The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker has set a new standard in premium audio systems. It combines cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and high-quality sound, offering an unparalleled listening experience for audiophiles and design-conscious consumers.
This comprehensive review will dive into this luxurious wireless speaker’s features, specifications, and performance, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for your audio needs.
Quick Specs of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
- Maximum Output Power: 130 Watts
- Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- Audio Output Mode: Stereo
- Mounting Type: Tabletop Mount (wall mount option available separately)
- Voice Control: Amazon Alexa Built-in
- Streaming Support: Deezer, TIDAL, Qobuz, Soundcloud, and more
- Dimensions: 25.6” x 9.4” x 9.9”
- Weight: 4.3 kg (9.48 lbs)
Release Date of Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker continues a legacy that started with the original Zeppelin, which debuted in 2007. Since then, Bowers & Wilkins has enhanced the Zeppelin’s design and features, offering users more convenience and improved sound quality. The new Zeppelin version integrates seamlessly with modern streaming services, delivers high-resolution audio, and maintains the same iconic design synonymous with superior sound quality.
Unboxing the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
Opening the box of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is an experience in itself. The packaging is as premium as the product inside. Upon lifting the lid, you’re greeted with the speaker wrapped securely, with each accessory carefully organized to ensure safety during transport.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Zeppelin wireless speaker itself
- A power cable
- A user manual
- A wall mount bracket (sold separately)
- Setup instructions
The first impression is elegance; the Zeppelin’s sleek design and premium materials stand out immediately.
Design, Display, and Controls of Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker sports an iconic, elliptical design with smooth curves and clean lines that evoke luxury. Its substantial size is balanced by a sleek, modern appearance, making it a stunning centerpiece in any room. The dimmable ambient lighting beneath the speaker creates a soft halo effect, adding a touch of elegance to its overall aesthetic.
On the back of the Zeppelin, you’ll find the controls: power, volume adjustment, and inputs for various connectivity options. The speaker’s control interface is straightforward and intuitive, making it easy for users to adjust the settings without constantly referring to a manual.
Differences Between Sizes and Variants
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker currently comes in one size, though it’s large enough to deliver room-filling sound without needing an additional subwoofer. There are no additional variants for this model. Still, the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Series offers multi-room audio options for creating a more immersive experience across multiple rooms.
While the Zeppelin is versatile enough for any setting, those seeking more compact options for smaller spaces might consider other Bowers & Wilkins speakers like the Formation Flex.
Available Colors
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker has a sleek, modern Space Grey finish. Its minimalistic color scheme complements almost any décor, whether you place it on a bookshelf, table, or wall. Its sophisticated design allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of interior styles, from contemporary to traditional.
Features of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is loaded with cutting-edge features that elevate the listening experience. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this speaker stand out:
Premium Sound Quality
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker delivers high-fidelity, room-filling sound through a carefully designed array of premium drive units. This includes:
- 2x 1″ Double Dome Tweeters: These tweeters deliver crisp and clear high frequencies, ensuring that treble notes are sharp and detailed without distortion.
- 2x 3.5″ FST Midrange Drivers: The FST (Fixed Suspension Transducer) drivers are engineered to produce precise, accurate midrange sounds, enhancing vocals, dialogue, and instrumental tones.
- 1x 6″ Subwoofer: This powerful subwoofer provides deep, rich bass, ensuring complete, dynamic, low-frequency sounds and balancing the overall sound profile.
These drive units, shared with reference-grade Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers, contribute to an immersive sound experience with exceptional depth, clarity, and balance.
High-Resolution Audio
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker supports 24-bit high-resolution audio streaming from premium music services like TIDAL, Qobuz, and Deezer. This feature ensures that users experience music with the highest fidelity, capturing every sound detail. For audiophiles, this feature guarantees that the sound quality remains true to the original recording, with no loss in detail or clarity.
Wireless Streaming with Multiple Options
The Zeppelin supports various wireless streaming protocols, giving users multiple ways to connect and stream their music. These options include:
- Apple AirPlay 2: This feature enables seamless streaming from Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs, for easy playback.
- Bluetooth aptX Adaptive provides stable, high-quality audio streaming from Bluetooth-enabled devices with minimal latency and improved sound quality.
Spotify Connect: Allows direct streaming from the Spotify app without keeping your phone connected to the speaker, offering convenience and ease of use.
Voice Control Integration with Amazon Alexa
With Amazon Alexa built-in, the Zeppelin becomes a smart speaker that you can control using only your voice. This means you can easily:
- Ask Alexa to play your favorite song, album, or playlist.
- Control the volume, skip tracks, or pause music with a simple voice command.
- It allows you to access various skills, such as weather, news, or control compatible smart home devices, making it a versatile addition to your home.
This integration makes the Zeppelin a hands-free, intuitive experience, especially for users who appreciate voice control and automation.
Multi-Room Audio Capability
The Zeppelin is part of the Bowers & Wilkins Formation ecosystem, which allows users to create a multi-room audio setup. You can pair multiple Zeppelin speakers or mix and match with other Formation Series products (such as the Formation Flex or Formation Wedge) to stream audio throughout your entire home. The Bowers & Wilkins Music App makes it easy to manage the speakers in different rooms, allowing you to synchronize music across the house or set different music in each room.
