Bowers & Wilkins is well-known for its passive speakers and headphones, but another popular product in their lineup is the Zeppelin. Introduced first in 2007 as an iPod dock/speaker with a unique “zeppelin” shaped design, the loudspeaker was one of the first of its kind in the premium tabletop audio space and has remained in the lineup for over 17 years.
Improvements have been made throughout the years, and in 2015, the Zeppelin dropped its iPod dock features and became a full-fledged wireless streaming speaker.
Since that time, B&W released an updated version of the Zeppelin in 2021 and a McLaren Edition Zeppelin in 2023.
For 2024, BW has released the Zeppelin Pro Edition with upgraded tweeters and improved hi-res audio support.
Zeppelin Pro Edition
Colors
The Zeppelin Pro Edition has the same core shape as the other currently available models, adding some subtle but effective upgrades to the design including two new finishes (Solar Gold and Space Grey). Also, users can select from 15 downlight colors that include brightness adjustment. This adds additional color accents for the Zeppelin.
Tweeters and More
B&W is claiming that the main improvement in the Zeppelin Pro’s sound quality is the inclusion of Titanium Dome tweeters. This tweeter design is the same as those found in the latest B&W 600 Series S3 loudspeakers.
The new tweeters are paired with 90mm midrange drivers using Bowers & Wilkins proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer FST™ technology which is also used in all the company’s premium floor-standing speakers. These drive units have been upgraded with increased cone damping. This is designed to limit the effects of cone break-up leading to supporting a more open midrange sound.
Revised DSP (Digital Sound Processing) tuning also aids in getting the most out of the new speaker drivers filling a room with great sound.
For low frequencies, a 150mm subwoofer is included that is designed to reproduce deep, detailed, and clear bass. Mounted in the center of the Zeppelin Pro Edition, the subwoofer is optimized to avoid unwanted ‘rocking’ of the cabinet further refining the audio result.
Multiroom Audio
Just as the other current Zeppelins, the Pro Edition has wireless multiroom functionality built in. It can be paired with new Zeppelins in a multiroom environment or, if you prefer, a multiroom system based on Bowers & Wilkins’ own Formation range of high-resolution wireless speakers.
Users can stream content via AirPlay2, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, and Spotify Connect. Additional streaming services such as Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, TIDAL, TuneIn, and more can be accessed via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Tip: The Zeppelin can be used with Bowers & Wilkins’ wireless headphones or earbuds, which can also be controlled by the same music app.
Comparison
| Zeppelin Pro Edition (2024) | Zeppelin McLaren Edition (2023) | Zeppelin (2021) | |
| Price | $799 | ||
| Product Type | Wireless Speaker | Wireless Speaker | Wireless Speaker |
| Amplifier Power Output (system total) | 240W | 240W | 240W |
| Tweeter (HF) | 2x 25mm (1″) Titanium dome | 2x 25mm (1”) Double dome tweeters | 2x 25mm (1”) Double dome tweeters |
| Midrange (MF – FST) | 2x 90mm (3.5″) | 2x 90mm (3.5″) | 2x 90mm (3.5″) |
| Subwoofer (LF) | LF 1x 150mm (6″) | 1x 150mm (6”) | 1x 150mm (6”) |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz to 24kHz | 35Hz to 24kHz | 35Hz to 24kHz |
| Bowers & Wilkins Music App (with Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL support) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Ver 5.0 | Ver 5.0 | Ver 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX™ Adaptive, AAC, SBC | aptX™ Adaptive, AAC, SBC | aptX™ Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Digital Signal Processing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connections | USB–C – Service Only | USB–C – Service Only | USB–C – Service Only |
| Input voltage | 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz | 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz | 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz |
| Power consumption | Below 2 W (Sleep) | Below 2 W (Sleep) | Below 2 Watts (Sleep) |
| Dimensions | Height: 210mm (8.3 in) Width: 650mm (25.6 in) Depth: 194mm (7.6 in) | Height: 210mm (8.3 in) Width: 650mm (25.6 in) Depth: 194mm (7.6 in) | Height: 210mm (8.3 in) Width: 650mm (25.6 in) Depth: 194mm (7.6 in) |
| Net Weight | 6.6 kg (14.6 lbs) | 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs) | 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs) |
| Finishes | Space Grey Solar Gold | Galvanic Grey Papaya Orange | Midnight Grey Pearl Grey |
The Bottom Line
The Zeppelin has had an interesting product history and is a good example of how Bowers & Wilkins has adapted it in accordance with changing music listening trends without changing its overall look.
With regards to its exterior look, you wouldn’t think that such an odd shape for a speaker would sound good, but the Zeppelin has garnered a lot of attention and positive reactions.
One competitor Meridian Audio, has recently released the Ellipse wireless speaker that suspiciously looks like the Zeppelin, but is over triple the price. Other competitors include the Cleer Crescent ($699), Devialet Mania ($899) or the Cambridge Audio Evo One ($1499).
Is the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition still competitive at $799?
Price & Availability
The Zeppelin Pro Edition is available for $799 at bowerswilkins.com and Amazon.
Zeppelin Through the Years:
- 2024: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin McLaren Edition Wireless Speaker
- 2021: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Gets The Led Out For The Streaming Age
- 2015: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
- 2011: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air iPod Speaker Dock
- 2008: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Is Named Best Of Innovations 2008 Design And Engineering Award Winner
- 2007: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod Music System Released
MJ
October 18, 2024 at 7:43 am
Still no external connections for a turntable or cd player is a bit of a miss for me (especially with this having a ‘Pro’ moniker.
Scott Voth
October 27, 2024 at 5:37 am
I had the 2nd generation and it sounded good when it actually worked. It eventually locked up and would not play at all. I sent it in to be repaired and when I got it back the repair lasted about 3 months and it stopped working again. I gave up with it at that point.