Rediscover Bose’s simple elegance
Written: Apr 06 '09 (Updated Apr 18 '09)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
| Sound: |
|
|
|
Pros: Proprietary acoustic, iPod compatibility, full featured clock radio, custom design, great value
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: Fine quality table top system with very good acoustics
|
|
|
| solohans1's Full Review: Bose Wave Radio II |
Why I purchased the BOSE WAVE II
I acquired an ipod touch that I enjoy very much, but had found it somewhat limiting in that it's the digital content could only be heard through the stock earbuds that come with the product. My challenge was to find a system that provided auxiliary input for the iPod’s audio signal and to boost it to acceptable quality so I could enjoy my increasing digital music library within my bedroom without the use of the computer and mp3 player software. I also wanted a system that provided AM/FM, a clock radio with alarm. Of course, the system had to sound great, without gaudy ambience enhancements. A system with just pure clean sound with accurate highs and low and pleasing asthetics. The search began on the internet and went back and forth between there and the brick and mortar stores. But, as the title suggests, ended up at BOSE. To be accurate, a BOSE factory outlet store.
To be honest, there were not that many great systems out there, without shopping on the net, to find my ideal system. I looked at a great many systems, but most were simply docks mounted to an amplified speaker system. Some of these systems are small and powerful, but lacked one my most important requirements: Clock radio and alarm. If you don’t need this feature, you can save hundreds of dollars by purchasing one of these systems and get a quality that can rival the BOSE system. In fact, BOSE offers their own proprietary SoundDock for the iPod and other mp3 players.
However, there are very few systems that met the standards of quality that I was looking for. I found 3 that were very close for contention and even purchased one product which I had to return because it was defective. The other product had a lot of features and was smaller than the WAVE II, but was too gimmicky and expensive.
I was all set to buy the BOSE Sounddock, but reluctantly so because it didn’t offer the clock radio feature. I considered buying both items separate, but I wanted a total solution. The answer was right there on Bose.com, the website, staring me right in the face. Curiously enough, it was a competitor that led me to BOSE through their comparison of the BOSE product. But, what caught my attention, besides the WAVE II, was it’s little accessory: the iPod Connectivity Kit.
The BOSE acoustics system
BOSE is a proprietary sound system and technology that has to be heard to be appreciated. You really must hear one, as you would any sound system, to judge if it’s right for you. Some people like a sound that reproduces the high frequency and some prefer the lower bass frequencies. The BOSE system does seem to be tuned for the low frequencies, but the highs are not muted unduly. The system doesn’t provide controls for tonal adjustment, but it is well balanced for all types of music. There is an option to adjust for talk radio via remote. I prefer less control since I value a simpler and more elegant design BOSE extols. Most of the product holds the proprietary ‘wave’ tube which delivers the unique sound that resonates transfered sonic energy to your living space. I feel BOSE is very modest about the claim it makes concerning audio reproduction. They are not trying to compete with large component systems, but trying to adapt that level of quality to tabletop systems. It is more than a clock radio, these functions are in place for convenience. The priority has always been on outstanding sound quality and I think BOSE has succeeded.
Simple setup right out of the box
You will be listening to quality music in just minutes, right out of the box. The system requires little setup or a little more if you have the iPod dock connector kit. Just plug it in, out of the box or if you have the connector kit, set that up BEFORE plugging in the WAVE II. Set the clock or any radio presets you wish (6 presets per bandwidth). Set ‘Sleep duration’ and alarm if you wish. This is all done with the remote as there are NO external controls on the physical WAVE II itself. Another BOSE nod to simplicity of design. Set up is simple, but take the time to read instruction booklet to get a good grasp on it’s features.
Couldn’t be simpler. Twelve preset may seem like just a few for a premium radio, but keep in mind BOSE adheres to the KISS theory.
