Bose Wave Radio CD III Manual

The Bose Wave Radio CD III is a premium compact audio system combining an AM/FM tuner, CD player, and Bose waveguide speaker technology for enhanced sound quality. It features a digital tuner with 6 AM and 6 FM presets, a single-disc CD player supporting CD-DA and CD-R/RW formats, clock/alarm functions, remote control, auxiliary input, and headphone jack. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. 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 Functions 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with integrated CD player and waveguide speaker, Remote Control, AC power cord, Auxiliary input cable, Headphone jack.

FeatureDescription
AM/FM Digital Tuner6 preset stations each for AM and FM
CD PlayerSingle-disc player for CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW
Waveguide Speaker TechnologyBose proprietary design for fuller sound
Clock & AlarmDigital clock with dual alarm (radio/CD/buzzer)
Remote ControlFull-function remote for all operations
Auxiliary Input3.5mm jack for connecting external audio sources
Headphone Jack3.5mm jack for private listening
PowerON/OFF switch; AC power input
DisplayBacklit LCD showing time, station, track info
Preset ButtonsDirect access to 6 AM and 6 FM stations

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 the unit and a 120V AC outlet.
  2. Connect antenna: Attach the supplied AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
  3. Connect auxiliary device (optional): Use the 3.5mm cable to connect an MP3 player or other audio source.
  4. Position unit: Ensure at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation and sound.

WARNING! Do not place heavy objects on top of the unit. Avoid locations with direct sunlight or high humidity.

First-Time Setup

Plug in power; the display will light up.

  1. Set the clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set time.
  2. Set radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a PRESET button (1-6) for AM or FM.
  3. Adjust sound: Use BASS and TREBLE controls to suit your preference.
  4. Test CD function: Insert a CD to ensure proper loading and playback.

CAUTION! Handle the unit with care; avoid touching the CD lens or speaker grille.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, CD OPEN/CLOSE, PRESET buttons (1-6), TUNING/BAND, BASS, TREBLE, VOLUME, CLOCK, ALARM SET.

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

Radio: TUNE manually or scan; store presets. Sound: Adjust BASS and TREBLE independently. Clock: Set time, 12/24 hour format. Alarm: Set wake time, choose source (radio, CD, buzzer), adjust volume. CD: Play, pause, skip, repeat, random play. Display: Adjust brightness or turn off.

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary Input: Connect MP3 player, smartphone, or tablet via 3.5mm cable. Headphones: Plug into headphone jack for private listening.

  1. Ensure unit is powered off before connecting cables.
  2. Connect 3.5mm cable from auxiliary device to AUX IN jack on back.
  3. Select AUX mode by pressing FUNCTION or BAND until "AUX" appears on display.
  4. Adjust volume on both the Wave Radio and the connected device.

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

Playing CDs

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

  1. Insert disc: Press CD OPEN/CLOSE, place CD label-side up in tray, press again to close.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; track number and elapsed time will display.
  3. Skip tracks: Press PREV or NEXT to go to previous/next track.
  4. Pause: Press PAUSE; press again to resume.
  5. Stop: Press STOP; press again to return to beginning of CD.
  6. Repeat/Random: Press REPEAT or RANDOM during playback for repeat one/all or shuffle play.
  7. Eject: Press CD OPEN/CLOSE to remove disc.

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

Clock and Alarm Functions

Set clock: Hold CLOCK, set time with HOUR/MINUTE. Set alarm: Hold ALARM SET, choose ALARM 1 or 2, set time, choose source (RADIO, CD, BUZZER), set volume. Snooze: Press SNOOZE during alarm for 9 more minutes. Sleep timer: Press SLEEP to set shut-off time (10-90 minutes).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth slightly with water; never spray directly. Clean CD lens with approved CD lens cleaner only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive 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. 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 unit and outlet.
Remote does not workBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear line of sight to IR sensor on front.
Poor radio receptionAntenna not connected/positionedCheck AM loop and FM wire antenna connections; reposition for better signal.
CD won't playDisc dirty/damaged or wrong formatClean disc with soft cloth; ensure it's a supported CD-DA, CD-R, or CD-RW.
No sound from auxiliaryWrong mode/cable issueSelect AUX mode; check cable connections; ensure external device is playing.
Alarm not soundingAlarm off/wrong source setCheck alarm is enabled and correct source (radio/CD/buzzer) is selected.

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

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

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