Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge vs The Zeppelin Speaker Comparison

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge vs The Zeppelin Speaker Comparison

Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison of two of their renowned offerings: the Formation Wedge and the Zeppelin Speaker. Both speakers have stirred conversations in audiophile circles, but how do they truly stack up against each other? Let’s find out.

The main difference between the Formation Wedge and the Zeppelin lies in their design. The Wedge boasts a more compact structure, while the Zeppelin embraces a broader, stretched legacy design. This expansive design of the Zeppelin allows for a more even distribution of its drivers, resulting in crisper sound and enhanced tonality. In contrast, the Wedge delivers a sound that feels slightly more contained due to its compactness.

Both the Formation Wedge and the Zeppelin are equipped with five driver units, delivering a powerful 240W of total output. This configuration includes:

• Tweeters: 2 units at 40W each
• Midrange: 2 units at 40W each
• Subwoofer: 1 unit at 80W

This identical specification ensures a consistent sonic performance across both speakers.

Design and Aesthetics

• Formation Wedge:
  The Formation Wedge offers a unique, modern silhouette, embracing a 120-degree elliptical shape designed for full stereo sound dispersion. It’s a sculptural statement, integrating seamlessly into contemporary interiors.

• Zeppelin Speaker:
  The Zeppelin continues B&W’s legacy of iconic design, reminiscent of its predecessors with its airship-inspired form. Its elongated shape, combined with a seamless mesh grille, offers a minimalist yet striking appearance.

Sound Quality

• Formation Wedge:
  The Formation Wedge boasts a robust sound stage, delivering room-filling sound. Its five-driver units, combined with the unique shape, ensure a wide stereo soundstage. The Wedge offers a rich midrange, crisp highs, and a decent bass response.
• Zeppelin Speaker:
  The Zeppelin impresses with its dynamic range and powerful bass. The midrange is detailed, and the treble, while pronounced, doesn’t sound harsh. Its DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and dynamic EQ ensure a balanced sound at all volume levels.

Connectivity and Features

• Formation Wedge:
  The Wedge embraces modern connectivity with support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready integration. Its built-in high fidelity streaming ensures you get the best quality from your favorite tracks.
• Zeppelin Speaker:
  The Zeppelin is versatile, offering Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. With a 44kHz/24-bit DAC, it ensures high-resolution playback. The Zeppelin’s unique ‘stereo widening’ feature enhances the soundstage, making it feel expansive.

Technical Specifications: