ZVOX 325 is a revolutionary single-cabinet audio system for use with TVs, iPODs® and PCs. It combines high-quality speakers, amplifier, a built-in powered subwoofer and the ZVOX PhaseCue™ virtual surround sound system – all in one, easy-to-connect cabinet. Only 17” wide, the 325 will easily fit on a shelf above or below your TV. It uses only one connecting cord – no messy speaker wires. It’s the perfect way for people to add high-quality sound to TVs, MP3 players, PCs and many other audio devices. Like all ZVOX systems, the 325 was designed by Winslow Burhoe (founder of EPI Loudspeakers, formerly with AR, KLH, Burhoe Acoustics and Boston Acoustics) and the ZVOX Design Team.

My Experience

We have a long living room…that means that my main sofa is way in the back of the room about a million feet from the TV. My hubby is already selectively deaf, so he can never hear the TV and always has it turned up way too loud. When I saw the ZVOX 325 home theater TV speaker system, I just knew I had to give it a try. Normal surround sounds are way too expensive, so we’ve never had one…always wanted one. The ZVOX 325 is a single box that sits either beneath or above your TV and delivers the sound throughout the room without the complications of having speakers all over the room.

We have tested this system with action movies (Planet 51 – what? I have kids!), music (Glee), sports (Football!) and just regular TV. It really makes a huge difference. Everything was so much clearer over the long distance where I normally couldn’t even hear the dang thing. Also, I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure the system auto-adjusts itself when it senses the sounds going too loud or too soft. That’s the way it seems to me, anyway.

The installation was super easy – One page instructions and one simple cord going into my TV. The only problem I had was figuring out which audio jack to use (why does my TV have six sets of audio jacks?). I ended up just using the headphone jack on the TV and it worked brilliantly. It’s only 17″ wide, 16″ deep and 4.8″ high, so it fit easily into our entertainment center on the shelf below the TV.

And did I mention how much this awesome home theater system costs? It’s only $249.99. No, I’m serious. That’s it. I am now a big fan of ZVOX Audio and have already told all of my co-workers about this amazing system that is just one box instead of 7 speakers. Oh yeah…they’re jealous.

Edit: There is one downside to this system….It royally freaks my dog out. Wait…maybe that’s an upside. It is terribly funny to watch him stare at the box menacingly.

Tech Specs

• Dimensions: 17”w x 16”d x 4.8”h
• Weight: Without external power supply: 11 pounds. With external power supply: 14 pounds. With box and packing: 16 pounds.
• Amplifier: The 325 uses a 60-watt amplifier, but its external power supply is limited to 24.3 watts.
• Inputs: Two rear “mixing” inputs (if two devices are connected and playing, you will hear both devices): stereo 3.5mm “mini jack” inputs. One front-panel 3.5mm mini-jack input for use with iPods or other portable audio devices. When the front input is engaged, all rear inputs are automatically muted – so you will only hear what is plugged into the front input.
• Frequency range: 63 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Virtual surround sound: The 325 uses ZVOX’s proprietary PhaseCue virtual surround sound system. PhaseCue, 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 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. Sitcoms, news broadcasts and soundtracks from older movies often have very little in the way of three-dimensional sound. Note: All virtual surround systems – including the PhaseCue system – are limited in their effects when compared to a good 5.1 system. That being said, PhaseCue is capable of generating a wonderful and engaging virtual surround experience.
• The 325 is bi-amplified, using a specially designed amplifier that includes electronic contouring for superb frequency response.
• The 325′s 5.25″ subwoofer uses a high-mass long-throw design and incorporates a bandpass cabinet designed using proprietary software.
• The 325′s three 3.25″ main speaker drivers use ferrofluid and neodymium magnets to create remarkably loud, remarkably clear sound.
• The system is magnetically shielded so it can be used near a TV or monitor.
• Unlike most systems in its price range, the 325 uses an MDF (medium density fiberboard) wood cabinet – instead of plastic. MDF is the preferred construction material for high-performance speaker systems.
• The 325 uses the ZVOX Infinite Compliance system – which connects the outer two main speakers with an acoustic tube. This system helps create big sound from a small cabinet.
• A subwoofer output jack on the rear allows owners to connect a separate powered subwoofer (optional).
• A credit card-sized remote control adjusts volume up and down, and has a mute function.
• Auto-on/auto-off circuit senses sound from source (TV, iPod, PC) and turns on the 325 two seconds later. Three minutes after it has received no signal, it automatically shuts the unit off.
• Simple, single-cord connecting system uses a mini stereo jack input on rear panel.
• Two connecting cords are included: one with a stereo mini jack, one with RCA jacks. The ZVOX 325 is backed by a one year limited parts and labor warranty. For services issues, email info@zvoxaudio.com.

Disclosure

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a ZVOX 325 for free in order to facilitate my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thanks to SheBlogs Network for facilitating this review.