Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Speaker Review: Iconic Design Meets Premium Audio

Introduction: An Icon Reimagined

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin has been an icon in the audio world since its original introduction in 2007. With its distinctive elliptical shape and premium audio performance, it quickly became a symbol of how design and sound quality could coexist in a single product. The latest iteration, simply called Zeppelin, represents a complete reimagining of this classic while maintaining the essence that made the original so beloved.

After spending time with the new Zeppelin, I can confirm that Bowers & Wilkins has successfully updated this icon for the modern era. It retains the striking visual design that makes it a statement piece, while incorporating the latest wireless technologies and audio innovations that ensure it sounds as good as it looks.

Design: A Statement Piece for Any Room

The Zeppelin's design is immediately recognizable and undeniably striking. The elliptical shape, suspended between two aluminum end caps, creates a visual presence that's both elegant and bold. This isn't a speaker you hide away—it's designed to be a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a work of art in its own right.

The build quality is exceptional, with the speaker feeling substantial and premium. The fabric grille wraps around the elliptical body, available in Charcoal or Pearl finishes, while the aluminum end caps provide structural support and visual contrast. The overall effect is sophisticated and modern, fitting seamlessly into contemporary interiors.

What's particularly impressive is how the design serves the audio performance. The shape isn't just for aesthetics—it's engineered to optimize sound dispersion, ensuring that the Zeppelin delivers room-filling audio regardless of where you're positioned in the room.

The Zeppelin's iconic design makes it a statement piece for any room

Audio Performance: Room-Filling Sound

Despite its all-in-one design, the Zeppelin delivers audio performance that rivals separate component systems. The speaker features a sophisticated driver array, including dual 25mm double-dome tweeters, dual 90mm FST midrange drivers, and a single 150mm subwoofer. This configuration creates a full-range sound that's detailed, balanced, and powerful.

The sound quality is immediately impressive. The dual tweeters provide crisp, detailed highs that extend well into the upper frequencies without harshness. The midrange drivers deliver clear, natural vocals and instruments, with excellent separation and imaging. The subwoofer provides deep, controlled bass that extends well into the lower frequencies, creating a full-range listening experience.

What's particularly impressive is the soundstage. Despite being a single speaker, the Zeppelin creates a sense of width and depth that makes music feel immersive. The stereo imaging is excellent, with instruments and vocals positioned accurately across the soundstage.

The Zeppelin handles all genres with finesse. Whether you're listening to classical music, jazz, rock, or electronic, it delivers a balanced, musical presentation that brings recordings to life. The bass response is particularly noteworthy—deep and impactful without being overwhelming, providing a solid foundation for all types of music.

Connectivity: Modern Wireless Technology

The new Zeppelin incorporates the latest wireless technologies, making it easy to stream music from a variety of sources. AirPlay 2 support means iPhone and iPad users can stream directly to the speaker, and it appears in the iOS Control Center for easy access. The speaker also supports Spotify Connect, allowing seamless streaming from the Spotify app.

For those who prefer wired connections, the Zeppelin includes an optical input and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. This makes it easy to connect TVs, turntables, or other audio sources. The speaker also features USB-C connectivity for firmware updates and future expansion.

One of the most useful features is the ability to use multiple Zeppelin speakers together. With AirPlay 2, you can create a multi-room audio system using multiple Zeppelin speakers, synchronizing playback across your home or playing different content in different rooms.

User Experience: Simple and Intuitive

Setting up the Zeppelin is straightforward. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app guides you through the process, making it easy to connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network and configure streaming services. Once set up, the speaker is incredibly user-friendly, with intuitive controls and seamless integration with Apple devices.

The physical controls on the speaker itself are minimal but effective. A single button on the top provides play/pause functionality, while volume controls are located on the side. The LED indicator provides clear feedback about connection status and volume levels.

For daily use, the Zeppelin is incredibly convenient. AirPlay 2 integration means you can start playing music from your iPhone or iPad with just a few taps, and the speaker appears in your device's audio output options. Spotify Connect provides similar convenience for Spotify users, allowing direct streaming from the app.

Room Integration and Placement

The Zeppelin's design makes it suitable for a variety of room placements. Its elliptical shape and 360-degree sound dispersion mean it works well whether placed on a shelf, mounted on a wall, or positioned on a dedicated stand. The speaker's visual design means it can serve as a focal point in a room, or blend seamlessly into your decor.

While the Zeppelin sounds good in most positions, optimal placement involves giving it some space from walls to allow the bass to develop fully. The speaker's design means it doesn't require specific positioning relative to the listening position—it delivers excellent sound throughout the room.

Comparison with Competitors

The Zeppelin competes in a market that includes products like the Sonos Five, KEF LS50 Wireless II, and Devialet Phantom. While each has its strengths, the Zeppelin distinguishes itself through its iconic design and balanced audio performance.

The Sonos Five offers better smart home integration and a larger ecosystem, but the Zeppelin delivers superior sound quality and a more distinctive design. The KEF LS50 Wireless II offers exceptional detail and imaging, but the Zeppelin's bass response and room-filling sound give it an advantage for general listening.

The Devialet Phantom offers unique design and excellent sound, but the Zeppelin's more traditional form factor and lower price point make it more accessible. The Zeppelin strikes an excellent balance between design, performance, and value.

Build Quality and Durability

As expected from Bowers & Wilkins, the build quality is exceptional. The speaker feels substantial and well-constructed, with attention to detail evident in every aspect. The fabric grille is taut and well-fitted, the aluminum end caps are precisely machined, and the overall construction feels robust and durable.

The finish options—Charcoal and Pearl—are both executed to a high standard. The fabric grille provides a sophisticated texture that adds to the speaker's premium feel, while the aluminum end caps provide visual contrast and structural support.

Value Proposition

At $799, the Zeppelin represents excellent value in the premium wireless speaker market. While not inexpensive, it delivers audio performance and design quality that justifies the price. The combination of iconic design, exceptional sound quality, and modern connectivity makes it a compelling option for those who want a statement piece that sounds as good as it looks.

For those who value both aesthetics and audio performance, the Zeppelin is an excellent choice. It's a speaker that you'll be proud to display in your home, and one that will provide years of listening pleasure.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Iconic, statement-making design
• Exceptional audio performance with full-range sound
• AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect support
• Room-filling sound with excellent soundstage
• Excellent build quality and premium materials
• Simple setup and user-friendly operation
• Works well in various room placements
• Can be used in multi-room setups

Cons:

• Premium pricing places it in high-end market
• Limited smart home integration compared to Sonos
• Large size may not suit all spaces
• Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality
• Limited color options

Final Verdict: An Icon for the Modern Era

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin successfully reimagines an icon for the modern era. It retains the striking visual design that made the original so beloved, while incorporating the latest wireless technologies and audio innovations that ensure it sounds as good as it looks.

For those who want a statement piece that delivers exceptional audio performance, the Zeppelin is an excellent choice. It's a speaker that combines iconic design with premium sound quality, creating a product that's both beautiful and functional.

Whether you're looking for a centerpiece for your living room, a high-quality speaker for your office, or a premium audio solution that doesn't compromise on aesthetics, the Zeppelin delivers. It's an investment in both your home's design and your listening experience.

If you value both form and function, and want a speaker that makes a statement while delivering exceptional audio performance, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin should be at the top of your list. It's an icon reimagined for the modern era, and it's every bit as impressive as the original.