Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Reborn for 2021
First introduced in 2007, the Zeppelin was a statement piece from Bowers & Wilkins. You can read our StereoNET review of the Zeppelin Wireless (2016) here. In 2021, it has been reborn to be better sounding, better looking, and smarter than ever. Read
Said to be reimagined for the streaming age, the 2021 Zeppelin is available in two finishes - Midnight Grey and Pearl Grey. It also now includes switchable, dimmable ambient lighting to create a 'halo' lighting effect on its metal pedestal stand.
The completely redesigned Zeppelin is a complete stereo system in one component, with dedicated left and right speaker assemblies around a central, large subwoofer, all powered by 240W of amplification.
According to the company, the ultra-rigid, FEA-optimised enclosure has been carefully sculpted to ensure the best possible acoustic performance, with minimal material around the edges of each drive unit for outstanding sound dispersion. "The result is room-filling stereo sound no single-box rival can match."
The driver complement includes two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters – as found in the award-winning 600 Anniversary Series. The tweeters are paired with 90mm midrange drivers using Bowers & Wilkins proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer (FSTTM) technology, as used in all the company's premium floor-standing speakers, including the reference 800 Series Diamond.
Rounding out the drivers and reinforcing the lower frequencies is a new 150mm subwoofer mounted centrally at the heart of the Zeppelin's structure. Its design is carefully optimised to avoid unwanted 'rocking' of the cabinet as it operates, which B&W says "results in a cleaner-sounding and more agile bass delivery."
Did we mention it's now smarter? By combining proven drive unit technology with its new high-resolution streaming platform, the Zeppelin 2020 is the best yet. You can stream music from your iOS or Android phone, tablet or computer, and there's support for AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth support.
Spotify fans will enjoy the inclusion of Spotify Connect, ensuring both high-quality sound and convenient, easy operation. The 2021 Zeppelin can also be controlled via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, which gives instant access to a host of streaming services, including Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, Soundcloud, TIDAL and TuneIn. More services are being added regularly.
Thanks to the inclusion of Alexa, you can ask for the song you want to hear, and your Zeppelin will oblige. Physical buttons can also operate the Zeppelin on the top rear of its enclosure. B&W says the Zeppelin's powerful digital 'brain' can also be upgraded over time, with multi-room capability planned for introduction in early 2022. That will make the Zeppelin compatible with other Zeppelins in a multiroom environment or a multiroom system based on Bowers & Wilkins own Formation range of high-resolution wireless speakers.
The 2021 Zeppelin is available now for $799.
For more information visit Bowers & Wilkins
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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