Bose wave radio

[vpd66]

Well it is time for me to get a new shop radio. My old (about 25 years) Pioneer compact am/fm cd player is on its last leg. I've always admired the Bose waves radios and thought they would make a good shop radio but I never knew anyone that had one. All I really need is a decent am/fm stereo and a remote so I can mount it out of the way. I've searched the internet but I'm unable to find some honest real world reviews of Bose wave radios. I see them for sale locally for $100-$200 and I'm ok with that price. I know shop stereos have been beat to death on here but never seen anyone suggest a Bose wave. So I'm looking for some real world reviews.

 

[19Vert64]

No experience with the Bose wave but I had an extra echo dot I stuck out in the shop and am impressed with it for its size plus no remote needed just tell it to play what ever genre your wanting


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[Citation]

In addition to Bose, I would suggest looking at the similar radios made by Cambridge Soundworks. With any of these I would be a bit worried about how loud they can go before being distorted. At background levels I recall the Bose radios sounding "pleasant" but not impressive compared to many other options that I could scrape together for the same money.

 

[Ilikeike]

If you just want a small shop radio, maybe depending on your cordless tools try a Dewalt or Milwaukie, Makita...
They're portable with the onboard battery, and charge while plugged in,
and they're all Bluetooth now also.

Not to mention they have onboard bottle openers.

 

[Citation]

No experience with the Bose wave but I had an extra echo dot I stuck out in the shop and am impressed with it for its size plus no remote needed just tell it to play what ever genre your wanting


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I have an echo dot as well. I use it as a voice activated blue tooth bridge between my phone and a hacked up 2.1 computer stereo system. The computer speaker system was a higher end Logitec (ie near top of the Logitec line) system that was thrown out because one of the stereo speakers was bad. No problem, I had some Radio Shack Minimus 7's that needed a home. The Echo Dot is great because it can act as a BT receiver for my phone while sending the sound to the computer speakers vs an 1/8" plug. I can walk into my garage, say "alexa connect to my phone" (press power on the speakers) and listen while my phone stays in my pocket.

If all this stuff got stolen I would definitely get another echo dot for it's job. I would then find another used stereo or computer speaker set for the rest. Certainly an older receiver + bookshelf speakers would be high on my list as well.

 

[johnharris]

I won a $500 Bose Wave radio at a career fair 20 years ago. Never had an issue with it blasting nice loud music.

 

[engineer2]

Look at the JBL Charge 3 and Charge 4 as well.

 

[slowtwitch73]

We've had one going on 20 years. I have the radio on 12+ hours a day everyday.

It's an amazing radio. Small, awesome sound, bomber. The remote is killer. Can't say enough.

 

[bushmechanic]

It's ancient technology with good marketing used to help a small full-range driver behave a little more properly. No, it's not as good as something with larger, separate drivers; and that includes much cheaper devices.

It's small for it's output, and that's the calling card.

Is it decent? Eh. Depends on what you listen to. The more complicated the music gets, the more muddy it's going to become. It's using a transmission line as an enclosure to allow the drivers to hit frequencies they couldn't otherwise muster very well.

That is a tuned system, though. It's making up for holes in bass and mid-range, generally; and it doesn't handle all frequencies, nor does it leave them alone.

Bose is, and has almost always been a single-unit compromise. They love their full-range drivers. If you want something small and aren't listening to Nightwish or Wagner, and you're going to put it in a garage anyway, no worries.

If you actually want to hear everything unmolested and with great separation and clarity, less money will buy you more; but it's going to be bigger most of the time.

If Bose would slap a mid-bass driver underneath the thing and use compression drivers in those "wave guides", it would stand a chance at being taken seriously; but a garage radio doesn't need to be taken seriously. It just needs to keep that time passing pleasantly.

 

[RocketUSA]

I've had one in my kitchen for years, and I love it. It's not as good as my main stereo, but that's not the point. It there for sounding decent and filling the silence. 10/10 stars.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Hey Bushmechanic how's the view at the bottom of the rabbit hole?!

