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Bowers & Wilkins has updated and relaunched its classic 2007 iPod dock, the Zeppelin. “Better-sounding, better-looking and smarter than ever,” according to the blurb. The company says the new Zeppelin has been re-imagined for the streaming age: “now both smarter and more flexible, while its high-resolution sound is more detailed and dynamic than ever”.

Available in two finishes – one dark (midnight grey) and one light (pearl grey) – the Zeppelin now includes switchable, dimmable ambient lighting to create a ‘halo’ lighting effect onto its metal pedestal stand. A complete stereo system in one component, featuring dedicated left and right speaker assemblies around a central, large subwoofer, all powered by 240W of amplification, the Zeppelin’s premium components are mounted in an ultra-rigid, FEA-optimised enclosure that is sculpted with the aim of ensuring the best possible acoustic performance, with minimal material around the edges of each drive unit for sound dispersion.

The new Zeppelin’s two Decoupled Double-Dome tweeters – originally featured in the company’s 600 Anniversary Series – are mounted at the far edges of the enclosure and are fully isolated from vibrations running through the cabinet generated by other, larger drive units. B&W says this ensures a wide, spacious and highly accurate sound, while the tweeters are paired with 90mm midrange drivers using the company’s proprietary Fixed Suspension Transducer technology – found in all of its premium floorstanding speakers, including the reference 800 Series Diamond.

The Zeppelin boasts a new 150mm subwoofer mounted centrally to avoid unwanted rocking of the cabinet as it operates, resulting in what the company claims is a cleaner-sounding and more agile bass delivery, and also includes AirPlay 2 and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, making it suitable for both iOS and Android users, plus Spotify Connect. The Zeppelin can be controlled via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, which gives access to a host of streaming services including Deezer, Last.fm, Qobuz, Soundcloud, Tidal and TuneIn. B&W says more services are being added regularly and it has Alexa built-in, with multi-room capability planned for introduction soon.

Available to buy now for £700, you can find out more about the new Zeppelin here.