Get the most from a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin

If you have a Zeppelin, we hope that you are already enjoying the fantastic sound that it offers. But as is always the way with hi-fi, if you put a bit of thought into placement the resulting performance will improve. Small things can make a big difference in audio.
For starters, the more solid a platform you can sit your Zeppelin on the better. We’re not saying it has to be on a dedicated hi-fi rack, necessarily, but as solid a base as you can manage is a good idea. It will pay dividends with the sound.
Also, think about space. As is the case with most hi-fi speakers, a little bit of breathing room does wonders for the sound. In the case of Zeppelin the subwoofer and flowport technology perform better with a little bit of space to ‘breath’. But, as always with hi-fi, a little experimentation will allow you to get the best possible sound for your own taste and the room in which you have the system.
Also, while Zeppelin has what can comfortably be described as a ‘room filling sound’, traditional hi-fi values can help when it comes to where you place the Zeppelin for listening. If you want a high-quality stereo image – where all the musicians appear in the areas of the soundstage where the producer intended them to be, then try placing the Zeppelin directly in front of your favourite listening position – this will work especially well if you decide to use you Zeppelin to boost the sound of your television as well as an iPod speaker.
There’s also an optional Zeppelin wall-bracket. This allows you to free up some valuable shelf space, and also makes it easy to position your Zeppelin below a wall-mounted flatscreen television.
Further adjustments can also be made by using the menu system that pops up on your iPod screen when attached to Zeppelin. A new menu option called ’speakers’ appears, and from here you can adjust the bass output of Zeppelin to suit your taste. Try it, and see what works for you.
And if you have any more Zeppelin set up tips, please feel free to post them here via a comment, so that others can learn from your experiences.

Chris says:
Love my Zep. Two comments, one I have never seen the bass app pop on my iPhone. 2, with 3.1 on the iPhone the Zep doesn’t always recognize. Thoughts? Email me.
Posted: Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Anthony. says:
I purchased the wall Bracket because I felt. the speaker, needed to hang in space as a real work of art
Again the bracket is a good solid design. The Zeppelin is a joy to hear and now the sound seems magical, I no longer take my Ipod touch out and about because I can see they were made for each other. I use my old classic on my daily commute to work ect. The zeppelin is one of the best hfi hardware i have ever come to purchase. I have told friends to save up and get one and stop pissing about with silly speakers.
joy joy.
Posted: Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Derek Stevenson says:
Lovin’ my Zep too. Got it on hard wood desk with a nice gap from wall behind, kept the bass on 0 and it sounds great.
Chris on my iPhone the speaker setting is in the general settings menu and as yet I’ve had no recognition problems with my iPhone 3G and the Zep. I have an iPhone 3G (not 3G S) and I’m using 3.1 but had a recent update download from Apple. Hope this helps with speaker setting for you and your connection rights itself.
Posted: Sunday, 11 October 2009
Roland says:
I think for some of the older ipods you won’t see the bass option. I have 3 ipods and it only comes on one of the the other two I guess are to old
Posted: Monday, 12 October 2009
Downing says:
Chris,
I had the same issue with the bass speaker setting not appearing on my iPhone 3G or my iPod Touch 2G when I first got my Zeppelin two weeks ago. I don’t know if this is a fix, but I tried rebooting my iPod by powering it off, then back on while it was plugged into the powered on Zeppelin. The setting then appeared. This worked for my iPhone as well.
I’ve got the Zeppelin on a very solid piece of furniture about six inches away from a wall. I go back and forth on the bass setting between 0 and -1. Outstanding sound! I could not be more pleased with it.
Posted: Monday, 19 October 2009
Rick says:
I just bought a Zeppelin. After hearing Ipods through many setups (even the new Bose dock 10) I have never heard one that sounded as good as the B & W Zeppelin. A very warm, detail sound through out the spectrum. If you are looking for the state of art sound for your Ipod here it is my friends.
Posted: Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Bradley says:
I am trying to get my Zeppelin to play other music sources, using its various cable connections… nothing seems to connect, I’ve tried with my older MP3 player using it’s line-out cable, I’ve tried with connecting to my Sony Vaio computer – USB cable and headphone jack, and I get nothing. The only player it seems to recognize is my i-pod, which is fine, but I have so much more music elsewhere. How do I get my zeppelin to play from other sources?
Posted: Friday, 30 October 2009
Cecilia says:
I got my Zeppelin about 3 weeks ago and has it hooked up with a power conditioner. I do think I get better audio quality with this setup – the music has real good dimension, bass is clear not boomy, and I’m hearing details that I couldn’t hear before. For what I’m getting it’s well worth the price.
Posted: Friday, 6 November 2009
Banjello Inlycra says:
I connect my Mac Mini to the Zeppelin’s 3.5mm mini jack analogue input and listen to internet radio far more than my iPod – remember to set the output volume on your Mac to maximum and use the Zeppelin remote to control the listening level. Check out “wolfgangsvault.com” for some classic concerts.
