The Zeppelin is made for the iPod, simply spoken. B&W’s collaboration with Apple has created a system that the iPod shines on, releasing crisp, stereo sound you never knew the iPod could deliver. However, on auxiliary, the sound quality is at best, average. Clearly, this is a system you would never want to channel your auxiliary feeds through since it looks so good with the iPod. Designed with rounded tapered ends to minimise baffle around the five speakers, the system delivers a smoother response and also holds pretty high volume levels with no significant distortion.

If you’re thinking of carrying the Zeppelin around like a boom box, take note that the system is a hefty 7.5kg, which would probably sit better on a mahogany table. The rubber tilt pad, which holds the Zeppelin at an angle, is unstable and seems unnecessary.

However, B&W has a great product in the Zeppelin, discounting the above-mentioned inconsistencies. It is made to fit the iPod like a glove and empowered to support further generations of iPods with its USB jack for software upgrades. It is also great that the Zeppelin supports S-Video and composite video data, which projects your iPod’s videos to your TV. What could be a better and more complete iPod accessory to have?

Quick Specs

History
A direct descendant of B&W’s 800 Series reference speaker range, which was used by Skywalker Ranch and Abbey Road Studios from early 1980s.
Compatibility
iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod 5th generation (video), iPod 4th generation, iPod nana 3rd generation, iPod nano 2nd generation, iPod nano 1st generation, iPod mini 1st generation, and other external sources.
Size & Weight
64cm x 17.3cm x 20.8cm, 7.5kg
Frequency range
& amp output power
-6dB at 47Hz & 50kHz, 50w (bass), 2x25W (midrange), 2x25W (tweeter)
Drive units
1x 125mm (5 in) bass
2x 90mm (3.5 in) midrange
2x 25mm (1 in) metal dome tweeter
Inputs & outputs
30-pin iPod connector, 3.5mm minijack analogue, USB 2.0 slave, S-video, Composite video.