B&W Zeppelin - can/should I connect a separates CD player and tuner or can/should I just go for Arcam Solo Mini

[admin_exported]

I have a Zeppelin with a 32GB iPod Touch as the centrepiece of my lounge (sat on mantelpiece - don't worry the fire is electric and never used). I want to be bale to play CD's and listen to the radio in my lounge.

Is is possible to connect a CD player and tuner (or an all in one) into the Zeppelin?

I quite fancy the Arcam Solo Mini, but would I be better off with separates and would I need an amp to go with separates??

Thanks in advance good people of WHFS&V Forums!

John

 

[matengawhat]

"The Zeppelin features a combined analogue stereo and optical digital input, so you can connect other devices such as CD players, tuners and non-iPod MP3 players. A handy remote control (also with stylised design) offers you control over your iPod playback and the volume of the speakers. If you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone, you can use its WiFi connection to your home network and one of the many apps such as WunderRadio, VTuner or allRadio to listen to Internet radio through your Zeppelin."

 

[idc]

Hi johnlmorg. By connecting separates or the Solo Mini to the Zeppelin your making it a £390 speaker. The main use of the Zeppelin is as an ipod dock, it can also be used with other sources and as a centre speaker for a TV, but these are additional functions. I doubt that you would get any better sound out of the Zeppelin from a Mini Solo than an ipod.

I would not use the Zeppelin as you suggest for the above reasons. If you want a Mini Solo or separates I would treat them as a another hifi suystem. You do need the amp with spearates.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

The Zeppelin is very good for what it does (iPod dock) but as a hi-fi it is let down by the built-in amplifiers. When I listened to it I felt that they added a graniness, a harshness to vocals. Still better than other iPod docks but not proper hi-fi. If you connect suitable speakers to a Solo Mini the Mini's linear amplifiers will sound far smoother, more hi-fi.

 

[idc]

Hifi test monkey:

The Zeppelin is very good for what it does (iPod dock) .......but not proper hi-fi.

An outrageous comment

As far as I am concerned if it plays music and has been reviewed by What hifi, it is hifi.