 

[bushmechanic]

Hey Bushmechanic how's the view at the bottom of the rabbit hole?!

All I see is ***.

Wait... That's the bottom of a ladder. Where am I, again?

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I know a bunch of people that have or had Wave Radios. Knew a few people that worked for Bose. They throw pretty good sound for being compact units, but otherwise nothing too special, and not worth a premium.

If you can find one inexpensively, go for it. I wouldn't pay a premium for one.

It's basically like a small boombox in an even smaller form factor.

They do look pretty cool.

 

[Cryptic1911]

Bose is always overpriced and overrated. Yeah it's neat for what it does in a tiny package, but they really aren't all that. I've always seen them as the high end for people who don't know any better. Not saying that as an insult or anything, but their big thing is the marketing. Everything they do is proprietary **** you can't use with any other system. They always use weird **** like 2ohm speakers and such, so you can't power them on a standard 8ohm home receiver and everything has weird connectors. They do kind of cater to a few markets where there isn't a ton of competition, but I've always found their sound to be a bit weak. They use full range drivers and use guides to get a long port length for increased bass, but at the expense of being boomy and muddy in my opinion. You end up with something where the lows are and highs are rolled off because the drivers can't keep up through the entire frequency band because of their size. They sure do package them up all nice and they are usually tiny, but you're compromising a lot for the convenience. As an audio snob, I hate compromising and always say you need big speakers for big sound.. not marketing and trickery

 

[PelicanPines]

I also echo dot'd. , very pleased.

 

[BukitCase]

Guess I'm in the "rabbit hole" camp - I'm 75, play multiple instruments, have true pitch, been in audio/video production (both tech and talent), studied acoustics/studio building a couple decades, fielded multiple top 40/rock bands, was service manager for a few different audio/video companies including Ampex, the list is actually MUCH larger... the point is, I've never even RODE in a "turnip truck", much less fallen OFF of one

About 10 years ago my daughter wanted a set of noise-cancelling headphones and asked me what I thought of the Bose; so I went looking. The model she was looking at was $300, so I expected something at least a TINY bit professional - their idea of "specifications" was words like "stupendous", "mind-blowing", "rich", etc - don't believe me? I DARE you to find any real specs here (their "specs" tab)

https://www.bose.com/en_us/products...ncelling-headphones-700.html#ProductTabs_tab1

Compare that "NON-Information" to Sennheiser's (half the price) headphones here

https://en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-450-bt

(click on "technical data", scroll down and click "more"

In my studio I have their (Sennheiser's) wireless mic sets, multiple microphones, headphones, and I've NEVER had a problem with ANY of 'em - Some cost more than Bose's "Ad-Slick" stuff, some less, but ALL have REAL specs. AND, they actually SOUND like it...

I've also auditioned Bose's attempt at "studio" monitors, (also several years ago) - they sounded like they were WORKING THEIR *** OFF to produce so-so sound. I ended up going with KRK's and Tannoy's.

I could see something SIMILAR to the Wave Radio if I just wanted background sounds while cleaning up my shop, but at those prices? Sorry, see my comment about the turnip truck... Steve

Oh, here's a couple pics of the back bedroom I'm setting up as a "sanity saver" while I rebuild my ACTUAL studio - acoustics aren't bad for a non "purpose-built" room, because no two dimensions are the same OR multiples of each other...

 

[BonzoHansen]

they do not sound anywhere as near as good as you'd expect.

 

[bushmechanic]

they do not sound anywhere as near as good as you'd expect.

If one can be had for fifty bucks or so, it becomes more interesting.

Beyond that it's just a marketing premium. A wave radio is just a complicated way to make crappy drivers fill a room. It doesn't make them any more accurate; but if it's cheap enough... Hey. Could be worse.

 

[scooterbum46]

Don't even start on their car "audio" equipment....

 

[BonzoHansen]

If one can be had for fifty bucks or so, it becomes more interesting.



Beyond that it's just a marketing premium. A wave radio is just a complicated way to make crappy drivers fill a room. It doesn't make them any more accurate; but if it's cheap enough... Hey. Could be worse.