This feature mainly benefits those who want consistent sound quality across their living space, enhancing the listening experience in every room.
Built-in Streaming Services
In addition to the leading streaming protocols, the Zeppelin has access to various music services via its dedicated Bowers & Wilkins Music App. The app allows you to stream:
- TIDAL for high-fidelity audio.
- Qobuz for lossless streaming.
- Deezer for a broad catalog of music.
- SoundCloud for discovering new artists and tracks.
- FM for tracking and discovering music.
This range of services provides users with an expansive library of content that can be accessed with the touch of a button or voice command.
Sleek and Iconic Design
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker features an elegant, elliptical design synonymous with Bowers & Wilkins. The sleek, curvy shape is aesthetically pleasing and designed to fit seamlessly into any living room or home office. The speaker can be placed on a tabletop or mounted on the wall using a wall bracket (sold separately).
In addition to its physical beauty, the Zeppelin includes dimmable ambient lighting beneath the speaker. This lighting creates a soft, halo effect that adds to the visual appeal, particularly in dimly lit environments. The design focuses on a premium, minimalist look, making it a statement piece in any home.
Upgradeability and Future-Proofing
The Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is built to stay current with the latest streaming technology. It’s an upgradeable platform, which means that as new music services and features are introduced, the speaker can support them via software updates. This ensures that your investment remains relevant for years to come, keeping you up-to-date with the latest innovations in wireless audio.
In 2022, for example, the Zeppelin adopted multi-room audio functionality, allowing it to integrate even more seamlessly with other Bowers & Wilkins products. This level of future-proofing makes the speaker an excellent long-term investment.
Convenient App Control
The Bowers & Wilkins Music App gives users complete control over the Zeppelin speaker, enabling features like:
- Volume control
- Track selection
- Sound settings adjustment
- Music source management
This app allows you to effortlessly navigate through your music library, switch between services, and control the speaker from your phone or tablet, enhancing the overall user experience.
Easy Setup
Setting up the Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is a breeze. The speaker uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity, ensuring you can quickly connect to your devices. The Bowers & Wilkins Music App guides you through the process step-by-step, making it easy for users to get up and running without hassle.
The intuitive controls on the back of the speaker (volume buttons, power button, and connection ports) simplify the setup process and ensure that everything is in place from the moment you unbox the product.
Price and Availability
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is a premium product with a corresponding price tag. It retails for $799, which places it at the higher end of the wireless speaker market. While it is an investment, its sound quality, design, and advanced features make it worth the price for audiophiles and those seeking a high-end audio experience.
The Zeppelin can be purchased directly from Bowers & Wilkins’ website or significant electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Crutchfield.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Zeppelin Wireless Speaker Comparison
Compared to other high-end wireless speakers, such as the Sonos Five, Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1, and JBL Boombox 2, the Zeppelin stands out in design, sound quality, and feature set. Its multi-room capability, voice control, and high-res audio support place it ahead of competitors like Sonos regarding premium features. However, its price point may be a consideration for some buyers.
Is it Worth Buying the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker?
For those who prioritize sound quality, design, and advanced features, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is worth the investment. It’s perfect for audiophiles who want to enjoy their music with the highest fidelity and the most immersive sound possible. Whether streaming from your favorite music services or listening to podcasts, Zeppelin’s clear, dynamic audio will elevate your experience.
If you’re looking for a multi-room audio system or simply want a speaker that combines premium sound with modern functionality, the Zeppelin will exceed your expectations. It’s a luxurious and future-proof solution for those wishing the best in-home audio.
Conclusion
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker offers an exceptional listening experience with hi-res sound, premium design, and advanced features. With Alexa integration, multi-room capabilities, and support for high-resolution audio streaming, it’s a top contender for anyone looking for a high-end wireless speaker. While it may come at a premium price, the Zeppelin’s performance and design justify the investment. Whether you’re an audiophile or want an elegant addition to your home, the Zeppelin speaker delivers on both style and substance.
FAQs: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker Review
How do I connect the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin to my device?
You can connect the Zeppelin via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or Wi-Fi. Here’s how:
- Bluetooth: Turn on Bluetooth on your device, select “Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin” from the available devices, and pair.
- AirPlay 2: Ensure your device is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Zeppelin, then select it in the AirPlay menu on your Apple device.
- Wi-Fi: Use the Bowers & Wilkins Music app to set up the Zeppelin with your Wi-Fi network.
Can I use the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin with a voice assistant?
Yes, the Zeppelin supports voice assistants like Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa through AirPlay 2 and third-party integration. You can control the speaker with voice commands, depending on the ecosystem you're using.
Does the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin support multi-room audio?
Yes, the Zeppelin is compatible with AirPlay 2, which allows you to set up multi-room audio with compatible Apple devices. You can play synchronized music across multiple rooms or speakers.
What audio formats does the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin support?
The Zeppelin supports a wide range of high-quality audio formats, including:
- Lossless streaming via AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth aptX for higher quality wireless audio streaming
- Spotify Connect, Tidal, and other streaming services via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app
How many drivers does the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin have?
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin features six drivers:
- Two bass drivers
- Two midrange drivers
- Two tweeters
These drivers work together to produce detailed, immersive sound across all frequencies.