Posted: Sunday, 15 November 2009
Steve says:
I’d like to play the music from my macboook as well as the i-phone. I have an Apple airport express which I believe can do this wirelessly. But it’s not working by just connecting, has anyone done this & how please?
Posted: Wednesday, 18 November 2009
SusannaGrant says:
Hi Steve,
This is covered in the Zeppelin Connectivity guide.
The airport express out should be connected to Zeppelin AUX input
Zeppelin has both analogue and optical digital input( combined socket) Zeppelin mini only has analogue aux in.
I hope this helps,
Susanna
Posted: Thursday, 19 November 2009
sascha says:
My advice for iPod users, set the QE on “more hights” here in germany “mehr Höhen”.
My experience is that this preset delievers the best results.
“Jazz & Rock” are also ok, but delievers sometimes too much bass or even accurate bass.
For placing the zeppelin, a position not too close to a wall (min. 20 cm) is recommended.
If you do not use the rubber stand, use a knee hight stand for best results.
With the rubber stand, the usual sideboard hight seems to be ok.
Posted: Friday, 20 November 2009
sascha says:
Regarding the Airport Express, be sure you activated and connected the Device in iTunes, set the volume in iTunes to maximum and use the right jack at the zeppelin.
My experience is when using the “headphone” jack, that the zeppelin delievers a more decent and less louder sound. Using the zeppelin with my TV for watching movies and music videos from my iPod is ok, but also here the volume is not as loud as is could be. But this seems to be related with the video source, because on my macbook the videos are also not too loud.
Posted: Friday, 20 November 2009
Martyn says:
Just got the mini zeppelin, sounds great. My iphone and nano work fine through the ipod socket but my ipod classic, 2 or 3 years old will not play. On the ipod screen it says ‘connected device is not compatible with this ipod’ or something like that. Can anyone help?
Posted: Saturday, 21 November 2009
leanne says:
my zep has a weird buzing sound when i first put my ipod touch in which sounds like eletric passing though it cant get it to stop
Posted: Thursday, 3 December 2009
Brian says:
My Zeppelin has started making an annoying buzzing sound whenever it changes tracks from one album to another on any iPod that I play on it.
Posted: Saturday, 5 December 2009
SusannaGrant says:
Dear Brian,
It sounds like you need to take it back to your dealer. There is more information on what to do if you have a fault on this page:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?terid=2479&infid=2466
I hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Susanna
Posted: Monday, 7 December 2009
Lyn says:
We purchased our Zeppelin two years ago and LOVE IT! However, last month it started making a buzzing (distorted electrical type sound) when the iPod is docked. It is most noticeable between tracks. It does not make this sound when iPod is connected via aux. cord. We are hoping this isn’t an expensive repair. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to correct this? Looks like a couple of others are experiencing this same problem.
Posted: Monday, 7 December 2009
SusannaGrant says:
Hi Lyn,
Have you checked that your software is up to date. Sometimes the buzzing can be caused by this. You can check for the most recent updates here:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.co.uk/display.aspx?infid=4361&terid=4547
Thanks
Susanna
Posted: Monday, 7 December 2009
Luis Alves says:
Just bought a Zeppelin and am just now enjoying some excellent SoS music through my iPhone docked into the fantastic Zep.
If I may suggest an added feature would be a new iPhone/iPod Touch B&W branded app to stream music from any networked NAS (UPnP/DLNA) or PC using a good interface, like the native “iPod” app. I have bought the Plugplayer app from the AppStore but it’s cumbersome to use and quite unstable.
Keep up the good work!
Posted: Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Marc says:
I bought Zep as a present for myself and i have to say i could not have made a better purchase. The sound quality is amazing and i am now looking forward to get the panorama for my tv, the MM-1 for my computer and ear phones (P5). When is the MM-1 and P5 going to be released?
Posted: Saturday, 19 December 2009
Paul says:
I listen to itunes radio via the airport express and only recently found out that both the Airport Express and the zeppelin have optical 3.5mm ports for connectivity which ensures perfect sound quality. No other speakers have this capability as far as I am aware. I also have Bose speakers but the Zeppelin is my favourite.
Posted: Monday, 21 December 2009
Lyn says:
Re: Dec. 7 post from SusannaGrant…
Yes, we did the update for our Zeppelin. The link you gave me is to the mini. We have the full size Zepplin. The buzzing sound is getting worse. We didn’t expect to have a problem like this in less that 2 years of use. Any other suggestions? When I wrote W & B I was told it was a fault and we’d have to “send it in” : (
Thanks for any help!
Lyn
Posted: Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Andy says:
Hi folks, Got the Bose sounddock series 2 for christmas, but have to say nice sound at low volume but when turned up there is no bass and the whole sound is very tight and one speaker sounding if that makes sence.Also the remote is rubbish and my ipod touch wobbies in the cradle which feels like it’s about to fall off. So it’s going back under the 30 day trail. I have just went out and got the Zep and it is SOOOO much better and sweeter sounding with a wonderful bass and crisp treble also it’s alot louder and stays clean and clear all the way up to max volume. The remote is great and the volume goes up and down with the ipod. The ipod sits in the cradle so much better and you can hold it as if it isn’t attached to the Zep. I am so glad i tried this baby out before keeping the Bose, which now sounds pants conpaired to the Zep. Awesome sound. And it looks so cool.