I gave away the free one I got

 

[Jagmandave]

I just use my laptop computer for music - I find I really don't want it all that loud - I know some guys have screaming heavy metal going at ear bleeding volumes when they work in their shop (my neighbor across the street for one! ) but I just want it in the background, so quality isn't going to be that great. Plus too and also, I'm using air wrenches, drills, grinders and so on so it really doesn't matter.

So, bottom line - do you want concert quality? Do you have a quiet environment? Or do you just want to to fill in the quiet? that will drive your decision more than what brand you buy - to me.

I have the Echo dot also and while it was interesting at first, I didn't think it worked all that well, so I went back to my laptop

I used to play CD's all day but my CD player in the laptop died, so I'm back to internet radio....which is fine frankly.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

If it satisfies your desires I say go for it. Honestly $100-200 doesn't go far on "good" stereo equipment, even used (maybe some used headphones).
Yes, when it comes to Bose the price is part of their marketing. There were and are other choices that aren't as good (and still selling used in the same $100-200 range).

 

[acer66]

Hey Bushmechanic how's the view at the bottom of the rabbit hole?!

All I see is ***.

Wait... That's the bottom of a ladder. Where am I, again?

Thanks guys I needed that.

 

[thirdgoat]

The old Realistic Minimus 7, probably the best bang for the buck for a small speakers! People couldn't believe they were from Radio Shack. The stereo magazines back in the day rated them highly as well. What, $49 each if I remember correctly?

 

[nadogail]

With the present state of my hearing, any thing other than the low buck Sony Kitchen Under Cabinet Radio with it's CD player is wasted.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

To the OP....check out some of the offerings from Sangean or Tivoli. Good value for the money in a small, attractive package.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Nice radios. WAY OVER PRICED !

 

[Lennyzx11]

Got one for my garage and it fills a 24x24 space nicely. I think it was 20 bucks at a garage sale.

Before that (and still use it outside) is a Milwaukee charging radio with Bluetooth I kept plugged in.


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[Retroman]

Have the Bose in my bedroom had it for 28 to 30 years use it as an alarm clock. Listen to talk radio when going to sleep. Only piece of electronics that I have had that long. Keep waiting for it to die so I can get something new. Some of the diodes (Lights) have failed so it can be tricky resetting the time and alarm after a power outage.

 

[SportFury59]

I also use an Echo Dot like a few others mentioned. The max volume was not good so I hooked it to my vintage (20 year old?) huge Milwaukee radio via a short cable so am using those speakers. Sound is great.
The "remote" is my voice. My garage/shop is 30'x48' and Alexa has good ears. Can hear commands from anywhere in garage. The timer and stop watch features come in handy. You can also communicate with wife in house using the "make an announcement" feature. Can pickup AM/FM stations clearly from anywhere, no static. Also have Sirius XM hooked up to it. Ring doorbell tells me when someone is at the house front door. Really handy. And it's inexpensive.

 

[P0234]

I have some echo dots and the full sized echo. The full sized definitely sound bigger and almost like a medium sized set of speakers. The new echo studio is supposed to be even better. Like the Bose, they sound better at lower volumes.

The awesome thing about echos is how helpful they are when your hands are tied. Unit conversions, math, skipping tracks, writing down notes, timers, the list goes on. Add in some remote switches, stuff like “fan on” becomes possible.

 

[orangeblood]

Guess I'm in the "rabbit hole" camp - I'm 75, play multiple instruments, have true pitch, been in audio/video production (both tech and talent), studied acoustics/studio building a couple decades, fielded multiple top 40/rock bands, was service manager for a few different audio/video companies including Ampex, the list is actually MUCH larger... the point is, I've never even RODE in a "turnip truck", much less fallen OFF of one pecs" tab)
...

@Bush and @Bukit....I am glad you guys ARE in the rabbit hole (i learned something from your posts) BUT what is your recommendation to the OP?

A lot of people probably would like to hear what an audiophile would do for garage sounds using a budget of a used Bose Soundwave (~$100 - $200). OP wanted decent (but not concert / studio quality) and good AM/FM. Very interested in your thoughts.



