Zvox IncrediBase 575

*Est. $450

Reviewed

October 2011

Sound-bar base unit

Pros

Great sound quality
Satisfying surround sound
Easy hook up
Good bass even without a subwoofer

Cons

Can't be wall mounted
Break-in period might be needed for best sound
No digital inputs

Where to Buy

for $799.99

See All Stores

As the name implies, the Zvox IncrediBase 575 is designed to act as a base for a stand-mounted TV. On one hand, that design means it can't be mounted on a wall. On the other hand, the larger enclosure helps produce better sound -- including better bass -- than possible with the slim cabinets of more typical sound bars. Experts say the IncrediBase 575 does sound better than most other sound bars, though some say that a break-in period of a few weeks might be needed to get it sounding its very best. If that makes you uncomfortable, Zvox does offer a 30-day "home-audition" period to help set your mind at ease. There is an output for an optional subwoofer if you want one, but experts largely say that most listeners won't hear the need.

Most sound bars try to replicate a 5.1-channel surround-sound field, and most achieve only limited success. Instead, the IncrediBase 575 concentrates on creating a sound field that is more expansive than that produced from a single point without worrying about precisely locating every sound effect. The results, reviews say, are subtle but satisfying. Features are otherwise limited, and only analog (stereo) audio inputs are provided. If that's a problem, Zvox offers a simple analog-to-digital converter (*Est. $25). Zvox's step-up Incredibase 580 (*Est. $600) also offers digital inputs along with some other refinements, but adds $150 to the price. If you want a sound bar that can hang on a wall, the Sony HT-CT150 (*Est. $250) sounds nearly as good, has great connectivity, including three HDMI 1.4a inputs, and costs less.

The Zvox IncrediBase 575 has been widely reviewed. It's an award winner in reports from Home Theater and Sound & Vision magazines. Additional well-detailed reviews can be found at Audio Video Revolution, CNET and About.com. User reviews are limited, but a handful can be read at Amazon.com.

ZVOX 580 Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System with Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

from Amazon.com

New: $599.99 $499.00

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Sony HT-CT150 3D Sound Bar System

from Amazon.com

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

ZVOX 575 IncediBase Low-Profile, High-Performance Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System
(22 reviews) Buy new: $799.99 1 Used from $349.99

Our Sources

1. Home Theater Magazine Details/Subscribe

The Zvox IncrediBase 575 carries a former Top Pick designation here. Reviewer Michael Fremer says that at first, sound was worse than unimpressive, but things greatly improved following a brief break-in period. Voices are clear, and low-base performance is "remarkable," he says. The surround-sound field is satisfying.

Review: ZVOX Z-Base 575 Speaker System, Michael Fremer, Aug. 30, 2010

2. Sound & Vision Magazine Details/Subscribe

Sound & Vision magazine awards the Zvox IncrediBase 575 its 2010 Recommended and Certified award. Michael Trei says that sound quality -- including "sometimes shelf-rattling bass" -- is pleasing enough that he never felt compelled to turn on the full surround-sound system he normally uses during testing. The PhaseCue surround-sound system provides a "sense of envelopment" while avoiding some of the pitfalls that trip up other solutions.

Review: ZVOX Incredibase 575 Soundbar, Michael Trei, April 23, 2010

3. CNET

CNETs reviewers like but don't absolutely love the Zvox 575. They give a thumbs-up to its ability to fill a room with dynamic sound, including deep bass, but are less impressed by its cost (which has since dropped) and limited features.

Review: Zvox Z-Base 575, Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg, Nov. 16, 2009

4. About.com

About.com's Robert Silva gives the Zvox 575 a 4-star rating. He says that it can't really take the place of a full surround-sound system, but it is less hassle and can provide good sound for movies and music. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: ZVOX Audio Z-Base 575 Low Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System, Robert Silva

5. AudioVideo Revolution

AudioVideoRevolution.com does not rate or rank the Zvox IncrediBase 575, but Todd Whitesel's review leaves no doubt that he is impressed. He calls it "simple and effective" and "a strong contender for soundbar with the most sound."

Review: ZVOX IncrediBase 575 Review, Todd Whitesel, Nov. 4, 2009

6. Amazon.com

Only about 20 owners have reported in here, but almost all say they are mostly to completely pleased. Sound quality is universally praised, and the Zvox 575 earns an overall 4.8-star rating, with only a couple of owners giving it less than a perfect score.

Review: ZVOX 575 IncrediBase Low-Profile, High-Performance Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System, Contributors to Amazon.com

Vizio VSB210WS *Est. $300

4 picks by top review sites.

Boston Acoustics TVee Model 30 *Est. $600

4 picks by top review sites.

Polk SurroundBar 6000 IHT *Est. $600

4 picks by top review sites.