Bose Wave 3 Radio Manual

The Bose Wave 3 Radio is a premium tabletop audio system featuring advanced waveguide speaker technology, AM/FM tuner with presets, CD player, auxiliary input, clock with alarm functions, and remote control. It delivers room-filling sound from a compact design. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing CDs 8. Clock and Alarm Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Waveguide speaker enclosure, CD player, AM/FM tuner, LCD display, Remote Control, Auxiliary input, Headphone jack.

FeatureDescription
Waveguide Speaker TechnologyDelivers full, natural sound from a compact system
CD PlayerPlays audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs
AM/FM TunerWith 6 AM and 6 FM station presets
Auxiliary InputFor connecting external audio sources (MP3 players, etc.)
Headphone JackFor private listening
LCD DisplayShows time, station, track info, and settings
Clock with Dual AlarmsWake to radio, CD, or buzzer
Remote ControlFull-function remote for all operations
Sleep TimerAutomatically turns system off
POWERTurns system on/off

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface away from heat sources and moisture.

  1. Connect Power: Plug the AC power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  2. Connect Antenna: Attach the supplied AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
  3. Positioning: For best sound, place system at least 1 inch from walls and other objects.
  4. Insert Batteries: Install batteries in remote control.

WARNING! Do not place heavy objects on top of the system. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Plug in power; system will beep and display will light up.

  1. Set Clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set time.
  2. Tune Radio: Press BAND to select AM or FM. Use TUNE or PRESET buttons to find stations.
  3. Save Presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a PRESET button (1-6) until display confirms.
  4. Set Alarms: Press ALARM 1 or ALARM 2 button, set time and source (Radio, CD, or Buzzer).

CAUTION! Handle the CD door gently. Do not force it open or closed.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, CD DOOR OPEN/CLOSE, VOLUME, TUNE, PRESET 1-6, CLOCK, ALARM 1/2, BAND, DISPLAY.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons (0-9), CD controls (PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP), VOLUME, MUTE, BAND, PRESET, CLOCK, ALARM, SLEEP.

Radio: BAND selection, manual TUNE, PRESET memory. CD: PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP (forward/back), REPEAT. Clock/Alarm: Set time, alarm time, alarm source (Radio/CD/Buzzer), alarm volume. Display: Adjust brightness or turn off. Sleep Timer: Set 10-90 minutes.

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary Input: Connect external audio source (like an MP3 player) using a 3.5mm audio cable.

  1. Turn off system before connecting.
  2. Plug cable into AUX IN jack on back of system.
  3. Press AUX button on remote or front panel to select Auxiliary input mode.
  4. Control volume from the Wave system or your external device.

Tip: For best audio quality, use a high-quality shielded audio cable.

Playing CDs

Supports standard audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW (with MP3 playback on specific models).

  1. Open CD Door: Press CD DOOR button.
  2. Insert Disc: Place disc label-side up in the tray.
  3. Close Door: Press CD DOOR button again or gently push tray closed.
  4. Play: Press PLAY. Use SKIP buttons for next/previous track.
  5. Pause/Stop: Press PAUSE or STOP.
  6. Repeat: Press REPEAT button to repeat current track or entire disc.
  7. Random Play: Press SHUFFLE (if available) for random track order.
  8. Eject: Press CD DOOR button during stop mode.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregularly shaped CDs. Keep CD lens clean.

Clock and Alarm Features

Dual Alarms: Set two independent wake-up times.

  1. Set Alarm Time: Press ALARM 1 or ALARM 2, then use HOUR/MINUTE.
  2. Set Alarm Source: Choose WAKE TO RADIO, CD, or BUZZER.
  3. Set Alarm Volume: Adjust volume when alarm is sounding or in setup.
  4. Enable/Disable: Press ALARM ON/OFF button for each alarm.
  5. Snooze: Press SNOOZE button on top panel or remote when alarm sounds.

Sleep Timer: Press SLEEP repeatedly to set duration (10-90 min). System turns off automatically.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug power cord before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean exterior. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen cloth with water. Do not use solvents or abrasives.

CAUTION! Never allow liquid to enter vents or openings. Do not use aerosol sprays near the unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and the Bose Wave design are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord not connectedEnsure power cord is firmly plugged into outlet and system.
Remote does not workBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear path to IR sensor on front.
Poor radio receptionAntenna not connected/positionedEnsure antennas are connected; reposition FM wire antenna.
CD won't playDisc dirty/wrong typeClean disc with soft cloth; ensure it's a supported audio CD.
No sound from AUXWrong input selected/cablePress AUX button; check cable connections at both ends.
Alarm does not soundAlarm off/volume lowCheck ALARM ON/OFF status; increase alarm volume in settings.
Distorted soundSource volume too highReduce volume on external device connected to AUX input.

Reset: Unplug power cord for 60 seconds, then plug back in to reset microprocessor.

Service: For service information, contact Bose Customer Service or visit www.bose.com.

Bose Wave 3 Radio Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025