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Bowers and Wilkins' new Zeppelin speaker nixes the dock to go wireless
Eight years ago, Bowers & Wilkins released its first Zeppelin speaker dock. After a few updates along the way, the company nixed the dock and went wireless for the new model. The appropriately named Zeppelin Wireless keeps the airship-esque design while adding support for AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth aptX connections. While the look might be familiar, the company says it redesigned "every element" to re-imagine "what is possible from a single speaker system." To do just that, Bowers & Wilkins used a group of five speakers: two Double Dome tweeters from its high-fi CM Series speakers, two mid-range drivers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer to manage the low end. The cabinet itself was also retooled for added strength and to reduce vibrations for improved overall sound quality.
Bowers & Wilkins embraces Lightning: refreshes Zeppelin Air, intros Z2 AirPlay speaker
Roughly two years ago AirPlay WiFi streaming was becoming a major force, especially thanks to companies like Bowers & Wilkins updating their speakers systems to feature the standard. Two years later, B&W's bodacious Zeppelin Air is getting updated yet again, but this time it's all about the dock. Those of you who can't bear to go dock-free with the A5 and A7 will be pleased know the third-generation Zeppelin features a Lightning connector. Aside from Lightning and an updated LED array, it's essentially the same speaker we were polarized by back in May 2011, set to ship this May for the same $600 price. Beyond that, the company is introducing what's effectively the wireless followup to its defunct Zeppelin Mini, the $400 Z2. Positioned as a small speaker with big sound, the ovular unit features a top-mounted Lightning dock for iPhones and iPod Touches. It'll be available in black this April, with a white version following in June -- consider it the company's take on bedside or kitchen speaker that you'd normally see from Sony or Harman. %Gallery-183173% Meeting with B&W we were able to give both a quick listen; the Zeppelin still sounds like we remembered, while the Z2 pumped a large amount of volume for it's size (albeit a good deal muddy at its loudest settings). Suffice it to say, both maintain the thick and smooth voicing that this editor has come to enjoy from its P5 headphones. If you want more details in the meantime, you'll find a press release after the break.
Bowers & Wilkins intros classy A7 and A5 AirPlay speakers, leaves out the 30-pin dock
When it comes to Apple-focused audio wares, Bowers & Wilkins makes some of the of the ritiziest options available. Expanding on its its existing speaker range, the company has introduced a duo of new AirPlay speakers dubbed as the A5 ($500) and A7 ($800). Both HiFi boxes are nearly identical from the outside (aside from the size difference), and feature the same black and silver aesthetic as the MM-1 media speakers. The A7 nets you a duo of 25-watt 1-inch Nautilus "tube-loaded" tweeters" (just like the MM-1s), two 25-watt 3-inch drivers for the mid-range and a 50-watt 6-inch woofer, while the A5 shrinks things by forgoing a woofer and using a smaller speaker array of two 20-watt tweeters and two 20-watt mid-range drivers. The speakers on both units are independently driven, and both systems feature an "audiophile-grade" DAC that'll upscale music streams to a maximum 24-bit / 96kHz sample rate. As you'd expect, the units feature WiFi and Ethernet connectivity and 3.5mm inputs for hooking in sans wireless, but it's worth noting these audio boxes lack 30-pin docks -- at least you still get a remote. Check out the video after the break for a detailed look at both, and the source link below for all the juicy details.
Leica Monochrom test turns up the ISO, doesn't bring the noise
In the case of "why would you pay $8k for a black and white camera," exhibit 'A' would surely be the lack of a color filter array corrupting the image. Without one, the Leica Monochrom -- with a similar CCD to its M9 stablemate -- should have less noise. Tests comparing the two cameras on Red Dot Forum confirm it, with the Monochrom cleaner in glorious black & white at all ISO's up to the M9's maximum of 2500. Past that, a touch of NR gave the Monochrom a pleasing film-grain look to our eyes at ISO 5000, but at ISO 10,000 images started to sparkle and approach the "barely usable" range. Still, combined with the increased sharpness and resolution, very well-heeled purists might be tempted.
