Manage updates with the Download AppBose Acoustic Wave Music System II (graphite gray)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: 40100
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Although some people will love its design and simplicity, the Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II doesn't offer the sound quality or features of its competitors--and it's way more expensive.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/14/2013 |
 | | In stock | as of 05/13/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II (graphite gray) price range: $1,099.95
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 10/24/2006
- Released on: 09/15/2006
The good: Doesn't look like a radio; convenient handles for transporting the system from room to room; easy to use; decent sound quality on light classical and acoustic music; lots of add-on options; achieves high volume without sound breaking up.
The bad: LCD display on top (you can't see it from across the room); no XM support; no HD radio support; very expensive; performance doesn't live up to the price; only 6 AM and 6 FM presets; no alarm or clock; no bass or treble controls.
The bottom line: Although some people will love its design and simplicity, the Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II doesn't offer the sound quality or features of its competitors--and it's way more expensive.
User reviews
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You usually can't go wrong with a Bose audio system!?
by DaveOCP on October 25, 2006
Pros: Badge will impress those who don't know what good sound is
Cons: Everything else
Summary: You usually can't go wrong with a Bose audio system!? Seriously, how much did Bose pay you to say that? ALL Bose home products are built with a 10,...
Summary: You usually can't go wrong with a Bose audio system!? Seriously, how much did Bose pay you to say that? ALL Bose home products are built with a 10,000% retail markup, and they ALL sound terrible. Every single last one.
There's a reason why the local Circuit City or Best Buy has a dedicated "Bose section". No retailer is allowed to let you directly compare a Bose product to the competition made by real speaker and electronics companies because that would show just how bad the Bose products actually are.
If all you want is a simple radio\CD player, try the Cambridge Soundworks Radio CD 740. Its about half the price of comparable Bose products, and absolutely blows them out of the water.
If you're actually interested in a real pair of speakers, here's a list of companies that aren't just marketing departments. ACI, Acoustic Energy, Adire Audio, Aerial Acoustics, Alegria Audio, Aliante, Amphion, Anthony Gallo, Aperion Audio, Ascend Acoustics, ATC, Athena, Audes, Audio Note, Avalon, Axiom, B&W, Boston Acoustics, Cabasse, Castle, Celestion, Dali, Definitive Tech, Dynaudio, Energy, Epos, Focal-JMLab, Harbeth, Heybrook, Infinity, Jamo, KEF, Klipsch, Linn, M&K, Magnepan, Mirage, Mission, Monitor, NEAR, NHT, Onix, Paradigm, PMC, Polk Audio, ProAC, PSB, Quad, RBH, Revel, Ruark, Silverline Audio, Soliloquy, Sonus Faber, Spendor, Talon, Tannoy, Thiel, Totem, Triangle, Von Schweikert, and Wharfedale. There are many others. Most of these companies offer speakers well under $400 a pair. Pair that with an affordable Denon or Pioneer receiver and DVD player, and you'll still be well under what this ripoff piece of junk costs.15 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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"You usually can't go wrong with a Bose audio system???"
by straycat88 on October 25, 2006
Pros: Are there really any pros when it comes to Bose?
Cons: How about way overpriced for the $20 technology put into it.
Summary: That's like saying, you usually can't go wrong with a Cubic Zirconia. Not only are Bose products overpriced, their so called Technology is comparable to Flintstones technology. Try ...
Summary: That's like saying, you usually can't go wrong with a Cubic Zirconia. Not only are Bose products overpriced, their so called Technology is comparable to Flintstones technology. Try listening to any Bose speaker next to any decent brand and you'll see the difference. Any of the brands listed by the above user is 1000 times better than Bose. B&W are the ones for me!
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's About Natural Sound Reproduction
by pastorjep on June 27, 2007
Pros: Unique, big clear sound, accurate reproduction
Cons: Somewhat Overpriced
Summary: I'm still amazed at many of the Bose critics--even the so-called experts. For example, "this unit should have at least bass and treble controls." Even though these do little ...
