8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
The Small Radio With a Big Sound
Date of Review: Nov 20, 2001
The Bottom Line: The Bose Wave Radio CD is recommended for anyone who enjoys the sound of a large stereo in a compact package.
Bose...anyone with a remote interest in stereo sound knows that name very well. Bose is one of the most trusted companies assuring quality audio products. With the Bose Wave Radio CD player unit, the Bose company has tried to squeeze the sound of regular stereo system into a small radio, which also doubles as an alarm clock and CD player.
Many people have seen the informercial which frequently airs showing this product. I did not purchase my Bose Wave Radio CD player in this manner. I acquired mine from a music expo. Though the purchase set me back $500, I cannot say that I regret buying the unit. In fact, the price would be the only shred of caution I would offer when recommending this product to other people. It's not the price alone that's the problem, but what you get (or don't get more appropriately) for the price.
The Bose Wave Radio CD player comes in a choice of three colors; white, gray and black, and will fit any decor in just about any room of the house. The unit has very basic features:
AM/FM Radio
Clock
Alarm Function
CD Player (Single CD player)
For sound enthusiasts, another criticism of the Bose Wave Radio CD player is that it doesn't offer very much customization in sound. There is no equalizer nor a treble and bass function. The only adjusting in sound which can be made is to turn the volume up and down.
The clock feature is a positive feature. The digital time display is lit in green and is large enough to be seen from across the room clearly, even by people who may not have 20/20 vision. Another interesting feature of the time display is that when the room is lighted, the time display lights up fully, while when the lights are turned off in the room, the time display dims, which means it does not become distracting if the radio happens to be sitting on a bed side table. There will be no bright, green light keeping you awake as you try to sleep!
In addition to a clock, there is also an alarm feature which is about the most customable feature the unit has to offer. You can set the clock to wake you with the sound of a selected CD, radio station or the clock's alarm, which is a sharp beeping noise which starts out quiet and grows in sound the longer you let it go off. You can also adjust how loud you want your alarm to be, regardless if it's the buzzer, CD or radio waking you. The other part of the alarm feature which is nice is that it has a dual alarm system, Alarm 1 and Alarm 2. This is especially helpful if you and your significant other wake at different times. You can then set the alarm to note both wake up times without disturbing each other. With the alarm system, the only complaint I have is that it is difficult to find the right button to turn the system off in the dark. Especially when you are still half asleep!
The Bose Wave Radio CD player comes with a tiny remote control which is about the size of a credit card. Your biggest problem with this will be misplacing the remote, because it's so small! You can use the remote to access the radio and CD player only. The only part of the remote which is allows you any kind of customization is that you can preset several of your favorite radio stations using the remote.
If you can get beyond the high price of the unit, the Bose Wave Radio CD player is a smart buy. Bose products are known for their quality and longevity, so it's hopefully the last clock radio/alarm system you may have to buy for a long time. The system plays well and the sound is very clear for the size of the unit. I would recommend this product as a major purchase you won't end up regretting.
