Hi, this is Tom, from ZVOX. We aren't associated with Yamaha in any way. And while our systems are typically less expensive than Yamaha's, we use MDF cabinets, high-quality speaker drivers and amplifiers. What we don't spend money on is a wide variety of digital inputs, switching systems, Dolby decoders, and displays -- because most people have a good TV that will provide all those.
The ZVOX 415 uses the same amplifier and virtual surround system (we call it PhaseCue) as the Z-Base 550 -- but in a 30.5"w x 5.5"h x 5"d soundbar-style design (you can wall-mount it or put it on a shelf beneath your TV). It uses three 3.25" main speaker drivers (versus the five 2" drivers in the 550), and a 4" woofer with a 4" passive radiator (versus the 5.25" woofer in the 550). Because the cabinet is smaller than the 550's (838 cubic inches vs. 1116 cubic inches) the 415's bass has less punch than the 550. In most other ways the sound is pretty comparable.
Hi – this is a reply from Tom, at ZVOX. Thanks for your comments. We use an analog, phase-manipulation design (we call it PhaseCue) for virtual surround sound because we prefer it to the digital alternatives. It provides a wide, deep, three-dimensional sound field without sacrificing musical accuracy or vocal clarity. In our experience, creating virtual surround in the digital domain almost always generates some less-than-natural results – for example, rain that sounds like white noise or female vocalists that take on a twangy sound. We also find our customers prefer using the analog output of a TV because in many cases it allows them to use the TV remote to control the volume of the ZVOX. And we find that there is no audible difference between using an analog input vs. a digital input. As for switching, we’ve found that most people would much rather use their TV to do switching, rather than using the sound system. It’s simpler, more intuitive and requires the use of fewer remote controls. And we’d rather spend dollars on quality speaker drivers and wood cabinets than on switching systems most people won’t use.
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