COMMENTS
I used to miss the "surround" effect of the rear speakers after I was unable to reinstall them (Bose)after a move. That's when I reasearched the sound bar concept and ended up with the ZVOX 415. Later I added a subwoofer and now, the overall sound quality and directional sound is fantastic. Really should have purchased the 425 in the beginning. Thanks . .
These findings are not surprising. Similarly over the years regarding video, I have found a high percentage (not scientifically measured, but somewhere about 50%, of friends that had connected DVD players or TV set-top boxes to TVs with a lowly form of cable. Composite RCA when S-Video was available; Composite or S-Video when Component Video could be used; and any of those three on a group of those units with HDMI capability.
The worse case was the new Plasma which was hooked to the cable setop box with RG-59 coax and F-connectors -- pure junk.
In each case on my next visit I usually brought the appropriate cables and plugged them in. The compliments flowed -- "What did you do, the picture is much better".
I figured I earned my supper. On the other hand, just like those who don't want real surround, these people probably could be pleased with an old Zenith 15" tube TV and analog cable -- if those Zeniths had a big enough screen!
Now I am not by analogy minimizing the desireability of Zvox and other All-in-one systems. Many folks don't care about fidelity, therefore the MP3 phenom. For myself, I've a 7.1 system (B&W) and a 5.0 system (PSB in bedroom, no subwoofer wanted), as well as a fine sounding Zvox portable in my kitchen for the 19" LCD and travel.
I believe your article on surround sound to be correct. Surround sound is for the audiophile not the MP3/Ipod masses who do not hear the difference. I believe surround will still live on in the commercial theater sound systems and for the few listeners who really perceive fine audio performance.
THE ZVOX IS GREAT WE LOVE IT BUT, THE REMOTE
IS TERRIBLE. WHY CAN'T YOU DESIGN A BETTER ONE?
ANN JOHANN
We actually have designed a better remote and they are in production. In the meantime, if you have a programmable remote you may be able to get it to control the ZVOX...let us know if you need the remote codes. Thanks for your patience, Kate from ZVOX
Is 5.1 dead? No, I have it in my home theater and it is unbelievable. I have have Zvox in two other rooms and they are great for what they do, but they don't compare to 5.1. Just because 40% of the people who buy 5.1 don't know how to hook it up or appreciate it, that doesn't make it's dead.
Kate - I just bought a zvox mini, and have the remote with just the 3 buttons, mute volume + and volume -. Is there a newer one? Also could I get a remote code so that I can attempt to program my universal remote?
I think there's another reason that 5.1 will die. People who are serious about sound quality know that you can get better sound from 2 channel stereo. beautiful imaging gives a sense of space that is not contrived by having speakers all around
OK, so I am a typical suburban dad... maybe a little geekier than most.
For me, surround is a tool, just like any other tool for enjoying audio.
My receiver has Dolby IIx, which usually does a decent job of extracting surround from stereo sources - okay for listening to rock CDs or the radio with a little added excitement.
For Classical, I usually turn the receiver to plain stereo to enjoy that concert feel. And turn down the subwoofer (which the kids have probably boosted for gaming).
I watch a lot of Sci-fi and action movies with the boys, and the surround really shines there. We have a large window on the back wall, and it frequently sounds like the effects are coming in from the street. We notice surround a lot. I think we would miss it if we did not have it. I know I would.
Maybe I care a little more about sound and sound formats, but I am glad for 5.1. Its the biggest improvement since I discovered stereo (vs. mono) on my dad's KLH Model Sixes playing Linda Ronstadt on his DUAL turntable.