ZVOX 325 (surround sound speaker)

Pros: + Sound is clear, rich and bassy
+ Very easy set up
+ Noticeable sound improvement
+ Small footprint
+ Impressive stereo effect
+ Decent bass

Cons: - There is no feedback from your volume control on the remote

Summary: I bought this after reading so many excellent reviews and felt I had to add my own. I wanted a bit more oomph out of my TV, with the possibility of fake surround sound but without the hassle. Well, I got most of that. The sound is clear, rich and bassy without being over-powering. The 'virtual surround sound' is slightly stretching it, though there is a definite expansiveness to the sound. Pandora played through the TV via my Roku sounds like a top-notch stereo system. I played around last night with a few sound-worthy DVDS - 'Star Wars' & 'Avatar' - and although I didn't hear tie fighters behind me, the stereo effect from this single device is impressive. Even OTA TV has more depth to it now.

The subwoofer and the phase cue (the 'surround sound' effect) can both be adjusted manually, and I'm sure I will be playing around with these a lot until I've found the sweet spot. Music can sound a little echoey if the effect is too far apart, but not noticeably stereo enough for films. My TV remote works well enough for volume that I don't see the need for the separate remote. Apart from the faux surround sound effect, my only gripe is that the subwoofer control is at the back - not sure why, and slightly annoying.

In summary, this system has a whole lot of good things going for it: very easy set up; noticeable sound improvement; small footprint; impressive stereo effect; decent bass. You can even plug in your MP3 player - and they supply the cable for that too! (An added bonus - I assumed I would have to go out and buy that.) Highly recommended.

*** P.S. If you will buy the ZVOX 325 I suggest for best deal at: www.amazon.com/exec/******/****/B001LMB79O/cnet-offer-20