Bose Wave Music System - Platinum White

by Bose

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 14.6 x 4.2 inches ; 8.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0002ZLZ02
• Item model number: 0017817341875
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,505 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #20 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Compact Stereos

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Bose - Better Sound Through Research

Dedication to research and excellence. It's been the Bose approach to better sound since Dr. Amar G. Bose founded the company in 1964. Since those early days, Bose engineers have kept their focus on creating better technology. You'll find that focus exemplified in the Wave music system, with advances that ensure premium performance and convenience.

The acclaimed Wave music system still sets the standard for quality audio and ease of use among one-piece, table top stereos. Its award-winning design adds a touch of distinction to almost any room. No wonder so many people use it as their main home entertainment system.

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Sleek, elegant design feels at home in any room. Shown in Platinum White This easy-to-use infrared remote lets you operate your Wave music system from anywhere in the room

Hearty Sound from a Compact System

Bose Technology at Work

Unique Bose innovations account for this compact system's hearty sound. Proprietary waveguide speaker technology combines with other Bose audio refinements to deliver performance well beyond the speakers' size.

Simplicity by Design

The Wave music system was engineered for easy enjoyment right out of the box. No setup required: just plug it in and you're ready to go. The FM/AM radio and CD player are built in. There's an auxiliary input for your MP3 or other portable player, and a headphone jack for keeping the music to yourself.

The system's sleek appearance is uninterrupted by buttons, with all controls on a handy, slim remote. The large display panel is brightly lit and easy to read, prominently displaying the artist, title and album names of your MP3 CDs.

Two waveguides are precisely tuned to reproduce lifelike sound from a small enclosure

Waveguide Speaker Technology

Two 26-inch folded waveguides are precisely tuned to amplify the output from the transducers (speakers) to reproduce lifelike sound from a small enclosure.

Wave Music System Highlights

Proprietary waveguide speaker technology enables full-bodied sound, especially in lower registers, for more natural-sounding bass and percussion instruments.

Slim infrared remote control lets you conveniently control system functions from just about anywhere in the room.

Slot-loaded CD player easily loads CDs or MP3 CDs. The front-loading design permits more placement options than traditional bookshelf stereos.

Large visual display with adjustable brightness and automatic nighttime dimming enhances viewing of clock radio display, as well as indicates audio source and shows track, title and artist on suitably encoded MP3 CDs.

Digital FM/AM tuner with seek function provides easy access to your favorite radio programs with built-in FM/AM antennas, including memory settings for six FM and six AM stations.

Automatic ramping creates a more pleasant listening experience. Volume starts low and gently increases when the unit is turned on or alarm clock is activated.

Shielded speakers prevent TV and computer picture interference for more placement flexibility.

Headphone jack enables private listening.

Auxiliary input jack lets you enjoy your TV, computer or another audio source through your Wave system.

Bose link easily connects your Wave system to a compatible Lifestyle system for an expanded home entertainment network.

What's in the Box

• Wave music system
• AC power cord
• Remote control
• Demonstration CD

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Wave Music System Accessories

	Wave Connect Kit for iPod--Just what you need to play your iPod through a Wave music system. Connect kit is compatible with most iPod models and includes a docking station that charges your iPod and a custom remote that controls both iPod and Wave system.
	Wave Music System Multi-CD Changer--Enjoy extra hours of uninterrupted CD music. Slide one CD or MP3 CD into the Wave music system's front slot, and up to three more into this optional multi-CD changer. The easy-to-use changer is seamlessly controlled by the Wave music system remote and provides an additional connection for another audio source.

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Similar Bose Products to Consider

Acoustic Wave Music System II--The best Bose all-in-one music system performs like large component systems costing much more--with far less complication and clutter. Advanced Bose technologies deliver sound with clarity and consistency, at loud or soft volume levels, even in larger rooms and outdoor spaces. The system plays audio and MP3 CDs plus FM/AM radio. An optional travel case and power pack make portability easy.

Wave Music System - SoundLink--The Wave music system - SoundLink plays audio from your computer in any room, wirelessly. So, sources like iTunes and Internet radio can now join your CDs and favorite FM/AM stations in one listening area--all from one system. It's easy, too, with just two quick connections. A custom remote lets you navigate your playlists and switch between computer and system audio at the press of a button. And you'll enjoy all your music even more with acclaimed Wave music system performance. The Wave music system - SoundLink: a great leap forward in versatility and convenience from the most popular Bose tabletop system.

