Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2007)

Name: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins

An iPod speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins, with a five-driver array and 100W of amplification in an oval enclosure.

Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin launched in 2007. It was the company's first entry into the lifestyle audio market. It was designed specifically for iPod integration, and it pairs high-fidelity sound with a bold, zeppelin-like shape. At launch it was praised for sound quality far better than most iPod docks of the time. What Hi-Fi? gave it a five-star rating and 'Product of the Year' in 2007.

Specifications

Driver configuration	five-driver array
Driver details	two 25mm metal dome tweeters, two 75mm Kevlar midrange drivers and a single 150mm subwoofer
Amplification	100W of amplification
Frequency response	47Hz – 22kHz
Dimensions (hwd)	17 x 65 x 20cm
Weight	6.5kg

Design

The Zeppelin has an oval, zeppelin-like enclosure. The shape is meant to minimise internal standing waves and diffraction effects from the cabinet edges, which helps its acoustic performance.

Context

The Zeppelin was Bowers & Wilkins' first lifestyle audio product. It took the brand beyond traditional hi-fi and into design-forward, single-unit systems aimed at the growing iPod accessory market.

Market

A used Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin was listed for $299.00 USD on Audiogon, which points to ongoing second-hand demand. Common problems today are failing power supplies and the 30-pin iPod dock connector, which is obsolete and limits compatibility with modern devices.