Summary: I'm still amazed at many of the Bose critics--even the so-called experts. For example, "this unit should have at least bass and treble controls." Even though these do little more than color the music one is hearing. Which, incidentlly, misses the point entirely. Bose does not have these contols, Bose does not have any such controls, Bose does not sound like any other music system....Why? Because Bose is about one main thing: NATURAL SOUND REPRODUCTION. What you are paying for is accurate sound reproduction (albeit a little pricey). Now, you may prefer the better "processed" music of competitors. After all, that's what we're used to. Music is "processed" at the recording studio. But, that isn't good enough, is it? We want our music systems to "process" the music again so that we get something unnatural, something much more akin to our personal liking, than the natural reproduction most of us claim we want--including the so-called experts. Well, that's where Bose comes in. They're not interested in re-processing music. They're all about accurate sound re-production. And that's whether or not you personally like it. Thus, if accurate sound reproduction is what you really want(including every little note and nuance), the real deal, then you'll want Bose. They're one-of-a-kind. Otherwise, go with somebody else....even with the so-called experts. For, whether it be Cambridge SoundWorks or another competitor, they're just another pretender. Providing just exactly the kind of music most of us have become accustomed to.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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"A Fine System"
by audiop1 on June 12, 2009
Pros: Natural sounding system to where sound controls (treble and base) are not necessary for this size unit (see bottom line summary).
Cons: Power pack (optionall) should power both unit and the five-disc changer, not just the unit.
Summary: I just received my Bose Acoustic Wave ll system, and also had the pleasure of auditioning them @ one of their stores in the summer of 2008.
I listened to them ...Summary: I just received my Bose Acoustic Wave ll system, and also had the pleasure of auditioning them @ one of their stores in the summer of 2008.
I listened to them and thought, "This is a nice sounding little unit". I consider myself an audiophile, and a very critical music listener. My home components are:
-Adcom 5500 Mosfett Power Amplifier
-Adcom Pre-Amp Tuner
-Sony ES Cassette Deck
-Sony ES 5-Disc Carousel
-Yamaha Hard Disc Drive CD Payer/Recorder
-Klipsch Chorus speakers
-Klipsch Forte' speakers
-Canton Karat 920 speakers
As you can see, it's serious!!!
Getting to the point, I thought the BAW ll is a very good sounding system; it overacheived better than my expectations (especially for the size). To compare it to my home system would not be fair because they are two different personalities and purposes.
I won't get into my home system, but the BAW ll an have multiple objectives: 1. A small unit with high quality sound (where space is limited); and a very natural sound.
2. A unit without equipment that the boss (your wife) complaining it impeding on the fine furniture she loves.
Because I'm diverse in the music I listen to, it's critical that this system play most of what I like well, and it does just that! In my opinion, the BAW ll is a STUD on Classical, Jazz, and New Age; very good on the other genders.
CNET, it does support XM Radio (same as the MP3 player), I've done it and it works just fine.
Also, the other units you've tested may sound good, but all I read is on table top models, not bookshelf units (oranges to apples) that you can transport.
In closing, whether for main or transportable use, audition it at the Bose store, then the 30-day free trial in your home with your favorite music (then judge for yourself)...I believe you'll be pleased.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best product of its kind on the Market
by redranger4 on June 8, 2009
Pros: True Life like sound quality reproduction. Resonable input and output options
Cons: A little bit over the top in terms of price
Summary: I have read online from websites like Cnet some reviews of the Bose Acoustic Wave II music system and it clear to me that many of the reviews are made ...
