Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
It ’s expensive , but the updated Zeppelin Pro Edition is still one of the very best AirPlay speakers available for Apple gadget . The legal quality is great , and it provides versatile connectivity features with both Bluetooth and Wi - Fi options . The only venial weakness is its lack of cable input signal for older audio equipment .
damage When Reviewed
This note value will show the geolocated pricing textual matter for product undefined
Best Pricing Today
Best Prices Today: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition
Hi - Fi manufacturerBowers & Wilkinsmakes some of the very best Bluetoothheadphonesandearbuds , but it ’s also well - known among Apple users for its Zeppelin range of speakers , which first appeared right smart back in 2007 . The first Zeppelin actually had a 30 - PIN number connector for use of goods and services with an iPod , although previous models went completely wireless , adopting Bluetooth , along with both Wi - Fi and AirPlay to provide the best compatibility for Apple machine .
See how the Zeppelin Pro compares to other speakers that we ’ve reviewed : Best AirPlay speakers for iPhone .
The current Zeppelin role model – which was last updated in 2021 – rest on sales event for the meter being , but when survive stocks betray out it will be replace by the unexampled Zeppelin Pro Edition that was establish at the destruction of 2024 . The two model look almost identical , though , and they ’re both priced at $ 799/£699 , so take caution to opt the correct modelling when you ’re regulate .
The basic intent of the speaker remains unaltered , with the Zeppelin Pro Edition measuring 210 x 650 x 194 mm and weighing 6.6 kilo , just like its predecessors . It ’s useable in dissimilar colors though , with a dark Space Grey similar to the current MacBook Air models , and Solar Gold with a burnished bronze finish . The sizing and price of the Zeppelin Pro Edition means that it ’s very much designed to be the main speaker in your abode audio system , but while it ’s one of the more expensive AirPlay verbaliser presently available it really does present the trade good in term of wakeless quality .
Unlike many one - piece speaker systems – such asApple ’s HomePod – the Zeppelin Pro Edition provides a full stereo system , with separate left and correct audio channels , as well as a dedicated sub - woofer for handling lower oftenness . The 150 mm sub - woofer sits in good order in the centre of the speaker system , with 90 mm mid - range woofers located on either side , and a pair of 25 millimeter tweeters for the higher frequencies . That ’s a interchangeable set - up to old Zeppelin models , but Bowers & Wilkins states that the woofers and tweeters have been redesigned for the Zeppelin Pro Edition to provide even ripe levelheaded character .
Like previous model , the Zeppelin Pro Edition digest Bluetooth with AAC for Apple twist , and aptX Adaptive for Android ( Amazon ’s Alexa voice helper was included in former models but has now been dropped , as B&W read that no - one wanted it ) . But , for Apple possessor , there ’s also Wi - Fi with support for AirPlay 2 , which set aside you to stream wireless sound over your place connection from any app on any Apple equipment .
The Zeppelin Pro also supports Spotify Connect , and B&W ’s Music app allows you to connect the verbaliser to other streaming servicing , such as Tidal and Amazon Music . The Music app also includes bass and treble controls – although there ’s no choice to create and store your own custom EQ presets – and you’re able to also alter the colour of the light-emitting diode luminosity that ’s built into the base of the speaker as well ( so you could say that it ’s a form of LED Zeppelin verbalizer … . )
Using AirPlay with Apple devices provides more bandwidth for high-pitched - lineament audio files , and the Zeppelin Pro Edition sounds neat with the 2022 high - res remix of The Beatles ’ Eleanor Rigby on Apple Music . It captures the sharp knife thrust of the strings with striking precision ( producer George Martin has order the string organization was inspired by the soundtrack of the photographic film Psycho ) but also contrasts that with the slower , cryptic line of the cellos . The cellos have a in particular robust , plaintive tone that bring to the sadness of the birdcall , but the Zeppelin Pro also picks out the harmonies with capital clarity , as Lennon and McCartney blab out – “ look at all the lonely people ” .
Sturgill Simpon ’s Sing Along is a complete contrast – a noisy mashup of careen and dance medicine – but the Zeppelin Pro deal the change of pace with easiness . The deep , fuzzy guitar Riff have a real weight unit to them , and the Zeppelin Pro ’s powerful 240 - James Watt amp has power to spare , filling the way around me with sound at around 70 % volume . And , again , it provides an effective contrast with the lighter audio of the electronic keyboards that fizz through the air and get you trip the light fantastic . Our only ill is that the Zeppelin Pro does n’t provide any pumped up inputs at all , so you do n’t have the ability to associate it to quondam types of audio equipment , such as a CD instrumentalist or Hi - Fi system .
Should You Buy Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition?
The Zeppelin Pro Edition is one of the larger and more expensive AirPlay verbalizer , and it will be overkill if you just want a compact speaker system that can sit down on a shelf at home . However , the Zeppelin Pro will make its keep if you need a brawny , in high spirits - timbre stereoscopic picture speaker unit that can roleplay as the centerpiece of your home base euphony system . And , of row , support for AirPlay 2 makes it the idealistic comrade for Apple twist and other AirPlay speakers , such as Apple ’s HomePod .
