Bose Wave 3 first look – with built-in digital radio
The Wave 3 is the most recent audio system from Bose, and at a first glance it is almost indistinguishable from the iconic design of the Wave 2, although under the hood there is one important difference, especially if you’re a fan of radio…
With the Wave 3, Bose has incorporated a digital radio tuner into the system, a feature that was absent from previous models. Digital radio enthusiasts who purchased earlier versions of the Wave had to also purchase a separate module if they wanted to receive digital broadcasts, priced at £150.
Five things we like about the Bose Wave 3
- Incorporated DAB
By doing away with a separate digital radio module, the Wave 3 is a much more attractive all-in-one prospect for music and radio fans. - Style
The design of Wave system is instantly recognisable, although the Wave tends to be quite chunky as a product, it is discreetly stylish. - Simplicity
The Wave 3 is a breeze to use. Accessing digital radio, storing favourites and setting the alarm are all intuitive, without the need to study the instruction manual. - Remote
The remote control is compact and fuss-free, another example of the Wave 3′s ease of use. - Sound quality
When we tested the Wave 2, we were very impressed with its sound quality. Although we haven’t got it into the lab yet, our initial impression is that the Wave 3 is every bit as pleasing to listen to as the Wave 2 was.
Jack’s impressions of the Bose Wave 3
While we’ve rated the Bose Wave models highly in the past, the requirement to purchase an additional unit to receive DAB did seem rather archaic, as well as expensive. By tackling this issue, Bose has produced a high quality all-in-one radio/CD player. Well, almost. Integrated internet radio has been overlooked, but maybe this is being saved for the Bose Wave 4?
The Bose Wave 3 certainly impresses when it comes to sound quality, but it doesn’t come cheap. Currently being sold for £600, this Bose isn’t going to suit all pockets. For less than half the cost, it would be possible to purchase a high quality digital radio that was also internet enabled, something like the Roberts Colourstream.
There are accessories available for the Wave 3, such as an iPod dock, and a bluetooth adapter, but these do push the price up even more.
Despite a few minor niggles, such as the price, and the headphone socket being located on the back of the unit (a particular bugbear from a usability perspective), the Bose Wave 3 certainly continues the legacy that Bose has started with the Wave series, of solid, easy to use radios that are a pleasure to listen to.
- Digital radios - reviews of the latest digital radios
- Bose Wave 2 review - our review of the Wave 3′s predecessor
- Testing DAB - a look at how we test digital radios
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Andrew Foster
I have a Bose III system. There is a problem with DAB radio in that it completely loses signal within 3 to 10 minutes every time it is switched on. After this initial problem, the issue does not appear to repeat. I have had the system replaced twice, and all three units have suffered the same problem, and in 4 different locations, including Bose’s outlet shop. The problem is being taken up by Bose who are due to collect my system to check it out. They have also offered a full refund. Whether this is a localised problem, I don’t know, but none of my other DAB radios are affected.
Fred Weil
My Bose III system works perfectly. DAB is excellent with very fast initial start up. It has never lost signal and I am only using the supplied wire aerial. CD reproduction is first class.
john malley
in the above report the price of the new wave 3 is quoted as £430. i understood the price to be £599.99p can you enlighten me on this.
John Kimberley
Bought one of these with extra Bluetooth device. ice and easy to setup. Sound is very good for the CD and works well in quite a big room, sounding like a larger system. DAB is fair, partly because we don’t have a very strong signal here. The Bluetooth worked straightway with my HTC Android phone.
The price is high, but I think here you get what you pay for. A small unit, good quality construction, very good sound, simple to use and no wires needed for the speakers. Yes you can pay less, and that may be what you want to do.
I have one slight worry. Having experienced issues with other slot loading CD devices, make sure the CD you load is not wrapped or very thick, because in another device, I got one stuck and required a retur to the maker to fix. This has not happened with the Bose, but if you have had trouble with a disk in another unit, I would not risk loading it in the Bose in case it gets stuck.
Delivery of the goods was fast and efficient and easy to track.
4.5 stars out of 5 (half off for the DA and the price), but if you want quality and good sound and willing to pay, it is worth it.
Rick
Boom boom boom that’s all these do. Maybe someone should let Bose know about frequencies. Overpriced and overhyped, £600 worth of stereo separates destroys this garbage.
dennis orton
I am having the same problem with dab as Andrew Foster. Just received my second Wave iii, and this is worse than the first one. They cannot receive a dab signal in the Bose Outlet store!! So I do not know they sets are faulty until I get them home.
Would love to know whether Andrew’s problem has been solved. My store deny all knowledge of the problem.
dennis orton
Delighted to report really excellent service from Bose. Contacted them again after the second Wave iii had the same problem with dab cutting out (see previous post). Last night the store manager(!) delivered another (3rd) new set; listened to the existing faulty one; set up the new one and waited to hear that all was OK. Which it is!! No idea what the cause of the problem is. Bose will test the returned set to find out.