Leica M Monochrom captures exclusively in black and white, costs far more than your color-abled shooter
Wildly colorful photos got you down? There's an 18-megapixel full-frame sensor for that. The Leica M Monochom may seem an unlikely proposition, with its monochrome-only sensor and $8,000 price tag (not to mention the added financial burden that comes along with investing in a Leica M-mount), but the camera offers some unique benefits that, for some, may justify the cost. Because the sensor is capable of outputting one pixel of data for each pixel captured -- there's no hint of color mucking about -- the resulting images are incredibly sharp. There are low-light benefits as well, with the Monochrom offering a top ISO setting of 10,000, compared to 2500 with the aging M9. Other features include a 2.5-inch 230k-dot color LCD, a rangefinder-type optical viewfinder and a 14-bit uncompressed RAW mode that yields 36MB DNGs. The camera itself offers an appearance consistent with other Leica snappers, and includes a magnesium alloy construction with hints of brass and chrome. Naturally, there's no video features to speak of, so no 1080p black-and-white shoots for you. We do have pricing and availability, however, though we don't exactly have the funds to match. The body-only M Monochrom is expected to retail for $7,970 when it hits stores (beginning with Leica's Washington DC showroom) in July. A new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH prime lens will be available around the same time, for the modest sum of $7,195. There's a full PR just past the break. Update: DPReview has posted a gallery of sample images. Don't be so quick to dismiss this camera -- plenty of deep-pocketed photographers have likely been waiting for something just like it. Hit up the source link after the break for the shots.
Bowers and Wilkins refreshes M-1 speaker and PV1D subwoofer, new Mini Theater bundles coming soon
B&W will soon have something new for every corner of your media consumption shrine. The six-year-old M-1 compact monitor is getting improved drivers, offering "enhanced full-range performance," while the PV1D subwoofer benefits from a more complete redesign. It now boasts the same digital platform as the flagship DB1, a new OLED display and other fresh specs including a dynamic EQ circuit and a low 7.5Hz cut off. The only component of the Mini Theater range that'll keep its old guts is the ASW608 subwoofer, which is now available in matte white to match that option with the M-1s. Look to spend $250 on each monitor, $1,700 on the PV1D and $500 on the ASW608, but check the press release first for more details and bundle options. Availability starts "early 2012."
Bowers & Wilkins C5 in-ear headset review
Bowers & Wilkins has seriously been ramping up its consumer audio game in the past few years -- notably, with products like its Zeppelin speaker systems for iDevices and its MM-1 desktop speakers. While speakers seem like an obvious choice for a company famous for HiFi systems, you probably wouldn't have thought of B&W for your next set of iPhone-compatible headphones -- that is, until its $300 P5 mobile HiFi supra-aural 'phones released last year. This year, the company has taken a second step into the game with its C5 in-ear headset. Priced at $180, they're a possible contender for those who'd prefer earbuds to on-ears, or maybe want some B&W headgear at a less expensive price point. We've grown fond of our leather-clad P5s for chit-chatting on the phone and rocking out during the commute, so we were curious to see, hear, and feel what the C5s could bring to the table. Luckily, B&W dropped off a pair of the in-ears on our doorstep, and we got to give them a healthy amount of use while commuting in and out of NYC to find out if they'd also win us over. It's all detailed just past the break. %Gallery-129412%
Bowers & Wilkins C5 headphones ooze luxury into your ear canals for $180
Maybe you've wanted to step up your iPhone listening-game with Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones Maybe its $300 price tag or supra-aural fit just weren't appealing. Well then, maybe you'll be pleased hear about the company's new and extra-mobile $180 C5 noise-isolating in-ear headset. Crafted mostly from aluminum, its bullet-shaped earbuds look like a posh blend of the Zeppelin Air and Mini geared for mobile. The 'buds come equipped with an iDevice compatible inline remote / mic to get a handle on phone calls or swap though playlists, and have a few unique features to boot. To ensure a proper fit on-the-move, you'll find Secure Loops that can be adjusted to hug the inner cartilage of your ear, along with added heft (Tungsten Weighting) near the inner-ear side for a tight seal. Internally, there's a Micro Porous Filter to widen the perceived soundstage, while also preventing any leakage to folks around you. We'll be checking these out in due time, but for now, audio lovers will find full specs at B&W's website linked below.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air review
