It's been well over two years since high-end audio outfit Bowers & Wilkins introduced the iPod-lovin' Zeppelin, and evidently it's time for a downsizing. Today, the good folks over at B&W slung out the Zeppelin Mini, which promises the same dirigible-inspired sound but in a form factor that fits in a wider assortment of areas. To be honest, this version seems toned down quite a bit on the design side, with the key differentiating features being an updated docking arm and the addition of USB connectivity. Said socket enables direct PC / Mac streaming if your iPod gets lost, and it also enables your 'Pod to sync with your computer whilst playing back tunes. As for specs, you'll find a pair of 3-inch full-range drivers, 36 total watts of power, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack and a bundled remote. It's expected to hit next month for £299 ($495), but you can get acquainted right now by jumping past the break and mashing play.
you gotta be a real dummy to pay 495 for an Ipod speaker.....I paid 20 bucks for mines when national wholesale liquidators was going out of business and it plays good and clear and loud..these companies must think people was born yesterday with these prices
Being able to "grab your iPod while it's docked" is BRILLIANT. Being able to use the speaker as a USB speaker for your PC is DOUBLY BRILLIANT. No highend sound card needed, this will work straight off the your laptop or desktop. The chrome is... unfortunate. I'll take a polished piano black or brushed aluminum any day... anything but chrome.
Based on the reviews, $500 seems right. That puts it at the same price as the Bose Wave, exchanging the CD player for the $100 Bose iPod dock. I'm sure there are a number of Bose haters here, but Bose's Wave radio has very good sound quality that easily fills large rooms.
@dpacino - If you can't tell the difference between your Coby iPod dock and mid grade speakers like this B&W dock, go tour the "Bose Experience" at any Bose store. I only suggest the Bose store because that is the only option most Americans have access to. If your hearing isn't damaged, your music will sound like it's playing on a MUCH larger stage, with depth you've never known. It doesn't matter if you're listening to Infected Mushroom or Kings of Leon, it's hard not to appreciate the clarity once you have experienced it.
So, is this unit REPLACING the Zeppelin, or is this "Zeppelin lite"? I've been considering buying a Zeppelin as a low-profile audio solution for my dining room for some time. If the Zeppelin Mini tests "just as good" as the original, then the cheaper price and smaller profile make it an obvious choice. If, however, they reduced the Zeppelin's sonic capabilities to fit the smaller package (nothing wrong with that concept; in fact I appreciate the customization), then I'd be inclined to stick with my intention to buy the original Zeppelin. Does anybody know?
"I'm looking for a pair of quality headphones that aren't seemingly made of glass. I'm an avid BMXer which causes me to frequently bash on any type of technology that joins me for my daily riding. I've been through the higher quality headsets in the Skullcandy line as these are supposed to be built for "abuse," which is laughable. I cant wear earbuds or canal buds, as my large ears seem to have a repelling property upon anything that sits in them. Wired or Bluetooth doesn't really matter, but I need something that can hold up to taking a few hits every now and again. I'm trying to keep 'em under $150. Thanks!"
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posted Sep 14th 2009 3:23PM
you gotta be a real dummy to pay 495 for an Ipod speaker.....I paid 20 bucks for mines when national wholesale liquidators was going out of business and it plays good and clear and loud..these companies must think people was born yesterday with these prices
The $20 unit sounds perfect for you as it seems to make you happy.
However, I'd refrain from judging other items on price alone. Quality speakers (w/ DAC and amp) can easily exceed $500.
Being able to "grab your iPod while it's docked" is BRILLIANT. Being able to use the speaker as a USB speaker for your PC is DOUBLY BRILLIANT. No highend sound card needed, this will work straight off the your laptop or desktop. The chrome is... unfortunate. I'll take a polished piano black or brushed aluminum any day... anything but chrome.
Based on the reviews, $500 seems right. That puts it at the same price as the Bose Wave, exchanging the CD player for the $100 Bose iPod dock. I'm sure there are a number of Bose haters here, but Bose's Wave radio has very good sound quality that easily fills large rooms.
@dpacino - If you can't tell the difference between your Coby iPod dock and mid grade speakers like this B&W dock, go tour the "Bose Experience" at any Bose store. I only suggest the Bose store because that is the only option most Americans have access to. If your hearing isn't damaged, your music will sound like it's playing on a MUCH larger stage, with depth you've never known. It doesn't matter if you're listening to Infected Mushroom or Kings of Leon, it's hard not to appreciate the clarity once you have experienced it.
So, is this unit REPLACING the Zeppelin, or is this "Zeppelin lite"? I've been considering buying a Zeppelin as a low-profile audio solution for my dining room for some time. If the Zeppelin Mini tests "just as good" as the original, then the cheaper price and smaller profile make it an obvious choice. If, however, they reduced the Zeppelin's sonic capabilities to fit the smaller package (nothing wrong with that concept; in fact I appreciate the customization), then I'd be inclined to stick with my intention to buy the original Zeppelin. Does anybody know?