REVIEW – Over the years, I have purchased and listened to many soundbars. I still have my Yamaha SoundBar that I purchased for almost $2k, and that was over 10 years ago. My living room Tv is without one, and sometimes the TV speakers do not reproduce the dialogue clearly so that the words separate from the other noises and allow me to understand all that is being said. The Zvox AccuVoice AV203 Sound Bar TV Speaker with Hearing Aid Technology promises to do just that. Let’s see how this test turned out.
What is it?
The AccuVoice AV203 is a dialogue enhancement speaker that offers six levels of voice boost using patented hearing aid technology. Each new level delivers stronger dialogue emphasis while minimizing the non-vocal parts of the soundtrack.
What’s in the box
1 x AccuVoice AV203 Sound Bar TV Speaker with Hearing Aid Technology
1 x Optical Audio Cable
1 x Remote Control
1 x AC Adapter
1 x Instruction Booklet
1 x Warranty/Support Leaflet
1 x RCA Audio cable
1 x 1/8’ Audio cable
Design and features
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 17″ W x 3.1″ D x 2.9″ H
• Weight: 2.8 pounds. With box and packing: 4.9 pounds.
• Amplifier: high-efficiency 24-watt Class D digital amplifier.
• Rear inputs: (1) (Toslink) digital input, (1) analog/digital 3.5mm input, (1) headphone/subwoofer 3.5mm output.
• Three full-range speakers.
• Includes hanger slots on back panel for wall-mounting.
• 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
• One year limited parts and labor warranty.
On the front of the soundbar, there is a speaker grille that goes from on end to the other with a < .05″ bezel on each side. The brand name is in the center.
At the back of the soundbar, there are 4 input jacks. From left to right as shown below: AC Power Jack; Optical Digital Input; Headphone or Subwoofer Output; Optical/Analog Input.
On the left side of the soundbar, there is a manual control pad that allows you to power on/off and to raise or lower the volume.
Performance
This soundbar performs very well and makes it so very easy to hear the dialogue over other background sounds. The front of the soundbar has a mesh type grille, with the branding in the center and the LED display underneath the grille on the right. Once you connect to power, you can use the remote control or the manual buttons on the side to turn it on/off or to manipulate the volume. The display shows the command you choose.
Once powered on, you can select the input that you used by clicking on the input button on the remote. The input selections show on the display.
The AccuVoice sound selection goes from AC 1 to AC 6, with each selection raising the dialogue presence and lowering all other background sounds. This includes lows, mids, and highs, so you would make your selection based on what you are watching. For example, if watching a musical show, I choose AC 1 to leave the lows, mids, and highs as very present. For a movie that is focused on the dialogue, I choose from AC 3 to AC 6 depending on how much clarity I want/need. The voice enhancement versus the lowering of the background noise is gradual per each selection.
You can use the remote control or the control buttons on the side to raise or lower the volume. The volume level shows on the display.
As you can see from the picture of the remote control, there are additional features like virtual surround sound, etc. You can read about all of the features on the Zvox website.
What I like
- The compact and non-intrusive design
- The build quality
- The sound
- The connectivity options
- The ease of installation and use
What can be improved
- For my personal use, I can’t think of anything
Final thoughts
After listening to many soundbars including expensive ones and many that are deemed to be of audiophile quality, I had my doubts about this AccuVoice AV203 SoundBar. It is much smaller than my expensive Yamaha soundbar that boasts something like 50 drivers, and the Yamaha really does sound great especially when watching movies with a ton for background sound effects. However, the Accuvoice turned out to be the perfect fit for my living room TV, and unlike my Yamaha, the ability to manipulate the sound via the selections to actually produce exceptionally clear dialogue is quite amazing and pleasing to me. Since it also includes the ability to add a subwoofer should I choose to, I have no complaints. I give this device two thumbs way up!!!!
Price: $269.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Zvox.
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I have been using one since 2013 the Sound Base 530. The sound base speakers have has a deeper Low and clearer center channel then the sound bar speakers. Since that 503 series, the newer 670 and 770 area definate improvement.