Sound quality:
ZVOX's AccuVoice AV157 has mediocre 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 SD1 Surround mode and AC1 AccuVoice mode and OL off mode the bass has decent impact but is a bit prominent, somewhat tubby and the deepest bass is lacking. Also, depending on content can become compressed. Midrange is hazy, somewhat grainy, plasticky, "telephone-like" sounding, a bit nasal, congested and etched. Treble is subdued, dry and mid and upper treble is lacking. It doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and sounds congested.
Note: SD1 (Surround mode 1) is the most balanced and was used for the test, SD2 gets bassy and muffled, SD3 more muffled and bassy. The two channel sound field height extends a bit above but not much beyond the width of the speaker array and the depth is flat. Individual instruments and voices can be identified, but sound two dimensional.
Multi-channel
The various sound modes have minimal effect, but voice enhancement have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Voice Clarity feature
The AccuVoice feature has a noticeable effect at enhancing voice content. However, while it makes the vocal midrange prominent, it can sound harsh and shrill; the higher the AccuVoice level the louder, harsher, and shriller it gets. It has 6 AccuVoice levels plus 6 more Supervoice levels.
TV ease of use: Acceptable overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