Posted: Sunday, 27 December 2009
Nick says:
Help! My Zeppelin buzzes in a terrible way when I pump up the volume! I bought it 3 weeks ago but the basses are gone.. Help! Somebody: try with some songs by trentemoller 320kbps (for example) and tell me what happens!
Posted: Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Nick says:
Now that’s what I’m talking about!! I’ve been looking at purchasing a new docking station for six months now. After testing various units, including the Bose systems, I am delighted with my Zep. I can’t beleive the quality of the sound! Well done B&W.
Posted: Thursday, 31 December 2009
Mark says:
Went looking to trial the Zep mini, after listening to both the mini and the original, just couldn’t resist buying the original Zep the sound was so much bigger with greater depth.
Got it home, tried a mix of music and the results were better than I had expected. Plugged it into the TV to try, again what a difference. Well worth the money, plus it looks the class act it is.
Posted: Friday, 1 January 2010
chris says:
I simply cannot find a users manula. It is not in the dropdown for manuals. Why is it so elusive and where can i acccess one?
Posted: Saturday, 2 January 2010
Susanna says:
Nick,
This sounds like a fault and you should contact your dealer / retailer. You are still under guarantee and they can organise a repair for you if one is necessary.
Kind regards,
Susanna
Posted: Monday, 4 January 2010
Susanna says:
Chris,
The Zeppelin user manual is available to download from the support page:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.co.uk/display.aspx?infid=2466&terid=4381
I hope this helps,
Susanna
Posted: Monday, 4 January 2010
Makhdoom says:
Why does the Zeppelin sound better on the marble floor and not as good (some of the spectrum disappears) on a wood table.
Posted: Thursday, 4 February 2010
Jennifer says:
Hi there,
Should you ever have any issues with your Zeppelin (in the US) please contact marketing@bwgroupusa.com. We are happy to answer any questions and troubleshoot any issues you may be having.
Best,
Jennifer
Posted: Thursday, 4 February 2010
Steve says:
having a problem getting the initial firm ware update following instructions from manual using usb lead from zepp to laptop but the drivers dont seem to install any place where i can d/load the drivers.
Not getting the white light wich tells me its connected. plus it will move tracks thru i tunes but sound only comes thru laptop speakers HELP!!!!
Steve
Posted: Thursday, 4 February 2010
Krestian says:
Hi Makhdoom,
When a Zeppelin ( or any other speaker) is placed on a light support the energy from the speaker will vibrate both the speaker itself on the support leading to unwanted colouration.
When a speaker is placed on a solid suport like a marble floor only the driveunit will vibrate, which as a result gives a cleaner and more punchy sound.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Krestian
Product Category Manager
Posted: Monday, 8 February 2010
steve says:
more than happy with my recent purchase of the zep, awesome sound, does anyone know if the floating cradle is adjustable? i have seen pictures of some that have a forward facing ipod, mine seems to sit up in the air at an angle which is difficult to see from a seated position. any help much appreciated, thanks, steve. (a big thanks to b@w also) superb piece of kit.
Posted: Thursday, 11 February 2010
David Burgess says:
Just bought a Mini – works great with my old Nano but I have a U2 classic IPOD the second version they did (40G), when I mount the iPOD it says it is connected to an unsupported device. Anything I can do to get around this problem?
Posted: Friday, 12 February 2010
Vanda says:
Overjoyed with the Zeppelin we just puchased! I’m hearing orchestral sounds never heard on any other speakers. You can actually hear the individual distinction between 3 or 4 trombones or trumpets. The Bass is incredible and it’s such a CLEAN, PURE Sound! Thank you Bowers & Wilkins. :-)
Posted: Monday, 15 February 2010
tom says:
Is there any possibility to add some functions to the Zep remote? e.g. when playing an album to jump over to another album. At the moment You can only rewind or forward between the tracks within the chosen album. Can’t go back to album list and choose another one…..which is a bit annoying. Maybe programmers would add double click to make it easier……
Posted: Monday, 22 February 2010
Richard says:
Hi
Can someone tell me if the Zeppelin also charges the iphone when it is docked. Thanks
Posted: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Nick says:
Yep ! mine does. I’ve got a iphone 3G, went out today for a cd player for my room and came out with a Zeppelin. ( can you tell i’m not with the wife anymore )
Also works while not in airplane mode, so rings through speakers.
Go get one Richard, you’ll be very impressed with the clearity of sound !
Posted: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Nic says:
The menu system and option called speakers does not come up when my iphone 3gs is connected to my Zeppelin does this feature only work with ipods?
Posted: Saturday, 6 March 2010
Chris says:
Hi,
I have had a zeppelin (full size) for a while. I do like the wall bracket idea, but was wodnering if there are any “stand alone” stands (i.e) like a pole with a cool chrome base or something…that would put the Zeppelin waist height….anywhere in a room….I think it would look AWESOME….
Any ideas?
Posted: Monday, 8 March 2010