 Expensive, and worth it |
| Review Date: July 17, 2006 |
| Reviewer: pm444, Okemos, MI USA |
I bought this to replace a JVC shelf system I'd had for 6 years when the CD drive on that unit finally failed. I looked at less expensive systems, but none of them had the sound quality of the Bose. Plus, the Wave is very well built and sturdy, and I have had good luck with other Bose products that I own.
The sound of the Wave is excellent by any objective standard. No, it does not sound like a system with a receiver and separate speakers strategically placed for optimal stereo separation. If you want that, that's what you need to buy. But for a very small one-piece radio/CD player with a clock, the sound is outstanding.
The Wave consists of the unit itself and a small remote, not much larger than a credit card. Bose also makes two larger remotes for the Wave, one that's basically a bigger version of the one that come with the Wave, and the other a back-lit version. Bose had a promo including a back-lit remote in the cost of the Wave when I bought it, and I prefer this remote to the smaller one.
One criticism that reviewers have mentioned is the lack of any controls on the Wave itself. This isn't as big a deal as it may seem at first. Think about your TV and then ask yourself how often you use the controls on the TV itself, versus the remote. The same is probably true with your DVD, VCR, and other electronics. Most of these devices have just a few controls on the unit itself, and the rest are on the remote. Granted, it would have been more convenient if Bose had included a power button on the unit, but you can get a second remote for about $10, so you can leave one by the Wave and the other can be wherever you want it. The remote is very sensitive and will work without being directly aimed at the unit.
The controls on the remote are very intuitive and clearly marked, without the usual crowded and confusing array of buttons, most of which you'll never use. Setting up the Wave consists of getting it out of the box, plugging it in, setting the time, and turning it on. You can also connect an external audio source using a mini-jack input on the back of the Wave. I have an iPod connected to the Wave using the mini-jack, and the sound is just as good as the FM and the CD.
Some reviewers have also complained about the lack of tone controls. You definitely should listen to the Wave before buying one, and if you do not like the sound, don't buy it. If you do like the sound, you will not want to adjust the tone. If you cannot listen to your music without constantly adjusting the tone, do not buy the Wave.
The things I like most about the Wave besides the sound quality are the design and the ease of use. The remote and the display are simple and logical, the way they should be. The user's guide is thorough, direct, and concise, and you won't need to keep referring to it. The focus here is not on pushing a lot of buttons, it's on listening to the music. The Wave has the features most people will want, without a lot of extras that very few people would ever use. The Wave is small and will fit just about anywhere you want to put it, without drawing attention to itself. For me, it was worth every penny.
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The Boss Never Sounded so Good!!!
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| Review Date: February 27, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Texas Minimalist, San Antonio, Texas United States |
| I've been a Springsteen fan for many years, but I'm also a bare bones minimalist who hates parting with my hard earned money. So I've always listened to my music on cheap, generic type boom boxes. After coming across a little extra money, I decided to upgrade to a more serious sound system and did a TON of online research during my search for audio equipment. Everything I took a look at pointed to this little marvel of a stereo. The set up was easier than opening a beer and the sound that came out...incrediable. It was like nothing I've ever heard before. I could hear his fingers touching the guitar strings a nano second before the strum. I could hear him inhale in the middle of a lyric. I could hear instruments that I've never heard before. All this on CDs that I've listened to hundreds of times before and that I thought I knew backwards and forwards.I'm stunned! I just can't get enough of the little box. It's like discovering Springsteen again after 28 years. The best $500 I've laid out. As a frugal individual, I would have no problem recommending this to anyone. |
Impressive.
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| Review Date: July 19, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Richard J. Odiam, kansas city |
I have had the Bose Wave for several days now and have been constantly impressed by the sound generated by this little machine. I replaced a clunky cord-bound component system and simplified with this little beauty, which is now my primary music source. I have given up nothing in sound quality. Crisp, clear, and dynamic sound across a broad spectrum. Base range is solid and works effectively for type of music I prefer: generally acoustic or rock: Dylan, Cohen, Cockburn, Drake, Wilco, Van Morrison, etc. Not sure how it would handle base heavy rock, hip hop, etc. Can play loud with no noticeable distortion.
I'm hearing new sounds on recordings I've listened to hundreds of times: vocalist taking a breath, finger on guitar strings.
I like the simple and clean "no button" design. As part of promotion, came with additional full size back-lit remote which sits nicely on top of the machine, giving virtual machine top controls.
1st machine had vibration in right speaker, but Bose customer service excetional and shipped an exchange to me next day.
Couldn't be happier. Fiona Apple calls. |
Excellent
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| Review Date: September 27, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Ghost Hunter, Utah |
| I purchased this unit directly from Bose, and I must say I am glad I did. The little bit of space it takes is a must have in my small apartment, but yet it sounds better than the larger aiwa stereo I replaced with it. I am getting used to all the controls being on the remote, I am finding it easier and easier to use. The surround sound it provides from DVD's and even regular television has to be heard to be believed. It fills the entire room and sounds like you're sitting in a theater. Awesome product. |
Incredible Sound
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| Review Date: January 21, 2006 |
| Reviewer: GBW, CT |
| The CD sound is like being at the concert. Hooking the radio up to a television makes the home theater experience even better. The fm radio receiption is even clear. Great quality product. Worth the money. |
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(4.00 out of 5)