Bose Wave Music System (platinum white)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: 33976
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Bose's Wave Music System improves upon the original in both design and performance.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
 | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Bose Wave Music System (platinum white) price range: $499.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 11/08/2004
- Updated on:09/07/2006
- Released on: 10/15/2004
The good: Simple to set up and use; attractive design; improved sound; plays MP3 CDs; line-in support for other devices; 30-day trial period.
The bad: Expensive; no bass or treble control.
The bottom line: Bose's Wave Music System improves upon the original in both design and performance.
Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.
In creating the follow-up to its original Wave radio/CD player, Bose was on a mission to keep the unit the same size while improving its sound quality, which can present a serious challenge when it comes to a compact piece of equipment that includes speakers. Bose also decided to replace the top-loading CD player with a swankier front-loading one and did away with all the buttons on the unit to enhance the Wave's sleek, minimalist styling and keep things as simple as possible. The new Wave is available in two colors: platinum white and slate gray.
A buttonless Wave means you have to use the included credit-card-style remote to control all of the unit's functions. That's mostly a good thing. The remote is well-labeled and easy to use, though it helps to make a quick study of the manual to make sure you're aware of certain buttons' dual purposes. For instance, when in radio mode, the Tune/MP3 buttons scan to the next/previous radio stations; in CD mode they allow you to navigate through folders on an MP3 CD. Meanwhile, the Play mode button selects various shuffle and repeat CD play modes but also turns on the bass-trimming Talk Radio mode when you're listening to stations that artificially boost low frequencies to make your favorite blowhards sound more authoritative.
You can store up to six AM and six FM stations into memory, and the Wave, like its predecessor, is a proficient clock radio that gives you the option of awaking to a CD or a radio station. In contrast to Bose's SoundDock for iPods, this model has an auxiliary input (minijack) so that you can not only connect an iPod but any other playback device as well, including a DVD player. On the back you'll also find a headphone input, a jack for an external antenna (not included), and a Bose Link jack that allows you to connect the Wave to select link-enabled Bose Lifestyle systems and turn it into a Zone 2 stereo speaker. (A separate cable is required to engage the Bose Link functionality.)
The only major drawback to having to control everything through the remote is that tiny remotes are easy to misplace or lose. Imagine the alarm going off and not being able to silence it right away or hit the Snooze button (the Sleep button on the remote) because your clicker mysteriously disappeared. Grrrr. We therefore recommend you purchase an extra remote (about $10) to have on hand in case the included one pulls a D.B. Cooper.
Now on to the thing that really matters: Does this Wave sound better than the original? Yes, it does, though we found that it sounded a little different in each room we placed it in, so it's worth experimenting with different locations. (Bose offers a handy 30-day trial period.)
Small as it is, the unit can fill fairly large rooms with sound. CDs ranging from Frank Zappa's orchestral extravaganzas to the fury of rock duo White Stripes shined over the Wave. Bass was full and rich, though we sometimes wished the unit had bass and treble controls to compensate for recording variability. The Wave's AM and FM tuner pulled in all of our favorite stations, including most of the hard-to-receive ones.
At the suggestion of the Bose folks, who changed this model's name from the Wave Radio/CD II to the Wave Music System to better express (read: market) the full range of its capabilities, we next hooked up the Wave to a DVD player's audio outputs. The sound easily bested the speakers built into most TVs, particularly flat-panel displays. True, its stereo imaging was confined to the space between the Wave's two speakers, but the Master and Commander DVD sounded remarkably clear and present. Just don't expect miracles from this tabletop system. The DVD's naval battle scenes lacked the visceral impact you'll get from better HTIBs and component systems, but the Wave certainly didn't embarrass itself or overtly distort sound. We imagine it will provide yeoman's service in cozy dens, bedrooms, or kitchens.
We'll finish by pointing out what may be an obvious stumbling block for some buyers: the $500 price tag. All we can say is, sticker shock aside, the Wave's a good-looking, good-sounding tabletop radio/CD player. In other words, while you'll be overpaying for the right to own one, you won't feel terribly ripped off.
Editors' note: Freelancer Steve Guttenberg contributed to this review.
User reviews
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Just bought my second - most miss the reason for the high cost
Pros: The new Bose wave meets "all" of the claims the fortune in advertising claims. I bought my first two months ago, and went to the Bose store yesterday to pick up a second Bose for a different room. A few weeks ago I also purchased a Boston Recepter for t
Cons: I would have liked to see more FM presets. It would also have been nice to have the the alarm off button on the remote somehow made easier to find (feel) in the dark.
8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Returned After 1 Week Trial...
Pros: Easy to use -- talk radio EQ setting is a nice touch --neat, neutral style -- build quality appears very high...
