Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin audio system 2021: easy streaming and multi-room
Bowers & Wilkins has released an updated Zeppelin audio system. The speaker with the recognizable design, which first appeared in 2007, in this iteration has become much smarter and more convenient, and the sound, according to the press release, acquired a higher resolution and became more detailed and dynamic.
The updated Zeppelin is based on a full-fledged stereo system: the central part of the body is occupied by a low-frequency driver, on each side of which there are one mid-frequency and one high-frequency speaker. The total system power is 240 W. The speakers are positioned to fill the entire room with music.
The cabinet itself is designed to minimize interference with the sound of each speaker and ensure perfect dispersion. The inch tweeters are taken from the 600 Anniversary speaker and are mechanically decoupled from the main body. The middle is the responsibility of 90mm FST speakers, which are also found in the older 800 Diamond line. And the 150 mm woofer is new, and it is installed so as not to swing the body, but at the same time to play cleanly, quickly and deeply.
The streaming functionality of the new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin audio system includes support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth with support for the aptX Adaptive codec. The proprietary Bowers & Wilkins Music app also opens access to other streaming services – Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, Soundcloud, Tidal and TuneIn, and the developers promise to add to this list. There is no wired connection to the system – there is only an input for the power cable and a USB-C service connector.
Smart functionality is presented by the built-in voice assistant Alexa: you can talk to the speaker. And in 2022, Bowers & Wilkins plans to add Zeppelin multi-room functionality that will link the system to other Zeppelin and Formation devices. Moreover, the company assures that the system is designed for the future and will be regularly updated.
The new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin audio system is available in two colors – dark gray and pearl gray. Both versions went on sale October 13 and are priced at around $1,000.
