ZVOX 580 User Manual

power cord to the back of the speaker.

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

Then connect the AC power cord to an
AC power receptacle. Turn on the speaker
using the power switch on the back panel
next to the AC cord.

The Z-Base 580 has additional inputs
that can be selected from the front panel
or the included remote control. These
inputs allow connection of an iPod, MP3 player, CD player, radio or
streaming audio system or other audio device.

If your home TV system does not conform to the descriptions in
this Guide, don’t hesitate to send an inquiry to info@zvoxaudio.
com. A ZVOX Audio representative will respond with
useful options.

3. Features and Controls of the Z-Base 580

You can “teach” the Z-Base 580 to respond to your
current TV remote control for functions like on/off,
volume up/down and mute (see separate sheet to
learn how to do this). So for most TV viewing, you
won’t need the ZVOX remote control. The ZVOX
remote control provides adjustments of special audio
features and functions:

Input

The Z-Base 580 will automatically select whichever
audio input was last used. Use the
INPUT button to select a different input:

• Digital Input 1 - optical

• Digital Input 2 - coaxial

• Analog Input 1

• Analog Input 2

• Analog Input 3 (front panel minijack)

If the AC power is lost, it may be necessary to reselect the desired
input.

Volume and Mute

When the Mute function is activated,
the display will show -00-.

These controls will adjust the ZVOX Audio
volume and Mute even if you set up the
ZVOX Speaker to respond to a different
remote control.

Bass and Treble

The Bass control has a range from -8 to 4. The Treble control has a
range from -4 to 4.

Note: The bass output of
the Z-Base 580 is affected
by its position within a
room. You may find it
sounds best with slightly
more or less bass than the
neutral setting.

Surround Settings

There are three SURROUND levels:

• Surround One (“Sd 1”) has low virtual
surround effect and strong vocals. Use
this setting if vocal clarity is very important
to you.

• Surround Two (“Sd 2”) has moderate virtual
surround effect and moderate vocals. Most people prefer this
setting for most program material.

• Surround Three (“Sd 3”) has strong virtual surround effect
and moderate vocals. Many people prefer this setting when
watching movies.

Bass set at -2 Treble set at 1

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

Output Leveling

Press this button to prevent large changes in
volume. When engaged, it boosts quiet dialog
and lowers the output of loud commercial
breaks. It also reduces volume swings between
cable or satellite channels. This feature
can be used along with any of the three
Surround settings.

Dialog Emphasis

Press this button to engage a feature that
increases the clarity of most voices.

Pressing Dialog Emphasis overrides the
current Surround and Output Leveling setting.

A second press of Dialog Emphasis returns
the Z-Base 580 to the last-used Surround and
Output Leveling settings.

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

MUTE VOLUME INPUT

3B. Front Panel Controls and Input

MUTE/Power button. Press this button briefly to turn on the

1

system. When the system is on, you can press the button
briefly to mute the sound. The display shows -00- when
muted. Press briefly again to restore sound.

• The Z-Base 580 does not need to be turned “on” or “off”. It
will enter a low-power STANDBY state after about 5 minutes
of silence. You restore the Z-Base 580 to normal operation
whenever you press the Power, Volume Up/Down or Mute
buttons on your remote (after you have programmed the 580
to work with your remote – see separate sheet “Your Current
TV Remote Can Control Your ZVOX System.”)

• You can manually put the Z-Base 580 in STANDBY mode,
also. Press and hold the Front Panel MUTE button for about
four seconds.

VOLUME -/+. The volume range indication is 01 to 30.

2

INPUT. Press this button to select between the available audio

3

inputs.

AUDIO CONNECTING JACK. This 3.5 mm stereo minijack

4

can be used to connect an iPod®, MP3 player, portable CD
player or any other audio device. Use a “miniplug to miniplug”
cable to connect your device to the front panel input, then
switch to Input 3 using the remote control or the Input button
on the front panel.

1 2 3 4

5 6

3C. Other Rear Panel Connectors

Sub Out. This phono jack output supplies a full-frequency

5

range monaural analog audio signal for use with an external
powered subwoofer. When used with an external powered
subwoofer, set the Z-Base 580 BASS control to “0”. Set the
external powered subwoofer Low Pass control to 55-60 Hz.
Then adjust the output of the external subwoofer to achieve a
pleasing balance with the Z-Base 580.

Remote Control Input. This jack is reserved for ZVOX service

6

use.

4. Learning to use the Learning Remote

Please refer to our Guide, “Your TV Remote Can Control Your
ZVOX System.”

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby
and the Double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

ZVOX Z-Base 580

Setup & Operation

Don’t Worry It’s Pretty Easy.

STEP

STEP

STEP

STEP

Home Theater Made Simple!

ZVOX Sound System • Remote control • Owner’s guide

AC cord • Analog signal cable (RCA plugs to RCA plugs)

What’s In The Box

Great Sound Made Simple

Place The System
On Furniture.

