The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 Speaker is a high-end wireless speaker that aims to combine impressive audio performance with a striking design. This review delves into various aspects of the speaker, covering its design, sound quality, features, connectivity, and overall performance. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 is the right choice for your audio needs.
Design and Build Quality
Iconic Design
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 is aptly named due to its unique zeppelin-like shape. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, allowing for optimal placement of the speaker’s drivers. The speaker features a metal base and a distinctive purple LED light underneath, giving it a floating appearance. This design element makes it a focal point in any room, blending seamlessly with modern decor.
Premium Materials
Constructed with premium materials, the Zeppelin 2021 exudes quality. The speaker’s body is robust, ensuring durability and longevity. The metal base adds stability, preventing any wobbling or accidental tipping. The overall build quality is a testament to Bowers & Wilkins’ commitment to excellence, making the speaker a stylish yet sturdy addition to any home.
Sound Quality
Balanced Sound Profile
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 is renowned for its balanced sound profile. It features two 1-inch double dome tweeters, two 3.5-inch FST midrange drivers, and a 6-inch subwoofer. This configuration ensures a well-rounded audio experience, with clear highs, detailed mids, and a warm, punchy bass. The sound signature is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.
High-Resolution Audio
One of the standout features of the Zeppelin 2021 is its ability to stream high-resolution audio. With support for services like TIDAL and Qobuz, users can enjoy music in up to 24-bit quality. This level of detail and clarity is rare in wireless speakers, positioning the Zeppelin 2021 as a top contender for audiophiles.
Loud and Clear
The speaker’s maximum output power of 130 watts ensures it can fill large spaces with sound. Even at high volumes, the audio remains clean and free from significant distortion. The Zeppelin 2021 excels in maintaining clarity and detail, even when pushed to its limits. This makes it an excellent choice for both casual listening and parties.
Customizable Sound
For those who like to tweak their audio settings, the Zeppelin 2021 offers bass and treble adjustments via its companion app. This feature allows users to tailor the sound to their preferences, enhancing the listening experience. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound for electronic music or a more balanced profile for classical tunes, the Zeppelin 2021 can accommodate your needs.
Features
Built-In Alexa
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 comes with built-in Alexa, adding smart functionality to its impressive audio capabilities. This integration allows users to control the speaker with voice commands, manage smart home devices, and access a wide range of Alexa skills. The inclusion of a voice assistant enhances the speaker’s versatility, making it a central hub for entertainment and smart home control.
Wireless Streaming
The speaker supports a variety of wireless streaming options, including Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, and Spotify Connect. This wide range of connectivity options ensures compatibility with most modern devices, providing a seamless streaming experience. Whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, connecting to the Zeppelin 2021 is effortless.
Upgradable Platform
One of the unique selling points of the Zeppelin 2021 is its upgradable platform. Bowers & Wilkins has designed the speaker to be future-proof, with the ability to adopt new services and features as they become available. In 2022, the speaker is set to receive a multi-room capability update, allowing users to connect multiple Zeppelins throughout their home. This forward-thinking approach ensures the speaker remains relevant and functional for years to come.
Bowers & Wilkins Music App
The companion app for the Zeppelin 2021 is a crucial part of the user experience. It provides easy access to various streaming services, sound customization options, and firmware updates. The app is user-friendly and enhances the overall functionality of the speaker, making it an essential tool for getting the most out of the Zeppelin 2021.
Connectivity
Versatile Connectivity Options
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 offers a wide range of connectivity options to suit different user needs. In addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the speaker supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. These options provide flexibility in how you connect and stream your music, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
The inclusion of Bluetooth aptX Adaptive is a notable feature, as it ensures high-quality audio streaming with minimal latency. This technology adjusts the bit rate in real-time to deliver optimal sound quality, making it ideal for watching videos or playing games where audio synchronization is crucial.
Seamless Integration
The speaker’s ability to integrate seamlessly with various devices and streaming services is one of its strong points. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, connecting to the Zeppelin 2021 is straightforward. This ease of use is a significant advantage, particularly for users who frequently switch between different devices.
Performance
Room-Filling Sound
The Zeppelin 2021 excels in delivering room-filling sound that is both powerful and detailed. Its well-spaced drivers create a wide and immersive soundstage, ensuring that the audio envelops the listener. This makes it an excellent choice for larger rooms or open-plan living spaces.
Minimal Compression
Even at high volumes, the Zeppelin 2021 exhibits minimal compression. This means the sound remains clear and dynamic, without losing detail or becoming distorted. This characteristic is particularly important for those who enjoy listening to music at louder volumes, as it ensures a consistently high-quality audio experience.
Warm and Punchy Bass
The speaker’s 6-inch subwoofer delivers a warm and punchy bass that adds depth to the overall sound. While it may lack the extreme low-end thump found in some dedicated subwoofers, the bass is well-balanced and integrates seamlessly with the mids and highs. This results in a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience across all types of music.
Wide Soundstage
The Zeppelin 2021’s design and driver placement contribute to its wide and immersive soundstage. This spatial quality makes the audio feel more lifelike and engaging, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you’re listening to a live concert recording or a studio album, the soundstage adds an extra dimension to the music.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Impressive Sound Quality: The Zeppelin 2021 delivers a balanced and detailed sound profile, suitable for various music genres.
- Elegant Design: Its unique zeppelin-like shape and premium materials make it a stylish addition to any home.
- Built-In Alexa: Voice control and smart home integration add convenience and functionality.
- Wide Connectivity Options: Support for AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, and Spotify Connect ensures seamless streaming from multiple devices.
- Upgradable Platform: Future-proof design with upcoming multi-room capability and other updates.
Cons
- Lacks Deep Low Bass: While the bass is warm and punchy, it may not satisfy those looking for deep, rumbling lows.
- Price: The Zeppelin 2021 is a premium product with a corresponding price tag, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- No Battery Option: The speaker requires a constant power source, limiting its portability.
Recommendation
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 is a standout wireless speaker that combines impressive audio performance with a striking design. Its balanced sound profile, high-resolution audio streaming, and wide connectivity options make it a versatile choice for music lovers. The built-in Alexa and upgradable platform add to its appeal, ensuring it remains a relevant and functional part of your home entertainment system for years to come.
However, the lack of deep low bass and its premium price may be considerations for some buyers. If you’re looking for a speaker that delivers room-filling sound with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass, and you appreciate a stylish design, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 is an excellent choice. For those seeking deeper bass or a more budget-friendly option, exploring other models or adding a dedicated subwoofer might be worth considering.
In summary, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin 2021 is a top-tier wireless speaker that excels in both form and function. Its impressive sound quality, elegant design, and smart features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience.