• An iPod dock/speaker system that also can be seamlessly integrated into your home stereo/theater system
• Comprised of two 1-inch aluminum tweeters, two 3.5-inch fiber cone mid-range drivers, and one 5-inch bass driver
• Uses Bowers & Wilkins' state-of-the-art technology to create flawless sound reproduction; charges iPod while docked
• The spring-loaded dock flexes to accommodate all dockable iPod models; compatible with iPod classic (3G, 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G), iPod touch, iPod nano (1G, 2G, 3G), and iPod mini
• Various other devices can play sound through Zeppelin using the 3.5-mm mini-jack analog/optical digital input

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 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.)

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.

Pro:
1, There would be no electricity noise AT ALL when you pause the music, which is a common problem in most speakers in the market even in Bose Companion 5 (I should know, had it before).

2, Music sounds continuous and balanced because it has 4 speakers and one bass in the middle

3, Easy to connect to ipod iphone and computers.

4, They also have firmware upgrade.

Cons:
1, The remote is not very sensitive. It would work fine if pointed directly at the front of the Zeppelin, but would struggle from the sides or if facing away from the Zeppelin.

2, There would only be a power cord in the box. If you want to connect to computers or other thing like CD player, you need to get your own cord which is easy to get at radio-shack.

I ordered one on Dec. 22nd and Amzon delivered in 2 days without extra charge. Thanks.
Product is designed in U.K. but assembled in China. Look real good and sound real good. Perform very well with voice but you will hear bit of metal sound for piano musics. I believe the sound quality will be improved after certain period of aging. Stronly recommended if the sound is as important as the design. I love it.

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Loudspeaker Dock System for iPod and MP3 Players (Silver/Black)

Got this one month ago!! Have not had a single day without total pleasure!! Excellent built quality and the sound is so so good! Its crisp,, loud when needed,, easy to use,, and more!!! It can replace many bulky speakers we all own! Its a beauty to see it on a stand ,, even when its not playing!
It is a bit heavy so carrying around is a bit difficult also given there is no handle ( But I carry it like a child - and aint complaining at all!!) Its been the center of attraction when ever i've taken her out!!

You will need to re-rip your CD library if you are to really enjoy good music!! And beleive me you will!! I've spent almost the last month re-ripping my library of 40,000+ songs!!! So this baby does make you spend more time at home!! Also I note it is even better when I stream the music from my MAC,, so thats a recommendation!

All in all 5 stars!! BUY IT!! It sure will please you for years to come!!

If you go to the B&W website, you'll see that the Zeppelin has won several awards and rightfully so. The little details on this bad boy set it apart from the rest. Here's my take on it.

I like the chrome trim down the middle that discretely contains the power switch and volume up & down buttons. The sound quality and fit and finishes remind me of Bang & Olufson stereos in the 90's. It feels very heavy and sturdy. The packing was well done too.

Is it just me or am I the only one that doesn't like being surrounded by 4 towers speakers, a center channel, stereo components, and subwoofer? Not to mention the tons of wires going between all those things. I cleared out the surround system in the living room and bedroom and I feel a lot happier. Simple is better and Zeppelin hit it on the mark in the style and simplicity category. I also like that there isn't a huge power adapter eyesore; just one cord.

There's a line in jack on the Zeppelin, so it would be a great speaker for a flat panel tv as well. What a clean setup that would be sitting on the glass open shelf of a black BDI Vista stand. Reminds me of that Audi commercial where the camera goes around the room as furniture gets replaced with modern furniture.

I was a bit concerned that there is no subwoofer out jack but the Zeppelin turned out to be loud enough for my bedroom. If one really wants to attach a subwoofer, it would be possible to add a Y cable to splice the line in so it goes to both the Zeppelin and the subwoofer. One could link an ipod or other auxiliary source that way. However, it is not possible to add a subwoofer when an ipod is playing in the holder.

The shape of the speaker really disperses the sound well. The sound that comes out of the Zeppelin is very interesting. I'm sitting here 90 degrees to the side of it but the sound is coming at me rather directly and the highs are not muted like feeling like I'm behind the speaker.

I bought the unit for $493 new as a buy it now including shipping on that other bay. In this economy there are still great deals out there.

This is quite simply the best piece of audio equipment I've ever bought. Fantastic build quality and even better sound quality.