TechCrunch notes that high-end audio firm Bowers & Wilkins has introduced its first two Lightning-equipped speaker docks for iPhone 5 owners, with both the Zeppelin Air and Z2 also supporting AirPlay wireless music streaming from iOS devices.
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The new Zeppelin Air is essentially a Lightning version of the company's original Zeppelin Air wireless speaker with 30-pin dock connector, which Apple has carried in its stores for some time. The new version with Lightning connector will begin shipping in May and be priced at $599.
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The Z2 offers a more compact design intended for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other smaller spaces but supporting the same Lightning dock and AirPlay capabilities as the larger Zeppelin Air. The Z2 will be priced at $399 with a black version launching next month and a white version following in June.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)These systems NOT worth their money for their sound quality, the lack of split speakers is one reason.
There only advantage I've ever found is that as you turn up the volume on these units it's handled quite a bit better than on a $70 speaker system. Sound quality is not necessarily 6 or 7 times better for 6 or 7 times the price though.
If you're into magically good sound and love your music DO NOT be fooled into purchasing these systems for those ends. This is nothing more than a piece of aural furniture.
Without doubt, if you have the space and want to fill it with separated speakers and wires then I am sure you'd get better sound. That is not what these units are about. If you want a small factor that need only have one (power) cable then they are great.
Cheaper speakers, in my opinion, do not have the richness and tones of the better quality ones.
Everyone to their own.
As they claim, the A2 is for smaller spaces and I'd imagine it will do it excellently.
You tend to get what you pay for.