Product Description

The Wave music system reproduces one-half octave lower musical notes and delivers even greater clarity and definition than the original Wave radio/CD. With its deeper tones and even more lifelike sound, you might just feel like you're sitting in the front row. Inside, our new proprietary waveguide speaker technology combines with other Bose technologies to deliver enhanced performance at all listening levels. You'll hear the same clear musical nuances whether you turn the volume up or keep it soft. You'll also enjoy the full depth and range of every vocal or instrument on MP3s, CD-R/RWs, and conventional CDs. Listen to CDs created on your computer and take advantage of the digital MP3 format for hours of uninterrupted Wave music system quality sound. The Wave music system was engineered to be delightfully easy to use. There are no visible buttons. Instead, the entire system is completely and conveniently controlled by a credit card-sized remote control. And setup couldn't be easier. The CD player, digital AM/FM tuner, amplifiers and speakers are all built-in so you can enjoy quality sound right out of the box. The large, bright display panel is easy to read and understand, prominently displaying the artist, title and album names of your suitably encoded MP3 CDs. It's also easy to enjoy the system's full, rich sound with your TV, VCR, DVD player, or computer, thanks to an auxiliary input jack. And if you want to keep the music to yourself, you can simply plug your headphones into the headphone jack. The Wave music system may look familiar, but it takes the original award-winning design of the Wave radio/CD to new levels. With its absence of buttons and a convenient slot-loaded CD player, the slim, sleek profile shines through to complement just about any room.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

396 of 419 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars from a Bose Basher, November 28, 2004

By 

charlesn (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Bose Wave Music System - Platinum White (Electronics)

UPDATE DECEMBER 2011... 7 YEARS LATER WITH THE BOSE NEW WAVE MUSIC SYSTEM: Hard to believe it has been seven years since I wrote the review below. My Wave Music System is still going strong. The CD transport failed a few years ago, but Bose replaced it for fifty bucks, and it's hard to argue with that. And yes, I'm still a Bose basher, finding most of their slickly marketed products to be as overpriced and underwhelming as ever. So, has my enthusiasm for the Wave System dimmed over time? Let me put it this way...

I recently did some renovations in my living room and had to pack up my main audio rig during the process. I've upgraded that system since I wrote the Wave review--it's now based on about $45K in electronics and the speakers were recently ranked amongst the ten best speaker systems in the world. Not trying to impress here, just establish the point of comparison. And while renovations continued, I didn't want to be without music, so I moved my Bose Wave System from its place in the bedroom to the living room, where I listened to it on a daily basis. Did I miss my main rig? Of course I did, and that's not surprising. But what DID surprise me daily was how much musical enjoyment the Bose could provide even when compared to something approaching a cost-no-object system. Instead of thinking, "I can't wait til my main rig is up and running again," the thought that most often crossed my mind was, "You know, if the Bose had to be my only music system, I'd be okay with that."

Now, before anyone gets the wrong idea and accuses me of Bose fanboy insanity, let be clear: I'm not saying the Bose sounds like or even close to my main rig. It doesn't, nor should it at a tiny fraction of the price and size. But what I said seven years ago is just as true today, even when compared against such a system: the Wave Music System is extremely musical and just sounds "right," across a broad spectrum of musical genres. It has many sonic strengths and no obvious flaws that would detract from your listening enjoyment. As an added bonus over the years, its AUX IN port has allowed me to play my iPod and Squeezebox devices through the Wave System, and both sound really great.

Fair disclosure: my Wave System is (obviously) seven years old and I haven't listened to Bose's newest revisions of this model. Whether they have made changes in design or parts that might adversely affect the sound, I can't say. But assuming they haven't messed with a winner, the Wave Music System still gets five stars from me.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:

Yes, you read that right. But before I get to the review, a confession:

As a life-long audiophile, I have long felt that Bose represented the pinnacle of overpriced hype and underwhelming sound quality. The true genius of Amar Bose, in my opinion, is that he has created a distinctive "Bose sound" that appeals greatly to mass market consumers who don't know any better. Spend some time listening to truly good audio systems, and you'll quickly realize that Bose is a high-priced, superbly marketed joke. And unfortunately, I have to live with Bose mediocrity on a daily basis in the form of a Bose audio system "upgrade" in my Acura MDX. (Which I was forced to take as part of the touring package.) It cranks out 'okay' sound at best, and is no where near as good as "stock" audio systems in some of my previously owned vehicles. The most positive thing I can say is that my Acura Bose system sounds better than the Bose system in my friend's Mercedes.

By now you should be getting the idea that I'm the last person in the world inclined to give a Bose product a compliment, no less a five star review. What happened? Well, I was looking for a compact, one piece music system for my home office. And in the world of audio, I realize there is no such thing as a free lunch--designing such a system requires that sound quality be compromised to various degrees along the way. So I certainly wasn't expecting this unit to sound anything like the $10K Sonus Faber speakers in my main rig. What I wanted was good quality sound that, muscially speaking, got the important things right, with no obvious "wrongs."

