Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021) vs Sonos Era 300

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker is a versatile and well-built single-speaker system that delivers solid sonic performance. It features a unique and attractive design, with a blimp-like shape and a cloth-covered grille. The speaker utilizes advanced drive units, including double-dome tweeters and midrange drivers with Fixed Suspension Transducer technology. It also has a powerful 240-Watt amplifier and includes features like Alexa integration and digital signal processing. The Zeppelin offers versatile wireless connectivity options, including WiFi with support for streaming services like Deezer and TIDAL, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Adaptive codec. The speaker can be controlled using the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, which is available for both iOS and Android. Overall, the Zeppelin is a top contender in the wireless single-speaker system category, offering great build quality, versatile streaming features, and a well-balanced sonic performance with strong bass response.

The Sonos Era 300 stereo pair, combined with the Sonos Sub, delivers impressive stereo and spatial audio performances. The speakers have received universal praise and are a great value for the price. However, the Sonos Trueplay software is not yet optimized for 2.0 or 2.1 configurations, and speaker placement is crucial for optimal results. The speakers excel at reproducing stereo content and creating immersive experiences with spatial audio. The addition of the Sonos Sub enhances the low frequencies and improves the overall sound quality. Setting up the stereo pair and subwoofer is relatively easy with the Sonos app, but the Trueplay tuning process can be challenging and requires some troubleshooting. The best positioning for the speakers is to toe them in at a 45-degree angle. The speakers can also be used as TV speakers, but they do not support Dolby Atmos renderings. Overall, the Sonos Era 300 stereo pair and Sonos Sub combination offers exceptional sound quality, but there is room for improvement in the Trueplay software and the availability of spatial audio tracks in the Sonos app.

Summary

The Sonos Era 300 wireless speaker is a stunning performer with impressive spatial audio capabilities. It features six speaker drivers, including tweeters and mid/bass drivers, to create immersive sound. The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi streaming. The Sonos app offers EQ adjustment and Trueplay room calibration. The Era 300 delivers expressive and entertaining sound quality, making it one of the best pound-for-pound wireless speakers available. Its spatial audio performance is particularly impressive, with sound spreading in all directions and creating a sense of width, depth, and height.