ZVOX Sets New Performance Benchmark For Single-cabinet Surround Sound With 7-speaker/4-subwoofer Mega-system

Quad-subwoofer powerhouse ZVOX 525 delivers shocking, awesome, window-rattling sound from one low-profile cabinet.

January 12, 2007

The fast-growing category of single-cabinet surround systems has been re-defined by a remarkable new high-performance product. The ZVOX 525 sets new standards of performance for single-cabinet systems – combining seven full-range speakers, four long-throw powered subwoofers, a powerful amplifier and the ZVOX-exclusive PhaseCue virtual surround system. "The 525 is a sound system for the serious movie fanatic," says ZVOX founder Tom Hannaher. "If you have the very best High Definition TV and the very best DVD player, the 525 will fit right in. The movie listening experience is on par with a good theater. This is a no-compromise audio system that just happens to reside within a single cabinet." Capitalizing on the success of earlier models, the 525 uses the ZVOX PhaseCue system to create a very wide soundstage as well as virtual surround sound effects. Anchoring the system are three 3.25" full-range monaural drivers that produce rich, clear midrange and razor-sharp dialog. An additional four 3.25" full-range drivers create the stereo soundstage and virtual surround effects. For bass reproduction, the 525 uses four of the long-throw 4"x6" woofers utilized in the highly-acclaimed ZVOX 325 system. Driving the system is a powerful 108-watt amplifier. The resulting sound is incredible – breathtakingly realistic, with startling bass. The ZVOX 525 is comparable in performance to multi-speaker surround sound systems costing thousands of dollars. It is, perhaps, the best example ever of "great sound made simple." Measuring 34"w x 16"d x 5"h, the ZVOX 525 is large enough to act as a base platform for most flat-panel TVs – even 50" models. Because the cabinet is only 5" high, it can readily fit on (or in) many TV stands and home entertainment centers. Features and benefits of the ZVOX 525. * Three 3.25" full-range monaural speakers – driven by their own dedicated amplifier – deliver rich, natural vocals with stunning clarity and realism. * Four 3.25" full-range speakers work with the ZVOX-exclusive PhaseCue™ system to create a very wide stereo soundstage for music – you'll swear you're listening to speakers 10 feet apart from each other. The PhaseCue system also generates remarkable, three-dimensional virtual surround sound effects with movie soundtracks. * All seven 3.25" full-range drivers use Neodymium magnets and ferrofluid to create very high sound pressure levels from compact speakers. * Four long-excursion 4"x6" powered subwoofers reproduce accurate low frequencies down to 35 Hz. These woofers generate outstanding bass response at very high volume levels. * Unlike some virtual surround systems, the 525 reproduces music very accurately -- with no "digital weirdness." Female vocalists sound warm, rich and natural. Symphonic music sounds big and airy and awesome. Movie soundtracks are delivered with startling realism. And all sound is reproduced with a sense of distortion-free ease. * The 525 is simple to install. It uses only one connecting cable to hook up to the audio outputs or headphone jack of a TV. With its convenient front-panel input, you can also use it with iPods, PCs, satellite radios, portable CD players, game consoles – anything with a headphone jack. * The 525 is simple to use. Once connected to a TV, it can usually be controlled using the TV's remote. It's auto-on/auto-off circuit comes on when you turn on your TV. The "owner's manual" is one sheet of paper. * • The 525 uses the ZVOX Infinite Compliance system – which connects the outer two speakers with an acoustic tube. This system helps create big sound from a slim cabinet. * The 525 is bi-amplified, using a specially designed amplifier that includes electronic contouring for superb frequency response. * The system is magnetically shielded so it can be used near a TV or monitor. * The 525 uses an MDF (medium density fiberboard) wood cabinet – instead of plastic. MDF is the preferred construction material for high-performance speakers. * With four inputs, the 525 can be the audio control center of a home entertainment system. * An ultra-thin remote controls volume, input selection, PhaseCue virtual surround, power on and mute. * Auto-on/auto-off circuit senses sound from source (TV, iPod, PC) and turns on the 525 two seconds later. Three minutes after it has received no signal, it automatically puts the amplifier into standby mode. * Two connecting cords are included: one with a stereo mini jack, one with RCA jacks. * The ZVOX 525 is backed by a one year limited parts and labor warranty. Suggested retail selling price of the ZVOX 425 is $799.99. Shipment expected second quarter 2007. About ZVOX Audio. ZVOX Audio is a collaboration of long-time industry veterans Tom Hannaher and Winslow Burhoe. Tom started at Best Buy (Sound of Music) in 1971, where he was Director of Advertising. In 1976 he moved to Advent Corporation, the pioneering audio/video manufacturer, where he was Marketing & Advertising Manager. In the 1980s, Tom created advertising and marketing programs for Tweeter, Apple Computer, NAD, Kloss Video and Cambridge SoundWorks. In 1993 he was hired as Senior Vice President-Marketing for Cambridge SoundWorks, where he was responsible for product development. Winslow began his career working with Edgar Vilchur at Acoustic Research, then moved on to KLH. In 1969, he founded EPI Loudspeakers, one of the leading audio companies of the 1970s. He invented the inverted-dome tweeter at EPI, a product concept still in wide use today. He went on to design speakers for Genesis, Nuance, Burhoe Acoustics and Direct Acoustics.

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