The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is being updated with a higher-performance version called the Zeppelin Pro Edition.
Available in new finishes, Solar Gold and Space Grey, there’s also a revised downlight that now offers user-selectable choice over 15 separate colours, each with brightness adjustment options. The key to its improved performance is the introduction of Titanium Dome tweeters, as found in the latest generation of the 600 Series loudspeakers, which are mounted at the far edges of the enclosure and are fully isolated from vibrations running through the cabinet generated by other, larger drive units.
The new tweeters are paired with 90mm midrange drivers using Bowers & Wilkins proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer FST technology, as used in all the company’s premium floor-standing speakers. These drive units have been upgraded with increased cone damping, reducing the effects of cone break-up leading to a more open midrange sound. Along with revised DSP tuning designed to make the most of the potential of these new drive units, the result is more revealing, room-filling sound.
Finally, a 150mm subwoofer is on hand to add deep, detailed and refined bass to the open, high- resolution sound of the combined system. Mounted centrally at the heart of the Zeppelin Pro Edition’s structure, its design is carefully optimized to avoid unwanted ‘rocking’ of the cabinet as it operates, resulting in a cleaner-sounding and more agile bass delivery, says the company.
The Zeppelin Pro Edition has multiroom functionality built in. Use it with both other new Zeppelins in a multiroom environment or a multiroom system based on Bowers & Wilkins’ own Formation range of high-resolution wireless speakers.
Able to stream via AirPlay2, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive and Spotify Connect, the Zeppelin also gives users access to all the music streaming services available from the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, including Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, TIDAL, TuneIn and many more. This also means seamless interaction with Bowers & Wilkins’ range of wireless headphones or earbuds, which can also be controlled by the same Music app.
The upgraded Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition is available for US$799.