Cons: In a few design areas, Bose has sadly regressed in this new version; F-type connector for FM antenna has been replaced with 3.5mm plug -- this is dumb -- couldn't plug in my Magnum Dynalab ST-2! RCA jacks for aux input have been replaced with a 3.5mm ster
8 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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there is a reason they tell you to keep the volume up for optimal sound
by Joshua Garfinkle on February 5, 2008
Pros: Nice design, sleek look
Cons: Average sound at normal decibal levels, and no buttons
Summary: As soon as you open the box and glance at the directions you realize that something is amiss. Bose gives you a CD full of specific sounds that would sound ...
Summary: As soon as you open the box and glance at the directions you realize that something is amiss. Bose gives you a CD full of specific sounds that would sound the same (great) on any average system with the volume turned up to the level they recommend. However, if you keep the volume where they tell you to, you will soon need to by a Bose hearing aid to fix the hearing loss you will suffer. At normal listening volume ranges the device is mediocre. At $100 I would recommend it. At $200 I would say its ok, but for the $500 they charge, I would say go out and buy something else.
Updated
Like lemmings, we sometimes foolishly follow the pack on things. The Bose Wave Radio is one of those things. The commercial shows us "scientifically" how the item is supposed to work which to a thinking person makes no sense, but hey we also buy knives that are supposed to cut through our shoes. Anyhow, the system arrived, and the best sound I have achieved out of it was with their cleverly written demo CD (full of deep base, and high treble) which I was told to play at one of the hightest volumes available on the machine to realize true room filling sound. No kidding, you mean if I turn up the volume really loud it will fill a room. The reality is the sound quality on the Bose Wave Music System is only marginally better than say a 1980's Sony Clock Radio. I think we all say we like it because we feel duped to have purchased an infomercial touted $500 stereo, or perhaps we just pretend to like it, since we feel something is wrong with us, that we don't notice the difference like the "Real Customers" who give their testimonials on the infomercial. I guess it is another hard learned lesson in reality, that a small plastic box with two speakers will sound like a small plastic box with two speaker unless you turn up the volume so loud your neighbors can hear it.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Clock radio for the well-to-do
by bousozoku on March 20, 2006
Pros: Easy setup, easy to use, good sound
Cons: Still pricy even though similar products now exist
Summary: I've had my Wave Radio for nearly 10 years now. I have my iPod dock connected to it and I play just about anything but country and metal. It ...
Summary: I've had my Wave Radio for nearly 10 years now. I have my iPod dock connected to it and I play just about anything but country and metal. It has good sound but it's not the most amazing. Anyone thinking that something this size is going to compete with full-sized loudspeakers isn't thinking clearly. The lack of tone controls seems odd but the sound is reasonably flat and, once again, is fine for this kind of product.
I can attest to the alarm having a battery backup. It worked during the hurricanes of 2004, when there was no power here. The remote is still working on the original battery after nearly 10 years.
It could really use an FM antenna but it would not fit with the simple nature of this product.
It is a joy to use.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Bose delivers the goods
by lbubb on January 12, 2007
Pros: plug & play easy & works out of the box
Cons: no user adjustments on bass & treble
Summary: One solid performer is the Bose Wave Music system. I have many cd & all of different music types & it handles the majority of them quite well. The real ...
Summary: One solid performer is the Bose Wave Music system. I have many cd & all of different music types & it handles the majority of them quite well. The real selling point of a Bose system is ease of use & good sound. They don't have user controls for bass & treble & depending on what your looking for can be a good thing or bad. If you are a demanding listener & like rock than I would have to mention that bass is OK not great. On pop/country & classical I'd say the Bose is setup pretty well and would mention positioning of the equipment is essential, closer to a wall will bring up the bass. If your a casual listen of cd & radio this may well be what you looking for as the sound is quite good & stereo separation is very good. Bose has a great ability to give the highs & lows a well defined stage to reproduce on, it's just the real lows that could use some help. Bose excels in the remote deparment as it is simple stright forward layout & nothing about it is confusing. This is a good piece of equipment that can satisfy any listener other than the audiophile if you fit in that area you will not go wrong here. In conclusion this is a good machine that produces good sound & is easy to use. Just don't expect to be able to adjust what your hear but you will get an honest sound from the Bose...
3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Sound!
by Baroness loraca on April 16, 2006
Pros: Richness and Clarity
Cons: If there are any I have yet to discover them!
Summary: I am critical, and like almost nothing, but when I review, it has to be the best! You are looking at the best CD player !! The sound is concert hall ...
Summary: I am critical, and like almost nothing, but when I review, it has to be the best! You are looking at the best CD player !! The sound is concert hall like! I have a very expensive stereo system, this little radio blows it right out of the water!! Not with loudness, but with the richness and clarity of being there. NO DISTORTION!! Perfect highs! Perfect mid range! perfect lows!!
