need something to replace built in LCDTV speakers?

I tried plugging in a pair of powered studio monitors via the TV's audio out RCA's and it produced ugly continuous background hum. Loud enough to be annoying, can anyone comment on that?

Also, from all the reseach, seems like the Zvox would be the best choice, since that humm with the powered studio monitors (JBL professional grade) was scary to me. Also tried hooking it directly to the cable box - same issue.

Ge7,

One pair of powered monitors I own hum if they are plugged into different outlets. If they are plugged into the same outlet or into a power conditioner (which is plugged into one outlet), they don't hum.

Just saw this thread. I use a pair of Audioengine 5 powered monitors - really excellent, audiophile quality $325 the pair with all connections.

Just connect with a decent pair of interconnects from the analog outs on the TV and set the TV to external speakers. The monitors go on and off automatically and work with the TV remote just like the TV's built in speakers.

I put them on a cheap $32 pair of 16" stands in front of the TV. Yes they are very apparent but it's worth it for the fine sound. No need for a subwoofer, they have really strong deep bass - I even needed to put a rag in the bass port to reduce the bass. Couldn't be happier with them

I had $700 ZVOX 575 and $100 VIZIO VSB200 at the same time. The sound quality is pretty much the same. The dialogue on ZVOX is slightly more intelligible. But the out of phase surround effect is much better on VIZIO. Both units are equally easy to use. You need to buy a mini-to-RCA cable and connect audio out from your TV to the soundbar. Then the soundbar takes over the TV's speaker.