ZVOX IncrediBase 575 Sound Bar Review

To those not directly interested in the everlasting pursuit of a better home theatre set up, the term, “sound bar” may sound like some new candy for synesthetes. This is not the case. It is simply new candy for budding, budgeting audiophiles.

Housed within a single cabinet is a surround system that has carried the ZVOX name like some shoulder pads. Holding everything; speakers, dual powered subs, amp, and virtual surround circuitry, in a well-crafted MDF wood cabinet. The hand lacquered high gloss black end panels are eye-catching but in that subtle manner most folks call classy.

Moving on from the NASA-esque technology necessary to cram such hardware into the IncrediBase 575, one has to wonder, “What’s it sound like?” The unit has the surprisingly startling ability to spread sound across the room. The only analogy that comes to mind is something like Parkay’s “You can’t believe it’s not butter.” Through some sorcery, the IncrediBase 575 has manipulated trained ears into perceiving sounds from behind when the 3 ft base is clearly in front of me. Even from side angles the sound is still maintained and truly mirrors the 5.1 surround sound experience, a feat not easily accomplished.

The ZVOX IncrediBase 575 has virtually no competition within the sound bar market, except little brother IncrediBase 550. ZVOX has managed to contain some impressive sound within a 3ft bar, crafting the home theater equivalent of a Jack in the Box. This surprise, however, is much more pleasant.