Introduction

ZVOX is an e-tailer based in New England. They currently manufacture and market seven different models of sound bars. Their products are available on-line direct from the manufacturer. All purchases carry a 30-day no-risk guarantee. The low profile Z-Base 550 is one of their products. It is designed to support a stand-mounted flat panel display. Will a compact 20-pound single box surround system prove worthy of recommendation?

The ZVOX Z-Base 550 is a one-box surround sound solution. It differs from the typical sound bar in several notable ways. To begin with, it’s really a pedestal and not a “bar”. Secondly, it doesn’t aspire to be the central nervous system for a complex system. There are no HDMI inputs, no on-screen menus. It doesn’t have video capabilities of any kind, as a matter of fact. It’s a humble little audio product that is perfectly content to just sit there and produce sound better than it seemingly has any right to do. Of course there are other differences.