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.
A2DP? IMHO From most devices A2DP sounds horrible, and seeing as the bulk of audio players out there are indeed iPods, surely you'd wan't to target the market thats going to walk into currys/BB and ask "Whats my iPod going to fit into and charge with"? I know I would.
Why would B&W, such a respected brand, subject itself to such mediocre crap. As an owner of B&W hi-fi speakers, I am offended. This is far worst then the first model, which was shit to begin with. Anyone who would listen to mp3s doesn't need a B&W speaker kit as they already have demonstrated they have no ear for quality. You don't see Wilson Audio making i-shit gear, no they are self-respecting folks.
While I agree with you that B&W is diluting the brand with such crap.. I don't think the average B&W Zep owner is using MP3. Upscale brands often try to introduce these low price point products to get people into their higher end products. Sometimes you can have mixed results. i.e. Porsche 914. This got relatively few people into the higher end models and the other owners hated the thing. Sometimes the 'poor' mans version doesn't work well. I think B&W should leave this market to JBL and Bose.
The original Zeppelin is still better than any other ipod speakers out there, though.
While I agree that these speakers are not the best, it is still the best in its class.
Unlike Bose, I definitely don't think B&W are charging people for its badge.
Look at it as the Porsche Cayenne. A respected sportscar maker decided to enter a new market, which some Porsche enthusiasts were appalled that they're making a soccer mom's SUV. But it's still a damn good car.
slim and svelte are the same damn thing. The original zep shit sucks balls. I used one at the Apple store and the sound was crap! Just another high priced piece of ipod dock shit cashing in on the moment. Speaker tech is so over hype anyway. I saw a cheap $50.00 Altec lansing computer speaker set up and the sound was as good as some high end swag I have seen in the stores.
I listened to the original Zeppelin and although it sounded nice I bought an ZVOX mini. The sound was great and the price was more in line with my budget. I use it on a 26" HDTZ and with my ZUNE.
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posted Sep 14th 2009 3:23PM
Want for my kitchen.
Kinda fugly....... I'll pass
Just more iCrap
Wake me up when they either ditch the proprietary ipod dock or add in something not so proprietary like A2DP.
And yes, I know the USB port is there, but how convenient is it to keep your computer wired to the thing, unless you are living in a dorm room?
A2DP? IMHO From most devices A2DP sounds horrible, and seeing as the bulk of audio players out there are indeed iPods, surely you'd wan't to target the market thats going to walk into currys/BB and ask "Whats my iPod going to fit into and charge with"? I know I would.
And then in Lakehurst, New Jersey....
Zactly..."the humanity of it all"
Oh you're HORRIBLE xD!!
Doesn't look like a zeppelin to me anymore.
Why would B&W, such a respected brand, subject itself to such mediocre crap. As an owner of B&W hi-fi speakers, I am offended. This is far worst then the first model, which was shit to begin with. Anyone who would listen to mp3s doesn't need a B&W speaker kit as they already have demonstrated they have no ear for quality. You don't see Wilson Audio making i-shit gear, no they are self-respecting folks.
Young enough to know the right speakers to buy and old enough not to put MP3s on it
Most people probably aren't listening to MP3s, they're listening to AACs.
Secondly, anyone with a knowledge of B&W is probably using Apple Loseless.
While I agree with you that B&W is diluting the brand with such crap.. I don't think the average B&W Zep owner is using MP3.
Upscale brands often try to introduce these low price point products to get people into their higher end products. Sometimes you can have mixed results. i.e. Porsche 914. This got relatively few people into the higher end models and the other owners hated the thing. Sometimes the 'poor' mans version doesn't work well. I think B&W should leave this market to JBL and Bose.
The original Zeppelin is still better than any other ipod speakers out there, though.
While I agree that these speakers are not the best, it is still the best in its class.
Unlike Bose, I definitely don't think B&W are charging people for its badge.
Look at it as the Porsche Cayenne.
A respected sportscar maker decided to enter a new market, which some Porsche enthusiasts were appalled that they're making a soccer mom's SUV. But it's still a damn good car.
The website says its $399...not $495
slim and svelte are the same damn thing. The original zep shit sucks balls. I used one at the Apple store and the sound was crap! Just another high priced piece of ipod dock shit cashing in on the moment. Speaker tech is so over hype anyway. I saw a cheap $50.00 Altec lansing computer speaker set up and the sound was as good as some high end swag I have seen in the stores.
Kinda' looks like WALL-E from the front.
Nice feature: dust collector bin on top
I listened to the original Zeppelin and although it sounded nice I bought an ZVOX mini. The sound was great and the price was more in line with my budget. I use it on a 26" HDTZ and with my ZUNE.
Looks even dumber than the original, and has worse specs...
But I'm just a consumer whore, so what do I know?