Bose Wave 3 Manual

The Bose Wave 3 is a premium tabletop music system featuring advanced waveguide speaker technology, CD player, AM/FM tuner, auxiliary input, and remote control. It delivers room-filling sound from a compact design with intuitive controls, preset stations, alarm functions, and audio customization options. Below are key sections for overview, setup, operation, features, maintenance, and support.

1. System Overview 2. Initial Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls & Functions 6. Connecting External Devices 7. Playing CDs & Media 8. Alarm & Clock Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory & Safety 11. Troubleshooting

System Overview

Key components: Bose Wave 3 main unit, Remote Control, Power cord, AM loop antenna, FM wire antenna, Auxiliary audio cable.

FeatureDescription
Waveguide speaker technologyDelivers full, spatial sound from compact enclosure
CD playerPlays audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs
AM/FM tunerWith 6 AM and 6 FM presets
Auxiliary inputFor connecting MP3 players, smartphones, or other audio sources
Remote controlFull-function remote for all operations
Clock & dual alarmsWith weekday/weekend settings
Headphone jackFor private listening
DisplayBacklit LCD with adjustable brightness
Tone controlsBass and treble adjustment
Sleep timerAutomatic shut-off from 15 to 90 minutes

Initial Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage.

  1. Place the system on a stable, level surface away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
  2. Connect power cord to AC outlet (120V, 60Hz).
  3. Attach AM loop antenna to back panel and position for best reception.
  4. Connect FM wire antenna to FM terminal and extend fully.
  5. Insert 2 AAA batteries into remote control (observe polarity).

WARNING! Do not place heavy objects on the system. Ensure proper ventilation around the unit.

Basic Operation

Power on the system using front panel POWER button or remote.

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set time.
  2. Select source: Press CD, TUNER, or AUX button to choose input.
  3. Adjust volume: Use VOLUME buttons on remote or front panel.
  4. Store presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold preset button (1-6) for 2 seconds.
  5. Set alarms: Press ALARM button, select ALARM 1 or 2, set time and source (buzzer, radio, or CD).

NOTE: First use may require charging internal backup battery for clock memory.

Technical Specifications

Controls & Functions

Front Panel: POWER, CD OPEN/CLOSE, VOLUME, TUNER PRESET, DISPLAY (brightness), ALARM, CLOCK.

Remote Control: POWER, CD controls (PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP), TUNER BAND/PRESET, AUX, VOLUME, MUTE, ALARM, CLOCK, SLEEP, TONE (bass/treble), DISPLAY.

Display Indicators: Clock time, Alarm status, Source (CD, TUNER, AUX), Track/station number, Volume level, Battery status.

Connecting External Devices

AUX input allows connection of smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, or other audio sources.

  1. Locate 3.5mm AUX IN jack on back panel.
  2. Connect audio cable from device's headphone/output jack to AUX IN.
  3. Press AUX button on remote or front panel to select auxiliary source.
  4. Start playback on external device and adjust volume on Wave 3 system.

Tip: For best sound quality, set external device volume to 75% and use Wave 3 volume control.

Playing CDs & Media

Supports standard audio CDs and compatible CD-R/RW discs.

  1. Press CD OPEN/CLOSE to open disc tray.
  2. Place CD label-side up in tray and gently close.
  3. Press PLAY to begin playback; display shows track number and elapsed time.
  4. Use SKIP buttons to navigate tracks; press and hold for fast forward/rewind.
  5. Press PAUSE to temporarily halt playback; press again to resume.
  6. Press STOP to end playback; system remembers stop position for resume.
  7. Press REPEAT to repeat current track or entire disc.
  8. Press RANDOM to play tracks in random order.

WARNING! Do not touch laser lens. Use only clean, undamaged discs.

Alarm & Clock Features

Dual alarms with flexible scheduling options.

  1. Set alarm time: Press ALARM, select ALARM 1 or 2, set hour and minute.
  2. Choose alarm source: Buzzer, Radio (last station), or CD (last disc).
  3. Set alarm days: WEEKDAY (Mon-Fri), WEEKEND (Sat-Sun), or DAILY.
  4. Adjust alarm volume: Set desired volume level before alarm activates.
  5. Snooze function: Press any button during alarm for 9-minute delay.
  6. Sleep timer: Press SLEEP repeatedly to set shut-off time (15-90 min).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug unit before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior surfaces.

  1. CD lens cleaning: Use CD lens cleaning disc only if playback issues occur.
  2. Display: Clean with microfiber cloth; no liquids or abrasive cleaners.
  3. Ventilation: Keep vents unobstructed for proper airflow.
  4. Storage: If not used for extended period, unplug from power outlet.

CAUTION! Never use solvents, aerosols, or water on any part of the system.

Regulatory & Safety

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian ICES-003. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Wave are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord not connectedEnsure power cord is securely plugged into outlet and unit.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionReplace batteries; ensure clear path to IR sensor on front panel.
CD won't playDisc dirty/damagedClean disc with soft cloth; check for scratches; ensure proper insertion.
Poor radio receptionAntenna positionReposition AM loop antenna; fully extend FM wire antenna.
No sound from AUXConnection/sourceCheck cable connections; ensure external device is on and playing.
Clock resetsPower interruptionInternal backup battery may need charging; leave unit plugged in for 24 hours.
Distorted soundSource quality/volumeReduce volume; check audio source quality; adjust tone controls.

Reset: Unplug unit for 2 minutes, then reconnect to reset microprocessor.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Bose service center only.

Bose Wave 3 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025