The B&W Zeppelin iPod music system is a close contender for top of the range iPod docking systems with speakers. The Bose Sounddock 10 is the other. I bought the Bose but I was very tempted by the Zeppelin which also has a big sound. So today I just want to report on the reviews for the Zeppelin.
The Zeppelin is a very stylish piece of equipment as you can see from the photos below. At around 25 ‘” wide so it isn’t going to fit on most bedside tables but it does make a statement and is bound to attract attention. The sound, like the Bose Sounddock’s is loud enough to fill a room and could easily be used for a party.
“Zeppelin is a speaker system with an iPod docking station that fills a room with crisp, deep, lifelike stereo sound, and delivers musical detail that you won’t believe your iPod is capable of. That’s because the two have so much in common: blissfully simple design and world-leading technologies that let you get the most out of your music.”
B&W Zeppelin Speaker System for iPod
The professional reviewers are overwhelmingly positive in their praise for the Zeppelin. I checked Audioholics and CNET. Audioholics gave it a very good review saying that the sound it produced was outstanding. CNET was a little less fulsome in its praise but still gave it 3.4 stars out of 5. the same as it gave the Bose Sounddock 10.
Feedback from the purchasers was also very positive. Here are a couple from Zeppelin users at Amazon.com:
“Pitch Perfect, October 2, 2009
I purchased a Zeppelin about 6 months ago to replace an aging Bose system and there is no comparison between the two. The Bose output became distorted at higher volumes while the Zeppelin is clear at any volume. I am admittedly no audiophile but could not be happier with the purchase. “
“ The best iPod speaker system, September 18, 2009″
Despite of its design, the sound is simply the first class. Very honest and no obvious defect in sound. I’m super picky about the sound and currently own $15000/pair speakers (not B&W) as a my main speakers, but I have absolutely no complain about the sound of Zeppelin. Bass is right (not hyped), mid is very intimate, high is super clean and quiet. I don’t think you can get more balanced sound than Zeppelin less than $1000. Way better than Bose and Minipod (Scandyna) that I used to use for iPod playback.”
