B&W Zeppelin - noise issue

I have exactly the same with mine.
At first, it wasn't apparent.
Now it becomes inaudible : lots of static and distorted sound, Airplane mode or on off.
B&W told me to send it back to Apple, but if you had the same problem, it might be a by design bug.

If it has become inaudible, how can it be a problem?

"It", dear Deggie, being the Zeppelin, not the static… 😉

I was referring to the term "inaudible". 🙂

The Zeppelin becomes inaudible under a sheet of static.
Hurting ears… If someone here tested the Z. positive with two
different units, I have to scratch my head.

Found the answer on B&W website :
The source device will have its own volume
control. To minimise noise, the level should be set
a little below that which might overload Zeppelin’s
input. Start at three-quarters full scale and then play
your loudest tracks. Listen for clipping overload – a
scratchy noise during the loudest parts, even when
Zeppelin’s own level is not very high – and back off
the level until you don’t hear it.
Leave the source’s volume at this level and thereafter
vary the loudness using Zeppelin’s controls.

You need to adjust level to -12dB in iTunes equalizer.

Correction :
this is only solution to problem one (distortion)
Problem 2 remains : statics and whistling when listening from the iPhone

Do you get the static and whistling even while it is in Airplane mode?

Sure.
Tried everything : re-start, re-set the Zeppelin, re-start the iPhone,
plug Zeppelin differently, etc.
No avail.
Problem exists with iPhone only.

I just tried my Zeppelin with my iPhone 3G (not in Airplane mode), 1st Generation Touch and 1st Generation Classic. Did not have any static, whistling, noise or anything.

+As it is supposed to work…+
I'll have to send it back to the Apple store.
BTW, I listened also to the B&O Beolab 4 which are
a serious contender too for iMac.
I wish the i Mac soundcard would be better anyway.

You're going to send your Zeppelin back to the Apple Store?

Well, what else ? (George Clooney)
Problem is the other poster who had the same problem
with the second Zeppelin too…

I bought it mainly for the iPhone dock.
Otherwise, I would have composed a mini system
with better single components.

Message was edited by: Hellstan

I assume you just bought it then and you are returning it. If you need it serviced you would have to send it to B&W.

Yes, correct : I received it Friday.
Pity, because it's a good compromise for one who wants
an uncluttered desk.