Bowers Wilkins (B&W) Zeppelin Air iPod Speaker Preview

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air is aiming to be the ultimate AirPlay wireless audio system with completely updated drive units and advanced Digital Signal Processing plus fully integrated AirPlay technology so users can easily stream music wirelessly from iTunes, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Three years ago the original multi-award winning Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin redefined what could be expected from an iPod speaker system. Now Zeppelin Air provides another seismic shift in audio performance, design and functionality with completely updated drive units, up-rated amplification and the latest in Digital Signal Processing to deliver improved sound quality. And while Zeppelin's iconic shape has been retained, subtly updated styling help modernize this design classic.

The improved sonic performance is complemented by a collection of new features, foremost among which is the inclusion of new AirPlay technology. AirPlay also lets users create an easy to set up multi-room system with iTunes on Mac or PC, delivering music to multiple Zeppelin Airs around the house.

The best sounding Zeppelin yet, Zeppelin Air features dramatic changes over previous models. It's a fully active 2.1 design, which means that all five units are individually driven by dedicated audiophile amplifiers, which are specially designed by Bowers & Wilkins. The improved 4x25W + 1x50W output powers updated drive units, for a truly room-filling performance.

Zeppelin Air also features Bowers & Wilkins Flowport technology and advanced Digital Signal Processing in the form of Dynamic EQ; these combine with a significantly upgraded port for dramatically improved bass performance. The DACs have also been upgraded, with 24bit-96KHz capability for compatibility with emerging high-quality audio formats.

AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.2 or later.

The Zeppelin Air will be shipping in March 2011, at an MSRP of $599.99.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.