1

Plug In One
Connecting Wire.

2

Plug It Into The Wall.

3

Learn To Use
The Remote.

4

®

READ THIS FIRST

Important Safety Instructions For ZVOX Z-Base 580 System

WARNING

• TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

• THIS APPLIANCE SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR
SPLASHING WATER AND NO OBJECT FILLED WITH LIQUIDS SUCH
AS VASES SHALL BE PLACED ON APPARATUS.

This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.

Special Safety Warnings Regarding Placement of Z-Base 580 and Other Equipment

Stable Placement. Do not place the Z-Base 580 on an

unstable cart, stand, bracket or table. The Z-Base 580 may
fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious
damage to the product. Do not use the Z-Base 580 on any
unstable surface.

less than 160 pounds, and with base dimensions of less than 35" in width and
less than 15" in depth, can be placed on top of the Z-Base 580—BUT ONLY
WHEN THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE STRICTLY OBSERVED.
PLACING A TV ON TOP OF THE Z-BASE 580 WITHOUT FOLLOWING ALL THE
PRECAUTIONS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE DONE.

Placement of a TV on the Z-Base 580. Televisions weighing

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRICAL

SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN

Warning: To reduce the risk of
electrical shock, do not remove
cover (or back) – no serviceable
parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power­supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. Grounding or Polarization–This product may be equipped with a
polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider
than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into
the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

Alternate Warnings–This product is equipped with a three-wire

grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug
will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature.
If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the grounding-type plug.

16. Ventilation–Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for
ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to
protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked
or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product
should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase
or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s
instructions have been adhered to.

17. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

18. CLASS II apparatus with double insulation, and no protective earth
provided.

• The television must weigh 160 pounds or less.

• The base of the TV, or the TV stand, must be 35" wide or less.

• The base of the TV, or the TV stand, must be 15" deep or less.

• The TV MUST be anchored to the rear wall using anchor bolts and

supporting cables supplied by the TV manufacturer, following the
installation guidelines provided by the TV manufacturer.

• Be sure to take measures to prevent the Z-Base 580 from becoming

uneven or unstable. Install the Z-Base 580 on a solid and flat surface.

The exclamation point
within an equilateral
triangle is intended to
alert the user to the
presence of important
operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the
literature accompanying
the appliance.

Simple Setup – Just Four Steps

1. Place the Z-Base 580 system.

2. Connect the Z-Base 580 to your TV and/or audio devices.

3. Learn the features and controls of the Z-Base 580.

4. “Teach” the Z-Base 580 to respond to your preferred remote.

1. Speaker placement

You can place the Z-Base 580 on any flat, stable surface near
your TV – but most people place the ZVOX system on a piece of
furniture, and then place their TV on top of the
ZVOX system.

• A safe installation is the ZVOX Audio system owner’s
responsibility.

• A TV heavier than 160 lbs should not be placed directly on top of
the Z-Base 580. Please confirm the pedestal base of the TV rests
securely on top of the Z-Base 580. No portion of the TV base
should extend beyond the edges of the top of the speaker.

• A flat panel TV has a high center of gravity. Please confirm the
furnishings supporting your TV and the ZVOX Audio speaker
are stable and secure. The surface supporting the ZVOX Audio
speaker/TV combination should not move in any direction.

• Most TV manufacturers recommend that a flat panel TV be
anchored to a secure vertical surface with a tether. This prevents
a household accident from causing a TV to fall off its supporting
surface. ZVOX Audio recommends you heed this and all
installation recommendations made by the TV manufacturer.

2. Connecting Your TV To The ZVOX System

A. Connect your cable box, DVD player, etc. to your TV the way

you normally do. You probably have a cable box or satellite
receiver, and a DVD or Bluray player connected to your TV. You
may also have a game console or VCR connected. Leave all
these sources connected to your TV’s
inputs – you don’t need to change
them. You should not need to connect
the audio output of any video source
directly to a ZVOX Audio speaker.

B. Connect the audio output of your

TV to the input of the ZVOX system.
Different TVs have different audio
output options. Check the back panel
of your TV for one of the following:

• Optical digital
audio output
(small square port,
often with a central cover flap)

• Coaxial digital audio output (single
RCA-style connecting jack).

• Analog audio output
(dual RCA-style connecting jacks ­red and white) – OR a single 3.5mm
“mini jack.”

• Some smaller TVs don’t have any
of the above connections, but do
have a headphone jack (3.5mm
mini jack).

If your TV has an optical digital output
jack, use an optical digital (toslink)
connecting cord to connect to the Optical digital input on the back

ZVOX Back Panel Connectors

of the ZVOX system.
If your TV has a coaxial digital

output jack, any phono plug to
phono plug connecting cable can
connect this jack to the coaxial
digital input jack on the Z-Base 580.

After making the signal
connection, connect the AC

Typical TV Back­Panel Connectors

Optical connecting cord