Sound quality: ZVOX's AV357 Fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. In the Surround 2 mode bass has good impact but is slightly boomy, the deepest bass is lacking, and the bass distorts (buzzes) with some program material. Midrange is fairly even, but is hazy, somewhat grainy, and a bit echoey. Treble is extended, but is soft and slightly prominent. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience, sounds congested, and the overall dynamic range may suddenly and very noticeably sound compressed with some program material. The two channel sound field height extends somewhat above but not much beyond the width of the speaker array; the depth is flat. Surround mode 2 is the most balanced and was used for the test. Surround 1 mode has a more pronounced and rougher midrange and a more constricted sound than Surround 2. The Surround 3 mode sounds very similar to the Surround 2 mode but the midrange is a hint smoother and there is a touch more of the echo effect. The Accuvoice feature makes the midrange prominent, harsh, and shrill; the higher the level the louder, harsher, and shriller it gets. The SuperVoice feature further increases vocal volume, and harshness. No significant difference between optical and analog inputs. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: very good overall.
Features setup and ease of use: Good overall.