AM/FM reception, controls and features on the WAVE II
Overall, I am pleased with the rich sound from radio and reception is good picking up channels I never recognized before. The antenna is located in the electrical line for FM and there must be a ‘directional’ antenna inside for AM, although I haven’t researched this. You can set the alarm to wake to a specified volume and channel. You can set your favorite channels to 6 presets per band and use seek to automatically search for channels in the area. I had a little trouble tuning in one of my favorite AM stations, but by merely turning the radio sideway to a small angle, I corrected reception. AM band isn’t as remarkable as FM of course, but the sound is an infinite improvement over my old radio. Voice is rich on AM, but don’t expect miracles with this bandwidth when it comes to music. FM is comparable to CD quality, but won’t rival HD radio, although it comes close with the BOSE quality acoustics. Tuning into a radio station can be done manually with < , > buttons or with SEEK buttons. The presets function threw me off for a minute, as you have to have your channel ‘locked in’ before you can preset. That is, once you tune to a channel, wait a couple seconds and the LARGE station number which replace the time digits ‘fall’ to the bottom of the digital screen and become smaller as the time once again takes prominence in the forefront. Then you press a preset number for a couple seconds, listening to a tone(double beep).
Design and Dimensions for the WAVE II
The aesthetics or look of the WAVE II is contemporary classic and gives a subtle nod to the bygone ‘tube’ tabletop radios in style. It doesn’t appear to incorporate metal in the chassis, but may use a metal frame to support components such as speakers and circuit boards. It has a fair amount of heft to it due to the large magnets mounted to the internal 4" speakers. It weights in at a little under 9lbs(3.9kg). It has a slim, sleek look of texture graphite or white plastic. A curved grilled front with a clear readout display centered toward the top. Below the display of brightly lit LED readout, an attractive, handsome BOSE insignia. The top taper somewhat to a grilled ventilation toward the back. In the rear, are the input/ output jacks. In order, FM antenna, BOSE link (for lifestyle add on systems), AUX( I use this for iPod), and headphones. WAVE II speaker mute when headphones are used. Dimensions for this unit are 14.6”W, 8.6”D, 4.2”H (36.8/21.9/10.6-metric). As you can see, the the frontal dimensions are quite trim and the appearance is so too.
Custom User settings
You can personalize some settings for your radio if you wish. Options include snooze time, clock formating, display brightness, and setting code for the Lifestyle 'bose link.' There is also an option to reset to factory settings.
Outstanding features
-Pleasing, elegant and simple design. The radio doesn't draw too much attention to itself and blends in with any decor.
-Easy to use controls via credit card sized IR remote.
-Auto adjusting, dimming (step down) display lighting in a pleasing teal-blue color. Doesn’t distract from your sleep.
-iPod compatible connectivity kit (accessory sold separate $99.99USD).
-No distortion, rich sound that brings out the best in your recordings. You WILL notice a difference. The sound quality is excellent at any volume level. I tested up to around 75 and the volume level will go to around 99. Bass dominant without subduing highs. Of note, is that the volume 'ramps' up when the radio is turned on and when the alarm is activated(Nice touch).
-One year limited warranty is backed by BOSE
-BOSE reinvests 100 percent of earning back into research to develop their product. The product uses latest digital technologies.
Accessories for the WAVE II
iPod connectivity Kit
This is a dock for your iPod and support just about every iPod Apple manufactures. This kit comes with the dock, power supply, 2 audio cables, remote and instruction manual.This dock serves as a charger for your iPod as well. The remote replaces your WAVE II remote and will handle basic iPod functions (i.e., browse playlists and tracks).
Summary
I hope I provided you with some insightful opinion as well as useful fact on the WAVE II. The BOSE products, especially these tabletop systems, are somewhat a mystery to many customer since most of their advertisement comes from direct marketing or the occasional TV ad slot. The tabletop product is only available for purchase online or through their exclusive store. You do have the opportunity to test their quality from other products (i.e., speakers and home theatre setups) that are demonstrated locally in many popular electronics stores. If you find that quality acceptable, perhaps this product is right for you as well.
My recommendation is to go to BOSE.com and search for stores. If you are lucky, you will find a factory outlet store nearby or maybe have an opportunity to pick one up during your travels across state ,for instance. Do as I’ve done and save yourself $50.00USD and pick up a refurbished WAVE II for $299.99USD. You will get pleasure for years from this product and enhance your listening experience with this fine radio.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299.99
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
solohans1
|
|
Location: Southwest
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
Epinion visitors rock!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.