REVIEW – It has been almost six years since I tested and reviewed the Zvox AccuVoice AV203 SoundBar TV Speaker with Hearing Aid Technology. back then I was very impressed by its ability to bring voice and dialogue forward so that it is clear and seems to be in front of the rest of the sound. It has worked so well, that it is still connected to the TV my son watches and plays his PS5 on. Recently, my wife has been complaining that she cannot hear the dialogue in some of the movies and shows she watches on the TV in our bedroom, so I was quite happy when I got the chance to review this ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker.
What is it?
The ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker is designed to lift voices out of background noises and clarify them using digital algorithms. It features two levels of AccuVoice boost and output leveling to tame loud commercials.
What’s included?
- 1 x ZVOX AV120 TV Speaker
- 1 x Remote Control
- 1 x Optical Cable
- 1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable
- 2 x AAA Batteries
- 1 x AC Adapter
- 1 x User Manual
Design and features
- Patented technology lifts voices out of background noises and then clarifies them using digital algorithms.
- Stream music or podcasts from your phone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth.
- It is small enough to fit just about anywhere.
- Two levels of AccuVoice boost.
- Output leveling feature tames loud commercials
- Simple to install – one connecting wire.
- The new remote control uses large, easy-to-read buttons.
The ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker is lightweight and designed in the normal form factor of a soundbar. It is made primarily from plastic. The speakers are under a grille on the front and the connections are on the back. On the bottom, are some small rubber feet designed to protect any surface where it is placed. A full-function remote control is included.
Performance
The ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker is easy to set up. I plugged in the AC adapter and in my case, since my TV has an Optical Out port, I used the included optical cable to connect the two.
Important note from ZVOX: For the best performance, use your TV’s Menu to set audio output to “PCM Audio”. Go to Menu…Sound…Expert/Additional Settings… Digital Audio Format – choose PCM (or “stereo” or 2-channel”).
If your TV does not have an Optical Out port, here are some additional connectivity options:
So far, my wife has been mostly happy with the ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker primarily because of the ability of the Accuvoice feature. The surround sound modes are ok but IMHO would be more enjoyable if I could connect a Subwoofer. My wife tends to listen to the TV with the volume pretty high and this speaker is not very loud at maximum volume even for me. Otherwise, I am happy with the device.
What I like about the ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker
- It is lightweight and compact
- It comes with everything needed to start using it out of the box
- The Accuvoice option works well
- The full-function remote control
- The volume output leveling for those loud commercials
What needs to be improved?
- It needs a built-in subwoofer connection option
- It needs to be a bit louder
Final thoughts
The ZVOX Accuvoice AV120 TV Speaker is a small compact speaker that provides two levels of clarity for vocals. I like that it can bring voices to the front so I am not straining to hear dialogue. The speaker could do with a bit more range in volume and a dedicated subwoofer port.
Price: $119.99
Where to buy: ZVOX website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by ZVOX. ZVOX did not have a final say on the review and did not preview this review before it was published.
