The Bottom Line
The ZVOX 425 is an easy-to-use system that delivers great sound and its physical design is a great complement for use with a flat panel television. Also, if you already have a multi-channel surround sound system in your main room, this unit is a great home theater solution for a second room.
For an additional look, check out my Photo Gallery.
Pros
- Great sound - good midrange and highs, very good low bass response.
- Built-in digital audio amplifiers for each speaker, line outputs for optional external Subwoofer.
- Compact one-piece design can be shelf or wall mounted.
- Easy to set up and use - even without a user manual.
- Wireless Credit-card style remote control included.
Cons
- No digital audio inputs.
- No discrete source input switching.
- Only three audio source inputs (one front, two rear).
- S.A.N.E. Control (see features list) only accessible on the rear panel.
Description
- Compact one-piece surround system - (36.5" Wide x 5.5” Deep x 7.5” Deep).
- Left, Center, Right, and side-mounted Subwoofer speakers built into cabinet. Frequency response: 35 Hz – 20 kHz.
- Speakers: Five 3.25" Drivers (3 Center, 1 Left, 1 Right), Two 4" Drivers (2 Subwoofers) - One port for each subwoofer.
- Amplifier Power: 25 watts x 3 Center speakers, 18 watts x 2 to the Left/Right speakers, and 36 watts x 2 to two subwoofers.
- Audio connection on front via headphone style mini-jacks. Standard RCA audio input connectors on rear/bottom of unit.
- Compatible with iPods, PCs, satellite radios, portable CD players, game consoles, and DVD players using analog audio outputs.
- PhaseCue and Infinite Compliancetechnologies provide a virtual surround soundfield. The degree of surround is adjustable.
- S.A.N.E. (Sudden Audio Noise Eliminator) adjustment to minimize effect of sudden audio level changes.
- Credit-card Style remote for volume and mute functions.
User manual on double-side 8 1/2 x 11 inch card. Download for a look - Optional Wall Mouting Bracket available..
Output for external subwoofer provided.
The ZVOX 425 has a $699.99 price tag.
Guide Review - ZVOX Audio 425 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System - Review
The 425 has two analog RCA stereo inputs on the bottom rear panel, plus a mini-jack stereo connector on the front panel. The mini-jack input can connect any audio source that has a mini-headphone jack output (cable provided), such as a Digital Audio Player. You can also use an RCA to mini-jack adapter cable to connect the analog RCA audio outputs from a DVD player, CD player, audio cassette deck, if you prefer using the front input rather than the rear inputs.
The controls provided on the front panel of the 425 are minimal: Volume, Power, and Phase Cue (which adjusts the degree of the surround effect). On the rear of the 425 is the S.A.N.E. control.
There are several settings available on the remote control: Mute, Power, Auto on/off, Volume level, Phase Cue, Subwoofer level, and Treble control.
The ZVOX 425 delivered very good sound and was powerful enough for a average size room (12x13ft). Testing analog audio sources from both DVDs and CDs, the mid-range was distinctive, bass was much deeper than I expected, and the highs were smooth. Overall, the surround effect provided a wide front soundstage, but not as effective as true 5.1 channel surround system would be. The best seating distance for experiencing the virtual surround effect was about 6 to 8 ft from the unit.
This system is not a replacement for a true multi-speaker system in a large room, but it is a great option for a basic no-frills surround system that sounds good. It can also be used as a second system in bedroom, office, or secondary family room. However, some features that would be desirable additions would include more inputs, including a digital audio input, and source switching.
The ZVOX 425 is definitely worth consideration.
