Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has released a new version of its classic Zeppelin wireless speaker, this time with a focus on adding technology normally found in the company’s range of high-end floor-standing speakers. The Zeppelin Pro Edition keeps the same $799 price as the previous model, and can be purchased starting October 15 in one of two new colors: Solar Gold or Space Gray.
Though B&W calls it a “Pro Edition,” the new Zeppelin’s improvements are actually quite modest, at least on paper.
The speaker is essentially unchanged as it relates to core features. You still get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, with Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The Bluetooth link supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs for those with compatible smartphones, and the B&W Music app gives you native access to Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, Tidal, and TuneIn.
As before, a 240-watt integrated amplifier powers the show, with frequency response still pegged at 35Hz to 24kHz. Where you’ll find the biggest change is in the Zeppelin’s drivers.
B&W says it has give the Pro Edition new 1-inch tweeters. They’re now titanium-domed — the same architecture the company uses in its 600 Series loudspeakers. The new tweeters are mounted at the far edges of the enclosure, and B&W claims they’re fully isolated from vibrations running through the cabinet that are generated by other, larger drive units.
The two 3.5-inch midrange drivers have also been revised and now benefit from increased cone damping. This reduces the effects of cone breakup, according to the company, leading to a more open midrange sound. To take advantage of these new characteristics, the Zeppelin’s digital signal processing (DSP) has also been adjusted.
The 6-inch subwoofer returns and is still mounted centrally in the speaker’s chassis. B&W says its design has been “carefully optimized to avoid unwanted ‘rocking’ of the cabinet as it operates,” resulting in a cleaner-sounding and more agile bass delivery.
Finally, the Zeppelin Pro Edition gets a new LED downlight. It can produce over 15 separate colors, each with brightness adjustment options.
