Bowers & Wilkins has launched a new generation of its Zeppelin speaker, now designed for the streaming age as well as featuring multiple upgrades.
Zeppelin was first introduced in 2007 as the ultimate iPod dock and has seen several new generations released since. Fifteen years after the original release, Bowers & Wilkins has completely redesigned Zeppelin, which is now available in two finishes – one dark (midnight grey) and one light (pearl grey) – which also includes switchable, dimmable ambient lighting to create a ‘halo’ lighting effect on to its metal pedestal stand.
The speaker has been completely redesigned to cater to the streaming era. Featuring both AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, allowing iOs and Android users to stream music from mobile devices, tablets or computers. The new Zeppelin also features Spotify Connect, making it easy and convenient for Spotify users to listen to their audio with high-quality sound.
Zeppelin can also be controlled via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, giving users instant access to a host of streaming services including Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, Soundcloud, TIDAL, and TuneIn. More services are being added regularly.
The latest generation of Zeppelin is a complete stereo system in one component, featuring dedicated left and right speaker assemblies around a central, large subwoofer, all powered by 240W of amplification.
Its premium components are mounted in an ultra-rigid, FEA-optimised enclosure that is carefully sculpted to ensure the best possible acoustic performance, with minimal material around the edges of each drive unit to enhance sound dispersion. The improvements result in room-filling stereo sound.
Originally featured in the award-winning 600 Anniversary Series, the new Zeppelin has two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters mounted at the far edges of the enclosure and are fully isolates from vibrations running through the cabinet generated by other, larger drive units. This also creates a wide, spacious and accurate sound.
Found in all of the Bowers & Wilkins’ premium floorstanding speakers, including the new reference 800 Series Diamond speakers which are used as monitors in Abbey Road Studios, the new Zeppelin features 90mm midrange drivers using the company’s proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer (FSTTM) technology.
A new 150mm subwoofer has been added, to add deep, detailed and refined bass. The subwoofer has been carefully optimised to avoid unwanted ‘rocking’ of the cabinet as it operates by being mounted at the heart of the Zeppelin’s structure, resulting in a cleaner sounding and more agile bass delivery.
The new Zeppelin speaker offers Alexa built-in meaning that users do not need any external components to operate the service. Zeppelin can be operated through Alexa’s voice control or through the physical buttons on the top rear of its enclosure.
Made to last, the Zeppelin’s powerful digital ‘brain’ can be upgraded over time, with multiroom capability planned for introduction in early 2022. That will make the Zeppelin compatible with both other new Zeppelins in a multiroom environment or a multiroom system based on Bowers & Wilkins own Formation range of high-resolution wireless speakers.
The Zeppelin is available from today (13 October) in Midnight Grey or Pearl Grey priced at £699 / €799 / $799.