Purchasing the BOSE Wave System is something I have wanted to do for a long time. At last I took the opportunity, so now is the time to tell the world about my feelings of the product.
Having previously owned a Mercedes Benz car I knew that BOSE provided excellent sound systems. The in-car systems were stunning, every thing you would expect from a Mercedes – class, elegance, and style. In some respects it would be better to listen to music in the car than on the home Hi-Fi system (even though that was one of the best available on the market at the time it was purchased).
Sadly we knew that our old home Hi-Fi system was approaching the end of its life and needed to be replaced. It may have many more months of life left in it, but with a broken CD/DVD door we knew the time had come. This is where a good offer on our local TV shopping channel came into its own – the time had come to go BOSE.
When the product arrived, just as soon as you un-box it the first impression is the size. It is only 37 cm (14.6 inches wide and 11 cm (4 inches) tall, being 22 cm deep (8.6 inches). Positively tiny when compared to even the smallest of traditional Hi-Fi systems. AND there are NO separate speakers! Everything is all included in this self contained unit. What a challenge to get powerful, yet dynamic sound out of a system so small!
The first question – what to play? Well of course I tuned into my favorite rock radio station, Q107. The sound was certainly different – more base, less tinny, the noise had more dynamic to it. The next thing to do was seek out a CD and funnily enough there was one to hand called “Presenting the BOSE Wave Music System” this contains an approximately 15 minute ensemble of classical music that had been commissioned specifically to be played on the BOSE player. Perhaps the best way to put the player through its paces. On this CD you can hear:
- The cock crowing on a New England farm
- A percussion storm by drums, cymbals, glockenspiel, and a 12 foot long “thunder sheet”
- Tiny bells
- The sound of six double bases
- Sonata for Harp – played dramatically with all the rich tones evident.
- Cello ‘singing’ Nessun Dorma by Puccini and joined by the full orchestra (and believe me it does sound like it is singing).
Powerful stuff! BOSE suggest playing this at a volume level of 80 to 85, which is much higher than I would normally go, but it has to be said the sound is incredible from this sample, you can certainly see what the machine is capable of. Normally classical music is not my style, but this sample CD certainly shows of the best of the system.
Quick On/Off feature. There is a touch pad at the center of the device that will turn on the last source you were listening to.
The clock was easily setup and I quickly adjusted it to the 24hour clock, which is always my personal preference. Setting up the alarm was however another matter. The menu system is a little strange and I have to say that I spent a good 30 minutes wrestling with it before sorting it out. The system has two alarms, which is ideal for us.
Tuning the radio was easy and did not need reference to any manual as the remote control is well labeled and easy to use. I have currently only set one preset, for Q107, but I will set the other 5 in time. The player will play standard music CDs and MP3 CDs that include multiple compressed songs on a single CD.
On the back of the device there are connections for an FM antenna, an auxiliary input, headphones and a BOSELink socket to link to other BOSE equipment, such as the 6 CD player (which I have not purchased at this time). Using the Auxiliary port it is possible output your TV sound to your BOSE system and provide sound that is more dynamic than the average TV.
There are many options available.
