1. Unpack ZB550 HSD cabinet, external power supply and AC cord,
remote control and audio connecting cord.
2. Place cabinet on sturdy surface. Warning: Threaded inserts on bot-
tom of ZB550 HSD are 6mm metric threads. Unit should face listening
area.
3. Connect AC power supply cord to 19V outlet on back panel.
Warning: Don’t plug AC cord into outlet before it is connect-
ed to the power connector on the rear of the unit.
4. There are three ways to connect your TV to the ZVOX ZB550 HSD:
1) Analog Stereo – labeled Input 1, 2) Digital Coaxial –labeled Coaxial
and 3) Digital Optical – labeled Optical.
Analog Stereo (Input 1) is the simplest approach and, with many TVs,
allows you to control volume with your TV remote. To use it, plug your
supplied analog connecting cable into the red and white RCA jacks
labeled “Input 1” on the back of the ZVOX ZB550 HSD. Then plug the
other ends of the audio connecting cord into the “Audio Out” jacks of
your TV, DVD player, cable box or satellite receiver.
Setting TV To “Variable Audio Ouput.” If you use the analog stereo
input (Input 1), push the “MENU” button on your TV remote control
and then, if you have these options, choose “AUDIO” -- and navigate
through the menu options to choose “SPEAKER: OFF” and “AUDIO OUT:
VARIABLE” (sometimes called “AOV” on a TV’s menu). This allows you
to control the volume of the ZVOX system using your TV’s remote con-
trol. If your TV’s audio output can’t be switched to “VARIABLE,” simply
control the volume of the ZVOX ZB550 HSD by using the supplied
remote control. Alternatively, you may be able to program your TV re-
mote, or a programmable/learning remote to control audio levels with
any of the following codes: Candle 1004, Hisense 1237 or Aiwa 1036.
Coaxial Digital Input. To use the Coaxial Digital input, first acquire a co-
axial digital connecting cable. Connect one end to the coaxial digital
ouptut of your TV, cable box or DVD player and connect the other end
to the “Coaxial” input.
Optical Digital Input. To use the Optical Digital input, first acquire an
optical digital connecting cable (sometimes called a TOSLINK cable).
Connect one end to the optical digital ouptut of your TV, cable box or
DVD player and connect the other end to the “Optical” input on the
ZVOX ZB550 HSD.
6. Insert the battery in the ZVOX ZB550 HSD remote control. To do so,
use a thumbnail to gently pinch in the two small vertical ribs on the
bottom of the back of the remote -- while at the same time pulling
out the battery tray, using the horizontal slot. Place the battery in the
battery tray (with the printed side facing up), and gently push the tray
back into the remote.
7. Turn on the ZVOX ZB550 by pushing the power button on the
remote control. A blue LED light should come on.
NOTE: In normal operation the unit will go into standby mode 2-3
minutes after it stops receiving an audio signal (for example, when
you turn off your TV). The front panel light will turn from blue to green
in standby mode. When the signal returns (after you turn your TV on),
the light will turn blue again. To defeat this “automatic standby” mode,
press the “AUTO ON/OFF” button once (the light will blink). To restore
the setting, press the button again.
8. Adjust volume with the Volume “+”
and “–” buttons. Note that the blue LED
light under the grille will flash with every
push of a button. When you have reached
maximum (or minimum) volume, the blue
LED will stop blinking. The LED reacts this
way for all settings – VOLUME, PHASECUE,
SUBWOOFER and TREBLE.
9. When “MUTE” button is pushed, and vol-
ume is muted, the blue LED will flash until
volume is un-muted with a second push of
the button.
10. PHASECUE buttons control the ZVOX
virtual surround sound system. There are
nine (9) levels of PHASECUE adjustment.
When you turn up the PHASECUE control,
the audio should sound wider or “bigger.”
In many cases you will hear sounds from
places where there are no speakers. This ef-
fect is stronger with live music, live sporting events and well-recorded
movies and TV programs. With many programs -- especially news
shows and sitcoms -- PHASECUE will have little effect.
NOTE: If you find that crowd noises or movie special effects are
“drowning out” the dialog, try turning down the PHASECUE control.
This will put more focus on dialog clarity.
11. There are nine (9) levels of SUBWOOFER control. You may need to
experiment with SUBWOOFER levels because speaker position and
program material have a big effect on bass. If the audio sounds thin,
try turning up the SUBWOOFER control. If the bass sounds overly
loud, “boomy” or distorted, turn down the SUBWOOFER control.
12. There are nine (9) levels of TREBLE control. The adjustment this
control makes is very subtle. Experiment until you think the sound is
not too “bright” and not too “dull.” Most people set the treble control
once and leave the setting in that position.
• If you hear a consistent “hiss” or hum when using the Analog Input
(Input 1), try turning UP the volume of your TV or other audio source,
and then set the ZVOX volume level LOWER.
• Please keep in mind that your ZVOX ZB550 is a highly accurate audio
system that may reveal noise or distortion that other speakers did not
reproduce.
• The PhaseCue control adjusts the size of the perceived “sound stage.”
Feel free to adjust it when playing different kinds of audio. Some
people prefer slightly more, or less PhaseCue effect. Some people
prefer higher settings for movies, and slightly lower settings for music.
The “five” setting (of nine) is the default setting.
A few opportunities for fine-tuning.
Installation and Operating Instructions: ZVOX ZB550 HSD Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System
Questions? Email us at info@zvoxaudio.com
• The “Output” jack on the rear panel is for use with an optional exter
-
nal powered subwoofer. This is a “full range” (all frequencies, not just
bass) monaural connection, and should only be used with a subwoofer
that has a variable crossover. We suggest you set the subwoofer’s
crossover at approximately 90 Hz – but you should experiment with
different settings near there.
Connecting an external subwoofer.
1 Year Limited Warranty.
To the original purchaser, ZVOX Audio will warrant the ZVOX
ZB550 system to be free of defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase. With respect
to defects, ZVOX will, at its option, replace the product or repair
the defect in the product with no charge to the original purchaser
for parts or labor. Customer is responsible for shipping charges
where required.
This warranty does not extend to any defect, malfunction or fail-
ure caused by misuses, abuse, accident, faulty hookup, defective
associated equipment or use of the system with equipment for
which it is not intended.
This warranty is only valid when the system is returned to the re-
tailer that sold the ZVOX ZB550 system to the original purchaser.
This is the sole and express warranty. This warranty is in lieu of all
other warranties, expressed or implied, of merchantability, fitness
for purpose or otherwise. In no event shall ZVOX Audio LLC be li-
able for incidental or consequential damages or have any liability
with respect to defects other than the obligations set forth as
stated. Except as provided herein, ZVOX Audio LLC shall have no
liability or responsibility to the purchaser or any other person or
entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused directly
or indirectly by use of the product, including, but not limited to,
any incidental or consequential damages.
To ensure warranty coverage, it is incumbent upon the original
purchaser of the ZVOX ZB550 system to inform the retailer of the
defect within the warranty period. The only acceptable method
of establishing warranty status is a copy of the original proof of
purchase indicating customer’s name and purchase date.
ZVOX Audio, LLC, 59 Thomas Road, Swampscott, MA 01907 USA
info@zvoxaudio.com www.zvoxaudio.com 781-599-5493
ZVOX
Great Sound Made Simple
