Bose Wave Radio CD 3 Manual

The Bose Wave Radio CD 3 is a premium tabletop audio system combining an AM/FM radio with a CD player, renowned for its acoustic waveguide speaker technology for rich, room-filling sound. It features a clock with dual alarms, preset radio stations, remote control, auxiliary input, and sleep timer. 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. Radio Operation 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustic waveguide speaker system, CD player, AM/FM tuner, Clock with dual alarms, Remote Control, Auxiliary input jack, Headphone jack.

FeatureDescription
Acoustic WaveguideProprietary technology for full, natural sound
CD PlayerPlays audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW
AM/FM TunerWith 6 AM and 6 FM presets
Clock & AlarmsDual alarms (Wake to radio, CD, or buzzer)
Remote ControlFull function remote included
Auxiliary InputFor connecting external audio sources
Headphone JackFor private listening
Sleep TimerAutomatically turns system off
Display DimmerAdjusts display brightness
PowerAC power adapter

Installation

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

  1. Connect power: Plug the AC power adapter into the unit and then into a wall outlet.
  2. Connect antenna: Attach the supplied AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
  3. Connect auxiliary devices: Use 3.5mm audio cable to AUX IN jack for MP3 players, etc.
  4. Insert batteries into remote control.

WARNING! Do not place near water or moisture. Ensure proper ventilation around the unit.

First-Time Setup

Plug in power; system will enter standby mode (display shows time).

  1. Set the clock: Press and hold CLOCK SET, use HOUR/MINUTE buttons.
  2. Set radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a PRESET button (1-6).
  3. Set alarms: Press ALARM 1 or ALARM 2, set time and source (Radio, CD, or Buzzer).
  4. Adjust sound: Use BASS and TREBLE controls or remote.

CAUTION! Place on stable surface; avoid blocking waveguide ports.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, CD OPEN/CLOSE, ALARM 1/2, PRESET 1-6, TUNING, BASS, TREBLE, VOLUME, DISPLAY DIMMER.

Remote: POWER, CD controls (PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP), RADIO BAND (AM/FM), PRESET 1-6, ALARM 1/2, CLOCK SET, SLEEP, MUTE.

Sound: Adjust BASS and TREBLE. Clock: Set time, alarm times and sources (Radio, CD, Buzzer). Radio: Manual tuning or preset selection. Display: Dimmer control for brightness. Sleep Timer: Set to turn off after 15-90 minutes.

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary Input: Connect portable music players, computers, or TVs using 3.5mm audio cable.

  1. Ensure system is off or in standby.
  2. Connect cable from device's headphone/audio output to AUX IN jack on back.
  3. Press FUNCTION or AUX on remote to select auxiliary input.
  4. Adjust volume on both device and Wave system.

Tip: For best sound quality, set connected device's volume to about 75%.

Playing CDs

Supports audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW.

  1. Insert disc: Press CD OPEN/CLOSE, place CD label-side up in tray, close.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; system automatically starts playback.
  3. Skip tracks: Press SKIP FORWARD/BACKWARD.
  4. Pause: Press PAUSE; press again to resume.
  5. Stop: Press STOP; press CD OPEN/CLOSE to eject.
  6. Repeat: Press REPEAT to repeat current track or all tracks.
  7. Program play: Press PROGRAM to select specific tracks in desired order.

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

Radio Operation

AM/FM tuner with manual tuning and 6 presets per band.

  1. Select band: Press RADIO BAND (AM/FM) on remote or front panel.
  2. Tune manually: Press and hold TUNING UP/DOWN for continuous scan.
  3. Set presets: Tune to station, press and hold a PRESET button (1-6) for 2 seconds.
  4. Recall preset: Press corresponding PRESET button.
  5. Wake to radio: Set alarm source to RADIO in alarm settings.

Note: For best FM reception, fully extend wire antenna and position properly.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. For stubborn spots, dampen cloth slightly with water only.

CAUTION! Never use solvents, abrasives, or spray cleaners. Keep liquids away from vents and controls.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and the Bose Waveguide 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 connectionEnsure AC adapter is firmly plugged into unit and wall outlet.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionReplace batteries; ensure clear path to IR sensor on front.
CD won't playDisc type/damageUse only audio CDs; check for scratches; ensure disc is inserted properly.
Poor radio receptionAntenna placementExtend FM wire fully; reposition AM loop antenna; avoid interference.
No sound from AUXConnection/input selectCheck cable connections; press FUNCTION/AUX to select auxiliary input.
Alarm not soundingSettings/volumeVerify alarm is ON, time is set, source is selected, and volume is adequate.

Reset: Unplug unit for 1 minute, then reconnect to reset microprocessor.

Service: 1-800-999-2673; www.bose.com

Bose Wave Radio CD 3 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025