BowersAndWilkins
Latest
Bowers & Wilkins somehow makes PC speakers interesting with MM-1
Outside of factory keyboards, there's hardly anything more boring than a set of PC speakers. They're typically unsightly, add to the rat's nest of wires behind your rig and force you into a life of dependency. And then there's Bowers & Wilkins, a company that excels at pumping out products with lust-worthy designs. Somehow or another, the outfit responsible for the dirigible-inspired iPod sound system has produced a set of standard computer speakers that are actually rather inspiring, as the Zeppelin MM-1 touts no extra subwoofer, a simple USB connection and an inbuilt headphone socket. There's nary a mention of price (trust us, it'll be up there), but we should hear more when they ship in January. Update: We're hearing that these could cost $499 for the pair. Yikes.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin mini iPod dock lands for a hands-on
We've seen plenty of carefully staged press shots of Bowers & Wilkins' new Zeppelin mini iPod dock, but we're guessing that anyone about to shell out $400 for one of these is going to want a considerably closer, more unvarnished look at it. Thankfully, the folks at iLounge have now stepped in and provided just that and, while the agree it's certainly not for everyone, they do seem to think that those with the money to spend won't be disappointed, noting that the Zeppelin mini is another great example of the "speaker as art." Hit up the link below for a closer look, including a comparison with B&W's full size Zeppelin.
B&W's $400 Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system up for pre-order, ships next month
Bowers & Wilkins has never been one to play the bargain game, and the $399.95 price tag on its new Zeppelin Mini is evidence of that very fact. The somewhat miniaturized iPod sound system is up for pre-order as we speak on Amazon, and we've heard directly from the company that it'll be shipping out to US-based consumers in "early November." So, is a flashy design, a pair of 3-inch drivers, 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, USB 2.0 port and a promise of a better tomorrow enough to pry those four Benjamins out of your hand?
Bowers & Wilkins downsizes with Zeppelin Mini iPod speaker
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.[Via Macworld]%Gallery-72744%
Bowers & Wilkins reveals XT 8 tower: $3,500 per pair
Bowers & Wilkins sure didn't simmer on its Panorama soundbar for long, as the company is already trotting out another product that it's hoping you can't live without. The XT 8 mid-sized tower, which supersedes the superficially identical XT 4, is substantially refined on the inside. The "re-engineered midrange" features proprietary FST (fixed-suspension transducer) technology that promises to deliver "demonstrably and measurably greater mid-frequency accuracy." As for pieces that were retained, you'll still find the same dual 5-inch woofers and Nautilus tweeter, so it's tough to say without a listen if these are really worth the upgrade -- you know, given the stratospheric $3,500 per pair sticker.
Bowers & Wilkins officially unveils $2,200 Panorama soundbar
Itching for brutal honesty? It's pretty difficult for us to get all riled up over a $2,200 soundbar, Bowers & Wilkins logo or not. Yeah, B&W swears that this thing is so good you won't even need a subwoofer for the best faux surround sound experience of your life, but for over two large, we can certainly think of a few alternatives. Nevertheless, the "groundbreaking" audio bar, which we caught in the wild at CES, has now been officially unwrapped, and there's a needlessly long-winded press releases telling us so just after the break. For those adamant that this will change their life, it should start shipping around March.
Bowers & Wilkins and Peter Gabriel push audiophile B&W Music Club
Tired of buying those overly compressed MP3 files online are ya? If so, have a look at the new music service from Bowers & Wilkins. Said outfit, along with Peter Gabriel, is pushing the B&W Music Club, which is hailed as the subscription service for audiophiles. Essentially, those with incredibly discerning ears can pay an annual / monthly fee to have access to "one specially commissioned album each month, recorded in dedicated live sessions at Real World Studios near Bath in the UK." The albums are available in Apple Lossless or FLAC formats and provided without any DRM baked in. In an interesting twist, B&W is providing free studio time and mixing sessions for artists who'd like to have their tunes offered up, which could open up opportunities for little known musical geniuses to get exposure. Check the read link for all the fine print, but here's the tidbit you're really after: $39.95 for six months, or $59.95 for a year.
Bowers & Wilkins to unveil "groundbreaking new product" at CES
Bowers & Wilkins isn't being exactly forthcoming (not at all, actually), but it's pretty darn excited about whatever secret it's planning to unveil at CES. Here's what we know: it'll be launching into a new market while its classic products receive "a dramatic makeover." More specifically, the company is set to "launch into an exciting new product category and reveal an all new model in the XT Series," and beyond that, all we're told is that it will be "groundbreaking" in the same way the Zeppelin apparently was. Consider our interest piqued, B&W, but you better not disappoint. Full gloat-fest is after the break.
Bowers & Wilkins / Rotel / Classe CEDIA 2008 booth tour
B&W, Rotel and Classe didn't go out of their way to announce anything new this CEDIA, but we couldn't resist the urge to wade on through their combined booth and snap a few shots. Of course, the lovely Zeppelin was getting an uncomfortable amount of attention, but even the more obscure hardware was seeing its fair share of onlookers. Say, why don't you become one by hitting up the gallery below? %Gallery-31295%
