Q. We are unsophisticated television viewers searching for a solution to a persistent, annoying problem. We have a Sony Bravia television connected to a Sonos Beam soundbar. When watching sports, the noise from the crowd plus the sound from the field is so loud that we need to turn the volume up to hear the announcers. But when we can hear the announcers, the volume is just way too loud. Any suggestions?

—R.R., Moraga, California

A. You have phrased the most common question sent to the column (TV sound, and dialogue that cannot be heard) in a very precise way. The problem lies with the broadcaster's audio mixing, and what you want to do is raise the voices above the rest of the sound so you can hear them easily. I have always recommended ZVOX products as the best answer to this vexing problem, and I recently had firsthand experience that confirmed what an ideal solution it is for much of the viewing public.

My girlfriend and her siblings decided to get their father a new 65-inch television for Christmas. Obviously I was consulted before they made the purchase, and in addition to the television I strongly (very strongly!) suggested they also get him a ZVOX AV455 soundbar. On New Year's Eve I visited to set everything up. The first thing we watched was the Fiesta Bowl, and with the AV455 providing the sound things were exactly the way they are meant to be. Everything was easy to hear, and the AccuVoice feature raised the voices above the rest of the sound so watching and enjoying the game was effortless. There was not a single complaint and no one ever asked that the volume be changed or thought the commercials were too loud. (The ZVOX has volume-leveling to tame loud commercials, as well.)

Recent ZVOX products have focused on dialogue and overall television clarity more than home theater performance and hi-fi sound quality. They are still far superior to a television's built-in speakers, and in fact we watched "Top Gun: Maverick" after the game and the sound was very satisfying. Still, ZVOX realized more could be done and set out to create an AccuVoice soundbar that performs like a specialized home theater soundbar. The new AV855 is the result of their efforts, with 20 levels of AccuVoice voice boost combined with impressive sonic performance.

The AV855 soundbar feels like it is made from a solid block of brushed black metal and is less than 2 inches high, even with the built-in subwoofers. Sonically it does exactly what ZVOX intended, combining vocal clarity with pristine, clear, tonally rich sound quality. The AV855 shares the HDMI-ARC connection of the AV455, which means your TV remote will turn the soundbar on and off and control the volume if you connect it to the television's HDMI-ARC connection. It is seamless, works perfectly and you don't have to program or juggle multiple remotes.

ZVOX has a special offer for the AV855 launch. Until Feb. 9 the code SAVE$100 reduces the $369.99 price to $269.99 on zvox.com, with free shipping and a 60-day home trial with your money back if not satisfied. That's only $40 more than the current AV455 sale price, and the difference is well worth it. When I first listened to the AV855, unless I cranked it up I had to remind myself I wasn't listening to the $1,700 soundbar system I use as my reference.

This is just in time for the college and professional football playoff season. There will be some excellent television bargains coming in the next few weeks as well. Stay tuned!

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