What's that, an alien egg? Nope. Memory foam iPillow? No, silly, it's a Zeppelin, a Zeppelin Air more specifically. Bowers & Wilkins brought us the first iPod-centric Zeppelin in the middle of the great iPod dock flood of '07. A few years later they downsized and brought us a mini version. The logical extension after the advent of AirPlay is here: a Zeppelin that does its thang without wires. We've been beaming music to it for a few weeks now -- wanna find out how our relationship has been? Click through, captain. %Gallery-122679%
B&W announces Zeppelin Air with AirPlay
It's no secret that Bowers & Wilkins has a tight relationship with Apple -- so it was only a matter of time until AirPlay made its way onto the company's design-a-licious Zeppelin line. Now after being teased in Apple's own promos, the Zeppelin Air is official. On the outside, it looks virtually identical to its older blimp brethren, but internally the speaker has been completely redesigned and features new 24bit / 96KHz capacity DACs. B&W is so proud of the result that they're touting it as their best sounding iPod speaker ever. Another bit of good news is the Zeppelin Air is compatible with every current iPod and iPhone out there granted it runs iOS 4.2. A handy USB input also provides flexibility for streaming music directly from a computer and even syncing an iPod / iPhone without removing it from the dock. Price is still an unknown but based on the other Zeppelins we're guessing it won't be cheap. For the full details be sure to read through the PR after the break and drool over the included gallery. [Thanks, Steph] %Gallery-112734%
Is BridgeCo the foundation for 'Made for AirPlay' Apple accessories?
Hands up if you've ever heard of BridgeCo. No? Us neither, but that's about to change following a CNBC report detailing the company's relationship with Apple. BridgeCo is in the business of embedding its network media processor and software stack into its partners' audio equipment to enable wireless streaming. Now, according to a CNBC interview with BridgeCo CEO Gene Sheridan, Apple decided sometime last year to make BridgeCo an AirPlay launch partner. As such, any vendor that embeds BridgeCo's newest tech will be able to accept streaming audio (and its metadata) from an iTunes library or handheld iOS 4.2 device -- there's no mention of video or picture streaming although AirPlay supports both. According to CNBC, audio gear should start arriving with the BridgeCo software in time for the holidays allowing iTunes users to "mix and match their favorite equipment with a common software." What that means isn't exactly clear, though BridgeCo does offer the ability to link systems into a distributed home audio network that includes a "party mode" where all speakers are synced to play from a common source. Importantly, according to Sheridan, this is the first time that Apple has opened up its iTunes software to a third party, giving it a glimpse at the source code. Exclusively? That's the big question. When Apple announced AirPlay, it listed Denon, Marantz, B&W, JBL, and iHome as "featured" partners. Coincidentally, in a blog post published two days after Apple's fall music event, BridgeCo listed all of these brands, with the exception of Marantz, as partners of its own. If you'll recall, the "Made for iPod" licensing program has provided a steady stream of revenue for Apple since 2005. And in the last few years, Apple has relied upon a proprietary authentication chip to authorize device compatibility and to unlock features such as video streaming. Apple undoubtedly seeks similar control over the expected rush of AirPlay-enabled devices in order to ensure a consistent user experience while making a few bucks on every third party accessory sold. So is BridgeCo the new chip and software behind a "Made for AirPlay" accessory certification program? We can't say for sure. Sheriden does let on that the Apple deal's impact is "immense" and should provide more than half of the company's revenues. Needless to say, the idea of combining systems from multiple brands into a unified whole-home audio network is certainly attractive. Sonos and Squeezebox, your approach to distributed wireless audio is officially on notice. Update: Computerworld published a second interview with Sheridan this morning that digs a bit deeper into BridgeCo's capabilities. For example, BridgeCo solutions support Pandora and Rhapsody streaming in addition to 12,000 streaming radio stations. BridgeCo also makes an SDK available to OEMs and developers. Now for the money quote: "The two companies spent the last year working together to develop AirPlay technology." In other words, BridgeCo is not just an AirPlay licensee, it helped develop the tech. Computerworld also confirms that AirPlay will be licensed similar to "Made for iPod" systems. And with all the speculation and rumor about Apple getting ready to offer its own subscription streaming service once its data center is complete (and contracts signed), it's easy to see how AirPlay could monetize Apple's bid to dominate the connected home audio market.
