Get a Zvox 325 single-cabinet surround-sound system for $219.99
If you're not happy with the sound coming from your TV's built-in speakers (and, trust me, you're not), you'll love this compact yet powerful alternative.
My unofficial goal this week is to post only items that won't sell out. Yesterday's $25 American Express credit, for example.
Today, let's talk actual products. If you're willing to brave the crowds this Friday, you might come away with something like a 42-inch HDTV for $199.99 or a 24-inch HDTV for $79.99--both of which are among the "doorbusters" at Best Buy. (I take back what I said about this year's Black Friday; there are some deals to be had!)
Of course, as I've mentioned many times before, the speakers built into most TVs range from awful to atrocious. Some kind of supplemental sound system is all but essential.
I'm a big, big fan of Zvox's single-cabinet speakers, and here's a rare deal on one: the Zvox 325 home-theater sound system for $219.99 shipped. That's only a $30 price break, but this is one of those items that's worth the money.
Update: Whoa! Eagle-eyed reader CantComeUpWithOne found the Zvox 325 at Sears for $181.11 shipped free (with coupon code realjoy). Sales tax will apply in most states. Even so, a tip of my hat to you for smoking my deal!
The 325 is the little guy of the Zvox line, compact enough to sit on a shelf or squeeze into any cabinet. It's about the same width and depth as a cable box or DVD player. But its size belies its capabilities: the 325 packs in three full-range speakers and a subwoofer, which combine to produce rich, full, room-filling virtual surround sound. (That said, this model is definitely intended for smaller rooms, like dens and bedrooms.)
It connects to your TV via whatever analog audio output is available. And, yes, there's the rub: this isn't a digital sound system. But I guarantee you it'll be a vast improvement over the speakers built into your TV--which, let's face it, are also analog.
What makes me so sure? I own a slightly larger Zvox, and it's a vast improvement over the speakers built into my Westinghouse HDTV. Vast. Can't recommend these things highly enough. If you're willing to splurge a bit, you won't be disappointed.
Bonus deal: While supplies last, Ben's Outlet has the refurbished Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote for $44.99 shipped--one of the best prices I've ever seen for a Harmony with a color LCD. (This item may indeed sell out.) And in case you're wondering, my Harmony works splendidly with my Zvox!