Summary: I have read online from websites like Cnet some reviews of the Bose Acoustic Wave II music system and it clear to me that many of the reviews are made by people who are not audio-aficionados. Only one review I read was positive and intelligent and it made the point that this acoustic wave music guide accurately reproduces life like sound. In short, when I read a criticism like, "there are no bass are treble controls?, then it is clear that some people do not understand this audio technology. On the hand, other manufactures utilize technologies that bolster unnaturally the bass, treble and mid range settings. Furthermore, if one would acquire a CD from say Pat Metheny or the Pat Metheny Group (it should be noted that Pat and his team are most likely at the top the music industry in terms of Audio Producing as the sound quality of all his is work is outstanding) and play it in a Bose Acoustic Wave II Music Guide system, in a large room with reasonable to good acoustics and at a high volume, then I am very confident that many people would be incredibly impressed.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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better off something else
by robertstephen on July 15, 2007
Pros: interesting style; it's in some movie i think
Cons: everything else
Summary: i bought one of these music systems in 2000 for the looks, and if looks could kill (from disappointment) i'd be dead..
cd player refused to read quite a ...Summary: i bought one of these music systems in 2000 for the looks, and if looks could kill (from disappointment) i'd be dead..
cd player refused to read quite a number of my cds, so all i heard was the sound of the laser track swishing away looking for tracks.
big let-down however was sound quality, bass-heavy, but if bass had been good, punchy and solid, so be it, but no - vulgar, loose flabby bass.
for the price-tag it verges on the immoral!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound and easy to use
by stshepard on May 3, 2007
Pros: Sound and Power
Cons: High Price.
Summary: I like all kinds of music, from Dance and R&B to Jazz and Country, Blues, Flamenco, and Vocals. I really can't understand how so many people could ...
Summary: I like all kinds of music, from Dance and R&B to Jazz and Country, Blues, Flamenco, and Vocals. I really can't understand how so many people could dislike this product so much.
I "auditioned" the product until 4:00a.m. here's what I found:
The system was made for music played on real instruments, Saxophones, Piano's, Guitars, Drums, they all sounded great and lively.
As I listened and turned the volume up, I could hear the affects of compensations the system was making, on Evertte Harp's "Groove Control" the bass almost dropped completely out when I turned it up past 80. (this was less noticable with the system nestled in a corner instead of sitting on a table in the middle of the room)
Most music seems to be coming from the area around the music system, not necessarily from the left and right speakers, this is cool because I'm looking at the system while it's playing but it seems like the music really isn't coming from it, like there are bigger speakers hidden somewhere else in the room.
The system doesn't hiss. during quiet passages, there's nothing no hiss, no hum, no buzz. The music just seem to emerge out of thin air.
The system seems well built. When the music is playing really loud with lots of bass, I placed my hands on the top, side, back, and front and it didn't seem to be vibrating and shaking, the enclosure doesn't rattle or color the music, the CD lid lines up perfectly with the to of the unit and all the gaps are even and straight.
The system can play really loud and clear, and it does sound like a much bigger stereo system. The bass is rich and full and unlike the previous version of the Music System, the bass is better balanced.
Most Vocals were so clear it was chilling, one of the most awesome was Patti Austin on her "For Ella" CD. John Mayer's voice on "Daughters" seemed to split the crossover point and was a little odd sounding.
When the volume it down, the music still has life, the treble and bass don't require increased volume levels to be noticable.
Some songs and Albums that really stood out where:
Wynonna's "Sombody to Love".
"Till My baby comes home" on Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume 2.
Acoustic Aclhemy's "So Kylie" and "Detroit Shuffle".
Patti Austin's "For Ella" (This albums sound great no matter what it's played on!)
Summary.
I've wanted one of these for over 5 years, but everytime I listened to the previous version something said "not yet". When I Listened to this new version in Bose Store, it took about 10 minutes to swollow the price then I thought "now". It sound great, it can play REALLY loud, it's simple to operate and it well built.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What a disappointment
by lynne1952 on October 27, 2006
Pros: I'm trying to think of one
Cons: No bass or treble settings is the pits!
Summary: I feel really dumb that we fell for the "Bose" mystique - or whatever made us think the Acoustic Wave was going to be worth all the $$$ we didn't ...
Summary: I feel really dumb that we fell for the "Bose" mystique - or whatever made us think the Acoustic Wave was going to be worth all the $$$ we didn't really have to spend! Oh well.
