Bowers & Wilkins’ Zeppelin MM-1 takes flight in January
First came the Zeppelin, then the Zeppelin Mini, and now Bowers & Wilkins is set to launch a third product in its airship audio accessory line &nd
First came the Zeppelin, then the Zeppelin Mini, and now Bowers & Wilkins is set to launch a third product in its airship audio accessory line – the Zeppelin MM-1.
Based on past performance, the 2.0 system (there’s no separate subwoofer) should make an above-average notch on the sound quality chart and boast groundbreaking design.
And while this handsome pair may not obviously reference the dirigible design of the original Zeppelin, their distinctive curvy rectangular form is sure to become as recognisable as its older siblings. A finger-friendly yet tiny Zep-shaped remote is the only nod to previous models.
B&W has opted to keep things simple elsewhere too. The Zeppelin MM-1s hook up via USB meaning the audio signal is kept digital until it arrives at the on-board processing unit.
The British hi-fi wizards are promising top-end sound from the 18W speakers, which are cleverly optimised for a listener sitting only feet away, and there are also a pair of 3.5mm jacks for other sources and headphones.
The MM-1 is scheduled for release in January and while B&W is keeping a lid on the price, expect it to be high. Rumours suggest it could be £300. Ouch. But we still want them. You?
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
