One of the most iconic designs in home Hi-Fi, the Zeppelin wireless speaker from Bowers & Wilkins, is flying again.
But while the original, launched by B&W in 2007, had a built-in iPod dock, this new iteration is fully equipped for streaming music services, has Amazon Alexa built-in, and boasts a host of other improvements designed for better audio performance.
The new Zeppelin is equipped with aptX Adaptive Bluetooth. Apple users get to play with Airplay 2. There are no physical inputs.
The new Zep is still built around a stereo speaker array, with 89mm FST (Fixed Suspension Transducer) mid-range drivers and a pair of 25mm Decoupled Double Dome tweeters, positioned to each edge for a wide stereo soundstage. Adding welcome wallop is a 152mm bass driver. Not short of room-filling power, total power output is rated at 240W.
The new Zep features a stereo speaker array, with a pair of 25mm Decoupled Double Dome tweeters positioned to each edge for a wide stereo soundstage…
Build quality of this 2021 Zeppelin appears typically impeccable. The enclosure is sculpted for a superior acoustic performance, while the driver technology has trickled down from the brand’s luxury 800 Series Diamond speakers, as used in Abbey Road Studios, and its 600 Anniversary Series.
The B&W Music App is a source of Tidal, Qobuz, Last.fm, Deezer and TuneIn. Spotify Connect is also onboard.
The Bluetooth speaker is set to gain multiroom functionality with a firmware update expected early 2022. When this lands, owners will be able to link multiple Zeppelin speakers (well, why not?), or mix and match with B&W’s Formation wireless speakers.
The all-new Zeppelin comes in a choice of either Midnight or Pearl Grey, and adding a little bit of frippery is a dimmable halo light that highlights the speaker’s pedestal stand.
Luxury audio auteur Astell&Kern has expanded its flagship portable line-up with the A&ultima SP4000 Copper, a limited-edition version of its top-tier digital audio player, alongside the Collector’s Atelier, a premium leather valet case. The A&ultima SP4000 Copper sits at the top of Astell&Kern’s player hierarchy and shares the core architecture of the standard SP4000. That…
Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled the 707 Prestige Edition, a new high-end bookshelf addition to its established 700 Series range. The model is ostensibly the most refined compact speaker the company has produced, within the series, combining upgraded acoustic components with a distinctive luxury finish. Aimed at Hi-Fi enthusiasts seeking performance and craftsmanship in a…
UK Hi-Fi specialist Ruark has announced a limited-edition version of its flagship R810 radiogram, using marquetry and premium veneers, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The R810 occupies a particular niche in today’s audio landscape. Styled as a modern radiogram, it combines mid-century furniture design with contemporary streaming, high-resolution audio support and a wide…
The Luxe Review 
One of the most iconic designs in home Hi-Fi, the Zeppelin wireless speaker from Bowers & Wilkins, is flying again.
But while the original, launched by B&W in 2007, had a built-in iPod dock, this new iteration is fully equipped for streaming music services, has Amazon Alexa built-in, and boasts a host of other improvements designed for better audio performance.
The new Zeppelin is equipped with aptX Adaptive Bluetooth. Apple users get to play with Airplay 2. There are no physical inputs.
The new Zep is still built around a stereo speaker array, with 89mm FST (Fixed Suspension Transducer) mid-range drivers and a pair of 25mm Decoupled Double Dome tweeters, positioned to each edge for a wide stereo soundstage. Adding welcome wallop is a 152mm bass driver. Not short of room-filling power, total power output is rated at 240W.
Build quality of this 2021 Zeppelin appears typically impeccable. The enclosure is sculpted for a superior acoustic performance, while the driver technology has trickled down from the brand’s luxury 800 Series Diamond speakers, as used in Abbey Road Studios, and its 600 Anniversary Series.
The B&W Music App is a source of Tidal, Qobuz, Last.fm, Deezer and TuneIn. Spotify Connect is also onboard.
The Bluetooth speaker is set to gain multiroom functionality with a firmware update expected early 2022. When this lands, owners will be able to link multiple Zeppelin speakers (well, why not?), or mix and match with B&W’s Formation wireless speakers.
The all-new Zeppelin comes in a choice of either Midnight or Pearl Grey, and adding a little bit of frippery is a dimmable halo light that highlights the speaker’s pedestal stand.
The all-new Zeppelin sells for £699.
Astell&Kern unveils limited-edition copper-bodied portable premium music player and leather valet case
Luxury audio auteur Astell&Kern has expanded its flagship portable line-up with the A&ultima SP4000 Copper, a limited-edition version of its top-tier digital audio player, alongside the Collector’s Atelier, a premium leather valet case. The A&ultima SP4000 Copper sits at the top of Astell&Kern’s player hierarchy and shares the core architecture of the standard SP4000. That…
Bowers & Wilkins 707 Prestige Edition bookshelf loudspeaker boasts upgraded acoustics and finish
Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled the 707 Prestige Edition, a new high-end bookshelf addition to its established 700 Series range. The model is ostensibly the most refined compact speaker the company has produced, within the series, combining upgraded acoustic components with a distinctive luxury finish. Aimed at Hi-Fi enthusiasts seeking performance and craftsmanship in a…
Ruark revisits flagship radiogram with limited edition artisan Made in England R810 MiE
UK Hi-Fi specialist Ruark has announced a limited-edition version of its flagship R810 radiogram, using marquetry and premium veneers, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The R810 occupies a particular niche in today’s audio landscape. Styled as a modern radiogram, it combines mid-century furniture design with contemporary streaming, high-resolution audio support and a wide…
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