ZVOX 580 Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System User Manual

Introduction

The ZVOX 580 is a single-cabinet surround sound system designed to deliver room-filling home theater audio without the complexity of multiple speakers and wires. This system integrates five high-performance speakers and dual 6.5-inch powered subwoofers into one compact unit. It features ZVOX's proprietary PhaseCue virtual surround sound technology for an immersive audio experience, along with Dialog Emphasis for clear vocals and Output Leveling to manage volume fluctuations.

What's in the Box

Upon unpacking your ZVOX 580 system, please ensure all the following items are present:

• ZVOX 580 Sound System
• 1 Stereo RCA to Stereo RCA Connecting Cable
• Multifunction Remote Control with Programming Instruction Sheet
• Power Cord
• One-Sheet Safety Instructions
• Operations Manual (this document)
• Quick Start Guide

Setup and Connections

Initial Placement

The ZVOX 580 is designed for convenient placement. It can be positioned on a piece of furniture, with your flat-panel television placed directly on top of the system. Ensure the furniture can support the combined weight of the ZVOX 580 and your television. Allow for approximately 1.75 inches of space behind the system for rear panel connections.

Image: The ZVOX 580 system positioned beneath a flat-panel television, demonstrating a typical setup configuration.

Connecting Your System

The ZVOX 580 offers multiple input options for connecting to your television and other audio devices. Refer to the rear panel diagram below for connection points.

Image: Detailed view of the ZVOX 580 rear panel, highlighting all available input and output ports for audio and control connections.

• Power Connection: Connect the supplied power cord to the AC inlet on the rear panel and then to a wall outlet.
• Digital Optical Input (TOSLINK): For high-quality digital audio from your TV or other devices. Connect one end of an optical cable to your TV's optical audio output and the other end to the ZVOX 580's optical input.
• Coaxial Digital Input: An alternative digital audio connection. Connect a coaxial digital cable from your TV's coaxial audio output to the ZVOX 580's coaxial input.
• Analog Stereo Inputs (RCA L/R): For connecting devices with analog audio outputs. Use the supplied RCA cable or another suitable RCA cable to connect your TV's analog audio output to the ZVOX 580's analog inputs (labeled 1 or 2).
• Front Panel 3.5mm Stereo Input: For convenient connection of portable audio devices like smartphones or MP3 players.
• Subwoofer Output: If you wish to connect an external powered subwoofer, use this output.

After connecting, turn on the ZVOX 580 using the power switch on the rear panel. Select the appropriate input using the remote control or the front panel controls.

Operating Your ZVOX 580

Remote Control Functions

The ZVOX 580 comes with a multifunction remote control to manage all system settings. Familiarize yourself with the buttons and their functions:

Image: The ZVOX 580 remote control, showing all buttons for power, input selection, volume, mute, and various audio enhancement features.

• Power: Turns the system on or off.
• Input: Cycles through available audio inputs (Analog 1, Analog 2, Optical, Coaxial, Front 3.5mm).
• Volume (+/-): Adjusts the overall sound level.
• Mute: Silences the audio output.
• Dialog Emphasis (DE): Enhances vocal clarity, making dialogue easier to understand.
• Output Leveling (OL): Automatically adjusts volume to prevent sudden loud commercials or channel changes.
• Bass (+/-): Adjusts the low-frequency sound level.
• Treble (+/-): Adjusts the high-frequency sound level.
• Surround (PhaseCue): Activates or adjusts the virtual surround sound effect.

Advanced Audio Features

• Dialog Emphasis (DE): This feature is designed to improve the intelligibility of television dialogue, especially useful during broadcasts with significant background noise or complex soundtracks.
• Output Leveling (OL): The OL feature employs a sophisticated compression system to normalize audio levels, making soft sounds louder and loud sounds softer. This reduces jarring volume changes, particularly during commercials.
• PhaseCue Virtual Surround Sound: ZVOX's proprietary PhaseCue system creates a three-dimensional sound experience from a single cabinet. It broadens the soundstage for music and envelops the listener in movie soundtracks.

Disappearing Display

The ZVOX 580 features a four-digit display located behind the speaker grille. This display shows current settings for volume, bass, treble, and PhaseCue, as well as indicating when Mute, Output Leveling (OL), or Dialog Emphasis (DE) features are active. The display automatically disappears a few seconds after you stop using the remote or front panel controls, maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Remote Control Programming

The ZVOX 580 can be programmed to respond to your existing television, cable box, or satellite receiver remote control. The illuminated display will guide you through a quick programming cycle, typically less than a minute. Once programmed, your primary remote can control the ZVOX system's volume, mute, power, and input functions.

Product Features

• Integrated Design: A complete surround sound system, including dual powered subwoofers, housed within a single cabinet.
• Powerful Audio: Features five high-performance speakers and dual 6.5-inch powered subwoofers for robust sound and deep bass down to 34Hz.
• PhaseCue Virtual Surround: Creates a wide, three-dimensional soundstage for movies and music.
• Dialog Emphasis (DE): Enhances vocal clarity for improved dialogue understanding.
• Output Leveling (OL): Prevents sudden volume spikes, such as during commercials.
• Energy-Efficient: Utilizes a highly-efficient 120-watt Class D digital amplifier, consuming less than 10 watts during operation and approximately 0.1 watts in standby. Energy Star qualified.
• Multiple Inputs: Includes two analog stereo inputs, one optical digital input, one coaxial digital input, and a front-panel 3.5mm analog stereo input.
• Durable Construction: Hand-built MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet with hand-lacquered high-gloss end panels.

Specifications

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your ZVOX 580 system, follow these general maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
• Placement: Keep the unit away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit.
• Power: Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet during lightning storms or when the unit is left unattended for long periods.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your ZVOX 580, please refer to the following basic troubleshooting steps:

• No Power: Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the unit and a working electrical outlet. Check the power switch on the rear panel is in the 'ON' position.
• No Sound: Verify that the correct input is selected on the ZVOX 580. Check all audio cables are securely connected. Ensure the volume is not muted or set too low on both the ZVOX system and your connected device.
• Distorted Sound: Try reducing the volume. Check cable connections for any damage or loose fittings. Ensure the audio source is not distorted.
• Remote Control Not Working: Check the batteries in the remote control. Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the ZVOX system. If programmed to another remote, ensure that remote is functioning correctly.

For more complex issues or persistent problems, please contact ZVOX customer support.

Warranty and Support

The ZVOX 580 Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty information provided with your product packaging for specific terms and conditions, including coverage details and duration. For technical support, service inquiries, or to obtain replacement parts, please visit the official ZVOX website or contact their customer service department directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

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