Can't believe it doesn't even have something as simple as an automatic turn-off feature. Not to mention trying to listen to CDs without being able to turn up the bass!2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Way overpriced, sound quality is weak
by hodges14 on October 26, 2006
Pros: Nice design, small stereo
Cons: Not live up to hype, I returned it.
Summary: I used to own the first one that came out which was a single CD, had a clock on the face, and I used it as my alarm clock.
You ...Summary: I used to own the first one that came out which was a single CD, had a clock on the face, and I used it as my alarm clock.
You can't do anything with this one. Plus the sound quality was nothing impressive, certainly for the money.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent sound from a small radio with a smal foortprint.
by Hoiberg on January 8, 2007
Pros: Lives up to the Bose Quality I have always known from the Bose 901's my Dad and Step-dad had growing up as a kid. Unit is small and has big sound. Visually appealing to the eye.
Cons: The Price is kinda steep for the ability of the system, not much for a home theater unit.
Summary: We have had our Bose for several years, it was my first Bose radio and I am still glad I made the purchase. We used to use our as the ...
Summary: We have had our Bose for several years, it was my first Bose radio and I am still glad I made the purchase. We used to use our as the Home Theater piece when we lived in an apartment which was great because of space. Once we built our house, we wired for surround sound and got a real surround system. This unit performed well though, we have the AUX input stnd on ours which allows for multiple source inputs.
Currently we have our Bose in our dining room and use it when we sit down and eat with company. It provides the great sound you expect from Bose and it is visually appealing to the eye. We leave ours out as a piece of the dining room furniture.
(My 5 year old duaghter also uses it for her Cd's, the device is very simple to use and kid friendly. Cd's start to play automatically once they are placed inside and the cover is closed.)
I love my Bose!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
- Part number: 40100
- Description: Bose's best all-in-one music system is now even better. The Acoustic Wave music system II offers more lifelike sound for larger spaces, with improved functionality and versatility, yet remains refreshingly simple to use. The Acoustic Wave music system II plays your home-burned CDs as well as regular discs and AM/FM radio. You'll find a new headphone jack for private listening, auxiliary inputs and an updated informational display. A variety of accessories adds to your listening enjoyment at home or on the go. The system hasn't changed in size or convenience. It still fits almost anywhere in your home, easily controlled from across the room by a credit card-sized remote. It accommodates your MP3 player, travels easily and goes portable with the optional power pack.
General
- Product Type Micro system
- Width 18 in
- Depth 7.4 in
- Height 10.6 in
- Weight 14.3 lbs
- Color Graphite gray
- Available Body Colors Graphite gray,
Platinum white Audio
- Components CD player,
Radio tuner,
Speaker system - Sound Output Mode Stereo
CD
- CD type CD player
- Media Load Type Top-load
- Playback Modes Skip,
Scan,
Repeat all,
Continuous play - Supported Digital Audio Standards CD,
CD-R,
CD-RW,
MP3 CD - MP3 Playback Yes
Tuner
- Tuner Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Tuning Display LCD display
- Preset Station Qty 12
- AM Preset Station Qty 6
- FM Preset Station Qty 6
Inputs & Outputs
- Connections 1xFM antenna-Rear,
1xAudio line-in(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
1xAudio line-out(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
1xMicrophone(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
1xDC power input-Rear Display
- Built-in display LCD
Accessories
- Remote Control Type Standard
- Cables Included 1 day(s) x Stereo Audio cable,
1 day(s) x Power cable Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
Product series
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Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II (graphite gray)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Micro system,
CD player,
Radio tuner,
Speaker system,
Radio / CD,
Stereo,
Graphite gray -
Bose Acoustic Wave music system II (platinum white)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Micro system,
CD player,
Radio tuner,
Speaker system,
Radio / CD,
Stereo,
platinum white
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Bose Corp.
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999 2673
- Fax: 1-508-820-3465
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