Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Reborn for 2021
Bowers & Wilkins' Zeppelin may have reverted to its 2007 single-worded moniker, but this all-new speaker is packed with up-to-date tech.
The B&W Zeppelin speaker initially landed as the ultimate iPod dock, and then as the Zeppelin Air and Zeppelin Wireless that dropped the smartphone holder in 2011 and 2015, respectively - as reviewed here.
Bowers & Wilkins states that the 2021 Zeppelin is better-sounding, better-looking and smarter than ever.
The 2021 B&W Zeppelin focuses on wireless streaming demoting the USB-C socket to merely updating duties. The Zeppelin is compatible with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The former enables multi-room functionality with other speakers supporting Apple's wireless connection. However, we are told that Bowers & Wilkins will add multi-room support (not inclusive of stereo pairing) for other Zeppelins and products within its Formation range next year.
Additionally, the hi-res audio-friendly aptX Adaptive Bluetooth is onboard, also found in Bowers & Wilkins' latest headphones.
The Bowers & Wilkins Music App hands you access to music streaming services such as TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, Soundcloud and TuneIn. Alexa voice control is built-in for hands-free operation, too. We are told that more services are being added regularly.
Naturally, this wireless streaming speaker comes into its own through its driver tech borrowed from its famous two-channel creations.
The new Zeppelin boasts two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters (as found in the British speaker maker's 600 Anniversary Series) buddied by 90mm midrange drivers benefitting from the proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer (FSTTM) technology used in the company's high-end floorstanders, such as the reference 800 Series Diamond.
Bringing in the low-frequencies is a centrally mounted 150mm subwoofer which, says Bowers, is optimised to avoid unwanted 'rocking' of the cabinet as it operates, resulting in a cleaner-sounding and more agile bass delivery. These drivers are pushed along by 240 watts of amplification in total.
The new Zeppelin is available in two finishes, one dark (midnight grey) and one light (pearl grey) and now includes switchable, dimmable ambient lighting to create a 'halo' lighting effect on its metal pedestal stand.
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is available now in Midnight Grey or Pearl Grey for £699/ €799.
Visit Bowers & Wilkins for more information
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
Posted in: Lifestyle
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