Boston Acoustics TVee Model 20: Great Sound for a Big Screen

We first told you about Boston Acoustics' highly praised TVee Model 20 soundbar/subwoofer loudspeaker system when it was unveiled at CES in January. Worthy enough for a second look, we decided to dig a little bit deeper to tell you more about what this soundbar/subwoofer speaker system has to offer.

With the new plasma and LCD flat panel sets becoming thinner and thinner, there is very little room left inside for the loudspeaker. You would be amazed to know that the loudspeakers in some of these sets are not much bigger around than a quarter. After all, how big can a loudspeaker be and still fit in a ¼" wide LCD panel? That's why you often get a great picture from one of these stylish, thin sets but awful sound. Most people will agree that good sound and a good picture are both important and manufacturers have attempted various solutions to overcome this problem.

Boston Acoustics is well known as one of the top names in the audio field. After much research and development the company introduced its new TVee Model 20, which is perhaps one of the best solutions for getting great sound from your new TV in an unobtrusive and affordable manner. The TVee Model 20 loudspeaker system combines a slim soundbar that can easily fit under most flat-panel sets along with a wireless subwoofer to give you powerful room-filling bass. Great bass makes a huge difference when watching an engrossing TV show or movie, and with the subwoofer being wireless you don't need to have wires running all over the place. All you need to do is plug the subwoofer in any nearby electrical outlet. Simple enough.

Being "the best" includes not only the best sound, but also at the best price. Boston Acoustics delivers a real steal since this new model costs only $299.

How do they do it? The march of technology is a marvelous thing for consumers. Just a few years ago a good laptop computer cost $3000, now you can get one for $600 that will run circles around that $3000 model. The same is true in this case. Boston Acoustics' highly regarded engineering team was tasked with developing a high-quality loudspeaker system while always keeping performance and "value engineering" at the forefront. The team delivered a new type of sophisticated driver technology (with a sophisticated name to match: Hyperbolic High Rigidity Transducer or "HHRT") which enables this price/performance breakthrough. The light and rigid cone uses a new and highly complex shape to reduce distortion, widen the sweet spot, and enhance dynamic performance. The system's wireless subwoofer's 6-inch down firing bass driver complements the rich audio experience delivered by the soundbar's state-of-the-art, full range drivers. The total system power is 100 watts (RMS).

As an added value, the TVee Model 20 also has an integrated remote Learning Function. The Model 20 learns the signal coming from your existing remote. This means that you don't have to add yet another remote control to your collection. Another little touch that's appreciated.

Best suited for displays of 32" and larger, the TVee Model 20 is simple to set up. The soundbar connects to your TV's audio output and can be placed on a flat surface just below the television, or mounted on the wall – your choice.

We have tested a number of soundbars over the last few years that cost up to $1200, but the new TVee Model 20 is the real deal. If you get a chance, be sure to check it out. It's available now at Best Buy for $299.99.

JDL