Zeppelin Air Announced at CES

[rgbyhkr]

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/Zeppelin_Air/overview.html

Changes look to be:

- Apple AirPlay support - Ethernet jack on back, WiFi seemingly built-in though not specifically mentioned on the site.
- Direct digital path from docked iPod/iPhone (a la Wadia dock)
- Upgraded DAC with support for up to 24/96
- 5 amps (up from 3), 1 for each of the 5 drivers (4x25W and 1x50W)
- Tweeters same as on the MM-1, smaller mid-range drivers, didn't see specific changes listed for the woofer
- Rear curved back changed from metal to a gloss plastic
- S-Video jack dropped
- Price stays the same
- Available March

Jeff

[emig5m]

Apple Shmapple.... What about us Microsoft Zune owners?

[rgbyhkr]

What about us Microsoft Zune owners?

What is this mythical device of which you speak?

Seriously though, no chance at all given the marketshare dominance of the iPhone/iPod. The aux in jack still works of course...

Jeff

[southpaw75]

Looks good. I wonder if Airplay will be available right out of the gate cuz I've been waiting several months for it to become available on my Denon 4311 AVR.

[rgbyhkr]

Looks good. I wonder if Airplay will be available right out of the gate cuz I've been waiting several months for it to become available on my Denon 4311 AVR.

As far as I know, it will support it right at launch. It's a key feature differentiating the new version going so far as to include Air in the name so I can't see them releasing it without AirPlay support. Could it be delayed entirely for whatever reason? Sure, but I'd expect that first before a launch without AirPlay support included.

Jeff

[Briz vegas]

Some dollars saved with the plastic back but that also erodes the perception of quality and being above the mass market stuff for $150 bucks. The mass market will look at the finish probably before they notice improved sound. Who is going to A B the new and the old - unless they have made it very significantly better.

I would have thought adding $50 bucks to the price would be a better way to go but then our economy in OZ is in better shape than most.

[rgbyhkr]

You know I think it's a subjective thing whereby some folks hate it and others love it while still others don't have an opinion either way. What's for sure is that given the location of that section, you wouldn't see it at all with any installation that backs up to a wall. On display of course in an Apple store where you can see the products clearly from all angles, that chrome back probably did stand out. In the end, whether that change nicks sales at all remains to be seen. My guess is that it won't and that the spec changes, especially AirPlay support, will drive sales higher.

Jeff

[rgbyhkr]

BTW, Engadget has a hands on with real world pics:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/bowers-and-wilkins-zeppelin-air-speaker-hands-on/

[rgbyhkr]

Looks good. I wonder if Airplay will be available right out of the gate cuz I've been waiting several months for it to become available on my Denon 4311 AVR.

Done:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/denon-and-marantz-airplay-update-finally-released-for-49/

[wettou]

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/iPod_a.../overview.html

Changes look to be:

- Apple AirPlay support - Ethernet jack on back, WiFi seemingly built-in though not specifically mentioned on the site.
- Direct digital path from docked iPod/iPhone (a la Wadia dock)
- Upgraded DAC with support for up to 24/96
- 5 amps (up from 3), 1 for each of the 5 drivers (4x25W and 1x50W)
- Tweeters same as on the MM-1, smaller mid-range drivers, didn't see specific changes listed for the woofer
- Rear curved back changed from metal to a gloss plastic
- S-Video jack dropped
- Price stays the same
- Available March

Jeff

Whoa that is really cool Sonos watch out, I might sell my two Zeppelin and Mini Zeppelin to trade up! :T

Anyone interested send me a PM

"- Rear curved back changed from metal to a gloss plastic" That's too bad I thought the back was plastic covered with chrome!