Zeppelin is an integrated iPod speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins, makers of the speakers used to monitor the recording of much of the music on your iPod. Bowers & Wilkins developed its iPod speaker dock with the same exacting standards as the speakers that are used in Abbey Road Studios or Skywalker Ranch.
 B&W Zeppelin (Click image to view larger.) |
 The body of Zeppelin follows the form of its components. (Click image to view larger.) |
 Accompanying Zeppelin is a pebble-like remote, which allows you to change tracks and volume. (Click image to view larger.) |
Zeppelin is the embodiment of more than 40 years of experience and know-how in speaker design, all in a single package. Zeppelin uses the same technologies developed for dedicated high-end speakers, applying them for the first time to an iPod speaker system. In addition to great sound, you are awarded with a product design stemming from clever ergonomic thought and a beautiful 360-degree visual appeal. Zeppelin allows you to have real hi-fi stereo sound wherever you need it--upstairs, downstairs, in your office, or a second home.
 Zeppelin allows you to have real hi-fi stereo sound wherever you need it. (Click image to view larger.) |
 The docking port allows you to grasp your iPod as if it were in your hand. (Click image to view larger.) |
 The connections at the back let you play other sources through Zeppelin, or channel images from your iPod to a television. (Click image to view larger.) |
Heritage
At Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), the quest to develop the perfect speaker has lasted more than 40 years. The quest is to create a speaker that portrays a musical performance exactly as it was recorded, with zero coloration, as the artist intended it to be heard. Founder John Bowers instilled this passion in the company to pursue his dream of the ultimate speaker. Design: Form Follows Function
The body of Zeppelin follows the form of its components, with two tweeters at each end, two mid-range drivers next, and a subwoofer/bass driver in the center.
B&W has complimented the iPod user interface by designing a docking port that allows you to grasp your iPod as if it were in your hand. Zeppelin also cleverly accommodates iPods of differing depth through a spring-loaded docking arm that flexes to accommodate each model without adapters or other manual adjustment.
Zeppelin is a direct descendent of B&W's legendary reference speaker range--the 800 Series, which is sought-after by world-leading recording studios from Skywalker Ranch to Abbey Road. In fact, B&W speakers have been used in Abbey Road since the early 1980s.
Technology
Not only is the shape of Zeppelin pleasing to the eye, but it also is based on sound acoustic principles: the less physical material there is around tweeters and mid-ranges, the better they sound. Zeppelin's rounded tapering ends aren't there just for show. By minimizing the baffle area around the drive units, the cabinet reduces diffraction effects, making for ultra-wide sound dispersion and a much smoother response. In other words, it sounds as good as it looks.
The twin mid-range drive units that supply the bulk of Zeppelin's amazing sound rely on glass fiber cones optimized using laser interferometry. Strategically placed resin-filled slots in the cones dramatically reduce the unwanted effects of standing waves, leaving the music sounding cleaner, clearer, and true to life.
Drive units are the "engine room" of any speaker, and Zeppelin's mid-range and tweeter are derived directly from those in B&W's award-winning M-1. Added to these is an internal subwoofer driver, centrally located in the deepest part of Zeppelin's sleek enclosure, where it handles deep bass with power and authority.
Powering these drive units are three high-quality amplifiers (one for left, one for right, and one for bass). Most iPod speakers make do without the third amplifier, but Zeppelin was conceived to offer the sort of sound you'd expect from a component stereo system rather than normal iPod speakers. It will deliver all the detail and atmosphere that standard iPod docking stations miss.
Simple Operation
Zeppelin is simple to set up and use: plug it in, place your iPod on the docking port, and hit the play button. The connections at the back let you play other sources through the Zeppelin or to channel images from your iPod to a television. And Zeppelin charges your iPod while it's docked.
Remote
Accompanying Zeppelin is a pebble-shaped remote, which allows you to change tracks and volume. The remote uses a CR2032 battery, which is included.
Compatibility
Zeppelin is compatible with all dockable iPods, including the iPod classic (3G, 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G), iPod touch, iPod nano (1G, 2G, 3G), and iPod mini.
Several devices other than an iPod can play sound through Zeppelin; both analog and optical digital connectivity are supported by a common auxiliary socket on the back. Examples include a computer--either direct or wirelessly using Apple Airport Express; television; MP3 players (through the player's headphone connection); home theater devices; CD players--portable or static; and portable radios with headphone or digital outputs.
Video iPods, the iPod touch, iPhones, and the iPod classic can take advantage of Zeppelin's video output capability to connect to a television's composite video and S-Video.
Zeppelin's power supply operates on all mains voltages from 100V to 240V--if you take it to a different country, it will automatically sense the incoming voltages and adjust itself accordingly.
Zeppelin will not burn electricity unnecessarily; it will automatically go into standby mode after 5 minutes of non-use.
What's in the Box
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, quick start guide, product manual, product brochure, 1-year warranty and registration documents, remote control with CR2032 battery, power cord, and rubber tilt pad.
