Roger Fingas
Bowers & Wilkins on Thursday launched the Zeppelin Wireless, marking the now comparatively rare addition of another AirPlay device to the speaker market.
Unlike its predecessor, the Air, the Wireless lacks a Lightning dock, making it completely reliant on wireless input beyond a 3.5-millimeter jack and an Ethernet port. Aside from AirPlay however, the speaker also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and Spotify Connect.
Bass is provided by a 50-watt, 6-inch subwoofer. This is flanked by two 1-inch tweeters and two 3.5-inch midrange drivers, all four of which are rated at 25 watts each. An upgraded digital signal processor automatically converts to 24-bit, 192-kilohertz sound.
In keeping with the wireless philosophy, setup and firmware updates are handled via the Bowers & Wilkins Control app, which can also be used to handle volume levels and playback. Basic volume and play/pause buttons are present on the speaker itself.
The Zeppelin Wireless is already on sale in the U.K. for £499. The U.S. version will cost $699, but is not yet ready to order online. The product should reach retail stores on Oct. 15.
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17 Comments
I hope they support 5 Ghz. I have a B&W A7 and it constantly drops the signal. It's is pathetic and embarrassing.
I had a wireless Bose and I hated it. The connection issues were relentless. In the end I bought a Sony for half the price and at least as good a sound. Mine is an old model with a lightning dock, and an FM / AM radio, as well as bluetooth connection. From my experience I cannot see the attraction of an all wireless solution. The dock on mine can be pushed in to disappear if you don't want to use it, but for us its always out. It is the main charger for iPhones and iPads and connection issues are a thing of the past... and hopefully the future.
Ouch - for that price why don't you just get a Sonos and forgo the Airplay angle? They're supposed to have Apple Music support soon anyway.
Still using a Bose SoundDock. Not the best sounding thing in the world, but convenient and it charges my phone, and no wireless woes to deal with.
Ouch - for that price why don't you just get a Sonos and forgo the Airplay angle? They're supposed to have Apple Music support soon anyway.
1. Sound Quality. The Sonus stuff just doesn't sound very good.
2. Personally, I don't need a complicated multi-room system, just good sound in a single remote location where I can get the music from iTunes on my computer. I rarely use my phone or iPad for music in the house, so BT doesn't do much good.