ConnectReviews

As we mentioned in our first look in October, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin isn't just any iPod speaker system, it's the granddaddy of them all. From the sound quality to the design, B&W really got it right.

If you don't know, B&W speakers are used in world-class recording studios around the world, including the famous Abbey Road studios. Bowers & Wilkins also produces home theatre speakers and brought all of these qualities to the Zeppelin.

Once you've seen it, you know where the Zeppelin name came from, the airship in the early 20th century by Ferdinand von Zeppelin. This isn't history class, so back to the heart of the matter. The Zeppelin is one of the most stunning designs ever, and no wonder Apple is selling it at their online store, it just looks like it was designed by them. However, it was designed by Native in London, who have worked with B&W for over 10 years designing their award-winning line of speakers.

Unlike most iPod speaker systems, the Zeppelin actually allows you to grip the iPod as if you were holding it in your hand, which makes for a much better listening and user-end experience. On the back you'll find a power input, USB, auxillary, S-Video, and composite, the typical items on an iPod speaker system. Not typical is what's on the inside though. The Zeppelin has a built in DSP or digital signal processor, a pair of one-inch tweeters, two 3.5-inch midranges and on top of all that, a 5-inch internal subwoofer driver which rocks the house for 100W of total power.

The sound quality is where it all really shines though, it is just unbelievable. Crystal-clear with no distortion at all. It sounds like John Mayer or U2 is playing right there in front of you, and with classical music, it's like you're sitting in the front row of an orchestra in front of all the action. Even if the Zeppelin has only a slight adjustment function through your iPod, it doesn't need adjustment at all!

The remote isn't anything special, but why concentrate on the remote? It's the listening experience that matters. If you can spend the $600, or know a music fanatic, this is THE iPod speaker system to get. It's available now at the Apple Store Online.

Pros

• Amazing, crystal-clear sound with NO distortion.
• Beautiful, stunning design.
• Unique arm for controlling your iPod.

Cons

• Heavy at 16 pounds.
• Not the best remote in the world, but it works.
• Expensive, but so worth it.

Final Verdict
5 out of 5 stars

Similar Articles

• First Look: B&W Zeppelin iPod Speaker System
• Submit a Product for Review
• Daily Gift Idea: Motorola Droid
• Incase Slider Case for iPod touch Mini-Review
• Macworld Expo 2008 Coverage at MacSpark This Week!
• Review: Ergotron LX Notebook Arm
• Foofbag Laptop Sleeve
• New Changes to ConnectReviews