Manage updates with the Download AppZvox Z-Base 580 Video
Zvox Z-Base 580 Video Transcript
-Hey, I'm Matthew Moskovciak at CNET.com and this is the Zvox Z-Base 580. This is a sound bar home theater system and is currently selling for $600. Now, Z-Base 580 doesn't look like your typical sound bar. It's a big wooden slab and while most sound bars are designed to sit in front of your TV, the Zyvox is designed to sit under it. Now, this arrangement actually makes a lot of sense as there's no chance of the Zvox blocking your TV remote sensor and it looks a lot sleeker. It's more like a piece of furniture than audio equipment. The front panel is also smartly designed with a few key buttons on the lower right and mini jack input and there's also a large front panel display, which is cleverly hidden behind the speaker grill showing up only when you're actively using it. Overall, it's the best design sound bar we've tested. Connectivity is around the back and there are 2 digital inputs and 2 analog inputs and unlike previous Zvox models, there's true input switching. So, you connect up to 5 separate devices total including the mini jack input on the front. You will notice there is no HDMI connectivity on the back, but we don't consider that to be a big loss. You can either connect everything directly to your HD TV and use that as a switcher or you can make separate audio connections straight to the Zvox. The sound quality on the Z-Base 580 was good, but it didn't quite live up to our expectations. Like the smaller Z-Base 555, it does a great job with dialogue clarity and there are tons of useful adjustment options right on the remote to help you dial in the sound just how you like it. The Z-base 580 is larger and has additional subwoofer on the bottom compared to the 555, which helps its sound louder, but the sound quality benefit is only modest. It's still doesn't handle music or loud dynamic action movies as well as with like, and if sound quality is important to you, which just checking out the similarly priced Harman Kardon SP16. Altogether, the Zvox Z-base 580 has nearly perfect sound bar design and the feature set is solid, but it won't please critical listeners, and the smaller Z-base 555 is a better value. I'm Matthew Moskovciak, and this is the Zvox Z-Base 580.
Related Videos
The Zvox Z-Base 555 has a nearly perfect sound-bar design and a solid feature set, but it won't please critical listeners.
The Zvox Z-Base 525 sound bar delivers better-than-average sonics and its unique pedestal design will make you forget it's even there.
The Zvox Z-Base 575 sound bar gets loud and delivers deep bass from its unique pedestal design, but it's expensive and has a bare-bones feature package.
Zvox's bar sounds big, but isn't perfect
The Zvox Z-Base 420 offers an uncluttered look and solid sound at a budget price, but its quirks might give some buyers pause.
In addition to delivering solid sonics, the Zvox Z-Base 550 sets itself apart from competing single-speaker units with the unique capability to double as a stand for your TV.
In addition to delivering solid sonics, the Zvox Z-Base 550 sets itself apart from competing single-speaker units with the unique capability to double as a stand for your TV.
Sony's HT-CT100 soundbar/subwoofer audio system is a phenomenal value that sounds great with movies and music.
The MEElectronics M6 earphones are a great value for bass-addicts, thanks to solid sound quality, a rugged design, and plenty of features.
The affordable and well-designed Philips Notebook SoundBar SPA5210B travels well and is a worthy upgrade over your internal laptop speakers.
The Pioneer VSX-1018AH's solid sound and generous feature package make it a great value in the midrange AV receiver class.
Zvox Z-Base 580 Review
The good: The Zvox Z-Base 580's pedestal design is our favorite for a sound bar, looking more like furniture than home audio equipment. Zvox has also added several oft-requested features, including a front-panel display, digital audio inputs, and true input switching. The Z-Base 580 also excels at dialogue clarity, with several adjustment options to dial in the sound to your liking.
The bad: The Z-Base 580's overall sound quality won't impress audiophiles, especially on music and dynamic action movies. Although the Z-Base 580 is larger and has an extra woofer compared with the Z-Base 555, we found the sonic differences between them to be modest. And $600 is a lot to pay for a sound bar, especially with the much better-sounding Harman Kardon SB 16 available at the same price.
The bottom line: The Zvox Z-Base 580 has a nearly perfect sound-bar design and a solid feature set, but it won't please critical listeners and the smaller Z-Base 555 is a better value.
Zvox Z-Base 580 Specs
Manufacturer: ZVOX Audio, LLC
Part number: Z-Base 580
- Product Specifications
Zvox Z-Base 580 Prices
Online stores
| Store | Certified rating | Inventory | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crutchfield |  Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $499.99 |
| ZVOX Audio, LLC |  Rate this store See store profile | Not in stock | $499.99 |
| Aperion Audio | Rate this store See store profile | Not in stock | $499.00 |
| P.C. Richard & Son | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $499.97 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $499.00 |
