Bose Wave System 3 User Manual

The Bose Wave System 3 is a premium tabletop audio system featuring CD/MP3 CD playback, AM/FM tuner with 6 presets, clock/alarm functions, auxiliary input for external devices, remote control, and Bose waveguide speaker technology for enhanced sound quality. It includes tone controls, sleep timer, 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 CD Media 8. Clock and Alarm Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with integrated CD player and AM/FM tuner, Remote Control, AC power cord, Auxiliary input cable, Headphone jack.

FeatureDescription
CD/MP3 CD playerPlays audio CDs and MP3 files from CD-R/RW
AM/FM tunerWith 6 station presets (3 AM, 3 FM)
Waveguide speaker technologyBose proprietary design for richer sound
Auxiliary inputFor connecting external audio sources (e.g., smartphone, tablet)
Headphone jackFor private listening
Clock and alarmDual alarm with wake to CD/radio/buzzer
Sleep timerAutomatically turns system off after set time
Tone controlsAdjust bass and treble
Remote controlFull-function remote for all operations
AC power inputFor power connection

Installation

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

  1. Connect power: Plug AC power cord into rear of unit and into wall outlet.
  2. Connect antenna: Attach included AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
  3. Connect auxiliary device (optional): Use provided cable to connect external device to AUX IN jack.
  4. Insert batteries into remote control.

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

First-Time Setup

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

  1. Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use HOUR and MINUTE buttons to set time.
  2. Tune radio stations: Press BAND to select AM/FM, use TUNE to find station, press PRESET to save.
  3. Set alarms: Press ALARM 1 or ALARM 2, set time and source (CD/radio/buzzer).
  4. Adjust tone: Use BASS and TREBLE buttons to customize sound.

CAUTION! Avoid placing in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE (CD), VOLUME, BASS, TREBLE, TUNE, PRESET, BAND, CLOCK, ALARM 1/2, SLEEP.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, OPEN/CLOSE, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, SKIP, BAND, PRESET, VOLUME, MUTE, CLOCK, ALARM, SLEEP, BASS, TREBLE.

Clock Settings: Set time, alarm times, alarm source (CD/radio/buzzer), alarm volume. Radio: Manual tuning, preset storage. Audio: Bass and treble adjustment, mute. CD: Play, pause, stop, skip, repeat, random play. Sleep Timer: Set duration (15-90 minutes).

Connecting Devices

Auxiliary Input: For MP3 players, smartphones, tablets.

  1. Turn system off before connecting.
  2. Connect cable from device's headphone jack to AUX IN on rear of system.
  3. Select AUX mode by pressing FUNCTION until "AUX" displays.
  4. Adjust volume on both device and system.

Tip: Use high-quality audio cable for best sound.

Playing CD Media

Supports audio CDs and MP3 CDs.

  1. Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load CD label-side up.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; use SKIP to navigate tracks.
  3. Pause: Press PLAY/PAUSE to pause/resume.
  4. Stop: Press STOP; press again to clear track memory.
  5. Repeat: Press REPEAT for track/all repeat.
  6. Random: Press RANDOM for shuffle play.
  7. MP3 CD navigation: Use SKIP to move between folders/tracks.
  8. Eject: Press OPEN/CLOSE to remove disc.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular-shaped discs. Keep CD compartment clean.

Clock and Alarm Features

Dual Alarms: Set separate times for two alarms. Wake Source: Choose CD (last played), radio (preset station), or buzzer. Snooze: Press SNOOZE for 9-minute delay. Sleep Timer: Automatically turns system off (15-90 min).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. For CD lens, use approved cleaning disc only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Avoid liquid contact.

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 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord/outletEnsure power cord connected; try different outlet.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear path to sensor.
No sound from CDDisc/modeEnsure disc inserted properly; select CD mode.
Poor radio receptionAntenna placementExtend FM wire fully; reposition AM loop.
CD skippingDirty/damaged discClean disc; check for scratches; ensure level surface.
Alarm not soundingSettings/volumeVerify alarm on, time set, volume adequate.

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

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

Bose Wave System 3 User Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025