With these parameters, I quickly realized that there are not many systems out there worth considering. The Cambridge Soundworks 740 soon became my top contender, but I wasn't really happy with it. Yes, it's got bass to spare, but it's bass that I find to be somewhat out of balance with the overall sound, and there's simply no way to tame it. And so, begrudgingly, I decided to give Bose's "New Wave Music System" a listen--after all, I could return it if I didnt like the sound, which I fully expected to be doing. And yet, nearly a month after it arrived in my home, I'm here to sing its praises.

Simply put, the New Wave Music System sounds better than I ever imagined possible with a unit of this size. It's extremely musical and just sounds "right," (whether it be rock, hip-hop, jazz or classical) with many sonic strengths and no obvious flaws. It will easily fill an average-sized room with music, and there's no sense of strain as you push it to higher volumes. For many if not most consumers, the New Wave may be as much "music system" as you'll ever need. One of the downsides to the audiophile pursuit is that you increasing tend to listen analytically, rather than for enjoyment. With the New Wave system, I've rediscovered the pleasure of just popping in a CD and letting it play. I"ve also found both the AM and FM receivers to be quite good, as well.

I really like the sleek, compact design, though I suspect I'll be cursing the "no buttons" approach the first time I (inevitably) lose the remote. And, being always suspicious of Bose's motives, I suspect this design may have been driven by bean counters who saw a way to reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating all on-case controls.

Is it overpriced? Well, if you're the type of person for whom "good enough" is usually good enough, you may want to look elsewhere. But for a product that I truly enjoy using on a daily basis, this was well worth the price. And compared to the insanity of high-end audio, where a 1 meter interconnect can run 3,000 bucks, $500 is downright reasonable.

Overall, I give the New Wave a "Bravo, Bose!" and I'd encourage any audiophiles looking for a small second system to give this a listen. You can always return it within 30 days, but I'd plan on it being a keeper.

104 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your ears will be very pleased., November 5, 2004

By 

Lawrence Miller "Eagle" (Southaven, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bose Wave Music System - Platinum White (Electronics)

I bought one Bose Wave Music System to compare it with my Henry Kloss 88cd and Cambridge Soundworks radios. It is better, period. I bought the Bose for use at work at Eagle Laundry, Horn Lake, MS where I have a Cambridge Soundworks radio playing all day. When I did the first comparison at home I could no longer enjoy the Henry Kloss at my bedside so I had to order another Bose for work. I could not part with the new Bose. Yes it's that good. The clarity and definition of voices and music is open and undestorted. It's as if the radio itself dissappears and presents only the wonderful sound of the music. Great features like auto dimming display which is fully adjustable continue to entertain even when the unit is off. No battery needed 48 hour memory in event of power failure saves money. Those 9v duracells are getting pricy. I was afraid I would not like to use only the remote for snooze control, but it has not been a problem. The ramp up wake-up alarm volume is also pleasing. This is a very refined, high quality, compact (it was smaller than I expected) multifuntion radio/cd/mp3 player. Very intelligent. The radio reception was fine with some adjusting of the power cord to get the stongest FM signal. My old radio required an external antenna. AM reception was great. My biggest problem was that one Bose Wave System was not enough. Also, Bose is a top drawer, first rate company. Just look at www.bose.com and you can see for yourself. Forget about the price for once and treat yourself to something special.

181 of 201 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too Much for Too Little, August 12, 2006

By 

eurocrank (Ketchikan, Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bose Wave Music System - Platinum White (Electronics)

I've had my Bose for about two years. I'm very glad to have received it as a present because, despite some of its fine features, it certainly does not merit the hefty, comparable-to-a-small-home-stereo price tag.

I like its design and its sound.

I don't like the following "features":

1) It is the most sensitive CD player I have. It will not properly play a number of CDs, especially CD-Rs. If a disc is slightly thin, the unit will either not accept it (you have to give it a push) or not eject it (you have to open up the unit, turn it on, hit "eject," and pull the disc out). This is especially annoying when my $70 boombox plays them without a problem. Refurbishing by Bose did nothing to change my unit's sensitivity.

2) It is not programmable! It doesn't program songs at all. The best it can do is "shuffle," "shuffle repeat," "repeat track," and "repeat disc." The cheapest boombox these days is programmable.

3) The lack of buttons is annoying: I found I had to order a second remote ($10) and keep it by the box. When I called Bose about this problem, the tech suggested getting the second remote and added that a lot of people had done that. My boombox is more user-friendly (it has buttons as well as a remote).

One can argue about the merits of elegance vs. user-friendliness. But the lack of programmability and the oversensitivity of this box make it a poor buy, in my opinion.