There are instruments only to be heard through the Bose Experience. Simply the Best!2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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sorry Pail Harvey you missed this one
by gmcmack1 on April 2, 2009
Pros: small size fits anywhere.
Cons: Sound doesn't live up to the hype. My 20 year old stereo system sounds much better.
Summary: Save yourself several hundred dollars and buy a clock radio with a CD changer. Bose doesn't live up to the hype. No where close to sounding like you're ...
Summary: Save yourself several hundred dollars and buy a clock radio with a CD changer. Bose doesn't live up to the hype. No where close to sounding like you're in a concert hall...Paul Harvey was probably deaf...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great sound quality, ease of use. Product delivers
by steveg1957 on November 29, 2008
Pros: Sound quality is superior. Simple to use. Extremely compact in size. Very sleek & attractive
Cons: Would be nice to have additinal inputs
Summary: The Wave Music System is a solid performer. The sound qualiyt is excellent and could not be easier to us. I have owned it for over 2 years and still ...
Summary: The Wave Music System is a solid performer. The sound qualiyt is excellent and could not be easier to us. I have owned it for over 2 years and still enjoy it very much. For those that want good sound quality and ease of use, it is a homerun
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Some what over rated
by suitor on September 7, 2008
Pros: I like the optional 3 disk changer.
Portability. For travel, it packs fairly easy.
Sound is less inpresive than I expected for a $750.00 table top stero.Cons: Need a remote to operate, and it's small. So don't lose it, or drop it in todays paper, that will get tossed out.
Summary: The sound is lacking a crisp bass response.
At high volumes, it goes flat.
I have an Onkyo that cost $200.00 and it sounds better. Except it has detachable ...Summary: The sound is lacking a crisp bass response.
At high volumes, it goes flat.
I have an Onkyo that cost $200.00 and it sounds better. Except it has detachable speakers, so it stays home.
I would consider the next step up Bose unit.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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expensive and unreliable
by andrewleong on July 20, 2008
Pros: fairly decent sound and compact
Cons: remote is spotty and cd player sometimes don't work
Summary: I purchased the older model for my father and it seemed to have decent sound quality. Therefore, I picked a new one up myself. Within months the remote control failed (...
Summary: I purchased the older model for my father and it seemed to have decent sound quality. Therefore, I picked a new one up myself. Within months the remote control failed (unresponsive). The elimination of the button controls on the new model (coupled with the unresponsive remote) made the thing useless. Bose said to unplug the thing and let it sit for 1 minute b/f replugging, thus resetting the settings. Soon thereafter the cd player could not read my cds ("unreadable"). By this time my warranty has expired and it's been crapshoot as to whether the cd can read at times or not.
It does also become a nuisance that one pays $500 and it doesn't even have some basic treble or bass controls. For the price this was not worth it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
- Part number: 33976
- Description: A bold new standard in audio performance from a tabletop system as elegant as it is easy to use. The Bose Wave music system may well become the primary music system in your home.
General
- Product Type Audio system
- Width 14.5 in
- Depth 8.6 in
- Height 4.2 in
- Weight 8.6 lbs
- Enclosure Color Platinum white
Audio System
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Built-in Clock Alarm, Digital clock
- Timer Wake, Sleep, Snooze
- Display Dimmer Yes
- Digital Storage Media None
Connectors
- Headphone Jack Yes
Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in
Radio
- Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Preset Station Qty 12
- AM Preset Station Qty 6
- FM Preset Station Qty 6
Turntable
- Type None
CD System
- CD system type CD / MP3 player
- Media load type Slot-load
- Playback modes Repeat folder, Repeat shuffle, One track repeat, All tracks repeat, Random play / shuffle
- CD-R compatible Yes
- CD-RW compatible Yes
- Digital audio standards supported MP3
- MP3 playback Yes
- ID3 tag support Yes
DVD
- Type None
Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
MD System
- MD system type None
Headphones
- Headphones Type None
Microphone
- Type None
Remote Control
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Remote Control (2nd)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - Rear, 1 x System components control bus - Rear
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power AC 120 V
- Power Consumption Operational 60 Watt
Miscellaneous
- AV Furniture None
Product series
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Bose Wave Music System (platinum white)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Audio system, Stereo, Remote control (Infrared), Platinum white, 14.5 in x 8.6 in x 4.2 in, 8.6 lbs
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Bose Wave Music System (graphite gray)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Audio system, Stereo, Remote control (Infrared), Graphite gray, 14.5 in x 8.6 in x 4.2 in, 8.6 lbs
Manufacturer info
- Bose Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.bose.com/
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999-2673
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