iHome reveals first AirPlay wireless speaker system
iHome, makers of iPhone and iPod accessories, is the first to announce an AirPlay compatible wireless speaker system. So far, the details are slim, but what we do know is that it will incorporate Apple's new AirPlay technology, have a rechargeable battery, and be available for the holiday season! In related news, Apple's official AirPlay website reveals a lineup of other featured partners who are incorporating the AirPlay technology. JBL, Marantz, B&W, and Denon have also signed up, but as of yet, no further information is available. In case you missed it, our own Richard Gaywood did a great piece on why he's looking forward to Airplay. If streaming music, video, and picture tickles your fancy, check it out here. We'll keep you posted on any further Airplay developments as they happen.
Apple's AirPlay music streaming coming to third party speaker docks, receivers, and stereos
Steve didn't mention it during his keynote just now, but in addition to bringing AirPlay music streaming to iOS 4.2 and iTunes 10, Apple's also opening the tech up to third parties, with a few big names already on board. That means you'll be able to stream music from iTunes, your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to speaker docks, receivers and stereos from companies like Denon, Marantz, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL and iHome, complete with song, album, and artist info and album art. That certainly makes the system much more flexible, especially since you can stream to multiple speakers at once -- and damn, building a mix-and-match whole-house audio system just got incredibly easy. We're definitely digging for more info on this and some release dates for compatible gear, we'll let you know. [Thanks, Iain]
Unicat retro TV channels the 1940s, bidding now underway
How does technology a half-century old manage to be this sexy? We're not certain. But this one-of-a-kind, handmade retro television -- which seemingly combines an old desktop lamp and a giant magnifying glass -- definitely tugs at our heartstrings. With a 5.5-inch monochrome CRT screen and no inputs to speak of, you won't be watching Blu-rays on this set, and its PAL standard and 220V plug mean non-Europeans might not be bothered to try. Still, for an old over-the-air TV, it's remarkably full-featured, with knobs for volume, band (VHF-L / VHF-H / UHF), brightness, contrast and V-sync, and we can't get over its clean, handsome design. If your Nixie tube collection is getting lonely, check out the auction at our source link; bidding starts at €300.%Gallery-90244% [Thanks, Alex]
Bowers & Wilkins first ever P5 headphones follow the iPod money trail
When you've got the brand cachet of a Bowers & Wilkins, the decision to launch your first-ever headphone will be met head-on with plenty of pre-defined market expectations. But with products spread wide across diverse audio tastes and prices, well, pretty much anything goes. So it's probably no surprise then to find B&W prostrating itself to the dollar with its P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphone. These Made for iPod noise-isolating cans with speech and device control are meant for use far beyond your carefully constructed "critical listening" audio nest at home. You can, however, swap out the iPod cable for the B&W supplied gold-plated cable by popping off the magnetically attached ear pad. Mind you, the P5 does not offer electronic noise cancelation, instead, the listener is isolated through a combination of the P5's closed-back design and sealed leather ear pads. They also bring the promise of "unfatiguing performance" thanks to B&W developed ultra-linear neodynium magnets and Mylar diaphragms. Naturally, we'll reserve judgment until these babies ship sometime in January. %Gallery-77847% Show full PR text Bowers & Wilkins headphones hit the streets Concert for one Unfatiguing natural sound gets you closer to the music. Noise isolating design for use on the move. Metal an sealed-leather construction maximizes comfort, for life-long listening. Made for iPod®, weith cables supplied for speech and device control. Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce its first ever headphone. Designed for use on the move, the P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphone allows people to have Bowers & Wilkins sound quality wherever they are. Some 45 years of audio experience has gone into the P5; close to five-decades of research into what true sound is. The ultimate aim of all Bowers & Wilkins products is to bring the listener as close as possible to the sound intended by the recording engineers. That is as true of the world-renowned 800 Series speakers used in the likes of Abbey Road Studio, as it is for the best sounding premium iPod® speaker available, Zeppelin. And now it's true for Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones. Recognizing that many mobile headphones can be tiring when listened to over extended periods, Bowers & Wilkins' engineers at the world-famous Stenying Research Establishment have worked tirelessly to produce a headphone with a natural, unfatiguing performance. The use of specially developed ultra-linear neodymium magnets and highly optimized Mylar diaphragms provide the best possible sound quality. As always, countless hours of critical listening and tuning have played a major part in the P5's natural and engaging performance. This pristine sound performance is married to design and construction techniques aimed at isolating as much noise as possible, for consumers that do not require full electronic noise cancellation. This isolation is achieved through a combination of the closed-back design featuring a rigid metal faceplate, and the sealed-leather ear pads. These materials not only remove a lot of external noise, providing an enveloping listening experience without completely removing the user's sense of place, they also offer an extremely comfortable user experience. The leather-clad headband has been designed for extreme comfort where it interfaces with the side of the head, while the softest available sheep's leather from New Zealand has been used for the ear pads. Recognizing the dominance of Apple's iPod and iPhone® in the portable media market, the P5 comes supplied with a Made For iPod approved cable, which allows for speech and device control. It also comes supplied with a high-quality, standard audio cable with gold-plated plugs. Switching between the two is facilitated by the magnetically attached ear pads, which simply pop off allowing access to the cable. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin and Zeppelin Mini provide the best possible sound from an iPod at home, and now the P5 lets you take that great performance with you wherever you go. Bowers & Wilkins P5 is available from January 2010 To find your nearest Bowers & Wilkins stockist visit www.bowers-wilkins.com.
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.
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.
Hands-on with the Bowers and Wilkins Panorama soundbar and XT8 speaker
Remember the "groundbreaking new product" that Bowers & Wilkins promised us for CES? We wouldn't have expected it from the Abbey Road Studios-approved speaker brand, but it turned out to be the Panorama soundbar. It certainly will break some ground in pricing (and wallets) when it ships for $2,200 in March, though. The all-in-one speaker packs three amplifiers, plenty of inputs for your Dolby Digital and DTS sources (2 analog, 2 Toslink and a SPDIF coax), and selectable settings for tuning the virtual surround effect based on the wall surfaces and whether you mount the Panorama on a wall or shelf. Also on show was the new design of the XT-series speakers, with the top-to-bottom grille -- quite handsome, but unfortunately silent.%Gallery-41522%
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 and Wilkins ASW 610XP subwoofer for high-end bass
Bowers and Wilkins is looking to bring some giggles to its (relatively) value-conscious 600-series lineup in the form of its new ASW 610XP subwoofer. You know B&W isn't for the thrifty, but its 600-series of speakers are known for delivering a good-sized bite of the high-end apple for your dollars. The 10-inch paper/Kevlar driver with a long-throw motor is set in motion by a 500-Watt amplifier to reach a -3dB point of 25Hz. Those are respectable specs for a 13- x 13- x 15-inch box that comes in your choice of black ash, cherry or Wenge finishes -- the size won't break your room's aesthetics and the $1,200 price might not break your wallet. On paper, at least, this looks a lot like the ASW 10CM sub, but a bit cheaper -- like we said, going the B&W route isn't the cheapest, but should allow you plenty of room to mix and match as you grow your system.