Bukit - thats quite a back bedroom...KUDOS!

 

[Citation]

OP,
As one of those who has promoted the echo dot option, do keep in mind it requires internet access and, I think, an Amazon account. I've never thought about listening to the radio through it but it makes sense. I think most radio stations now have a streaming option and I assume the echo just streams the station.

 

[Cougar]

@Bush and @Bukit....I am glad you guys ARE in the rabbit hole (i learned something from your posts) BUT what is your recommendation to the OP?

A lot of people probably would like to hear what an audiophile would do for garage sounds using a budget of a used Bose Soundwave (~$100 - $200). OP wanted decent (but not concert / studio quality) and good AM/FM. Very interested in your thoughts.



Bukit - thats quite a back bedroom...KUDOS!

For about $100 you could get one of these.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-2...-with-bluetooth-black/6187501.p?skuId=6187501

For about $100 build a pair of these.
https://www.parts-express.com/classix-ii-mt-bookshelf-speaker-kit-with-baffle-only--300-7110

For about $200 you will have a system that will blow the Bose out of the water and you can say you built it.

 

[rsparks64]

I have a 20 year old Bose Wave CD radio and the sound from it is good. I am guessing that the newer ones have more types of inputs and connections than it does, but I do run my old iPod or newer iPod touch on it occasionally and my wife uses it some for CDs that we still have. It does not have the multi-CD component so I can’t comment on that. The radio works well, but I have not used it a lot because I have always lived in areas with few radio stations. I also have an old Bose docking station in my garage as my main music source. My first Bose products were from 1981, 301 speakers, and I have had several kinds of speakers/docking stations/sound bars and products of theirs including noise reducing ear phones and a bluetooth device for my cell phones. All have been at least pretty good.

 

[dragracer98]

I have one of the first Bose Radios that came out. Mine is so old it doesn't have a CD player. It is just a radio, but does have jacks to hook up external devices to it, which could include a CD player. I bought it probably 15 or so years ago at a second hand store. It was old then.

It rocks the kitchen every day, morning ,noon, or night. I think it is one of the best $25.00 I ever spent. It sounds really good for what it is. I like the small compact footprint, as it fits in a small space.

Pay no attention to the naysayers on here that are bashing it. Some even tell you how it can be improved and what Bose should have done instead. Soon as they bring out their own radio I will try one. Nothing like an expert review from someone that has never owned one...lol

Is it for everyone? No, not even close. You either love it or you don't. I guess you have to own one. I have several different brands of speakers, but always come back to the Bose.
Randy

 

[BukitCase]

orangeblood, thanks; the room isn't nearly done (too much nice weather and 10 acres to keep up) - but the crappy weather's almost here (inside jobs preferable :=)

I think I pretty well stated my objection to Bose; mainly that they're overpriced (new) and over-hyped with "supercalifragilistic" buzz words and ZERO actual specs to justify the price...

As to recommendations, I have none - after playing in "cover" bands for about 2 decades, my brain will NOT let me "just listen" - instead, it INSISTS that I "pick a part" in the song and ANALYZE note for note so I can make it sound "just like the record" - so when I'm in my shop(s) the ONLY time I can stand to have music on is when I'm cleaning up, putting tools away, etc -

If I try to have music on when I'm doing anything that requires my full concentration, there's a good chance I'll just HURT myself or botch the job because my brain's too busy trying to learn the drum part, or the bass part, or the keys part, or the guitar part...

Consequently the only thing I have in the shop is an old Sony boombox (tape player, no CD, but has inputs for a Panasonic portable CD) - so if it's floor or tool cleanup time, I'll put on either the oldies radio station or a jazz CD.

Simple trick to improve the bass on a cheap boombox - find a cardboard box that's at LEAST twice the size as the boombox in every dimension, set the box on whatever flat surface isn't totally cluttered, set the boombox slightly to the rear of centered INSIDE the box (front stays open); odds are you'll like it a LOT better that way. Downside: that'll increase directionality of the mids/highs if you're not in FRONT of the open side of the box, so not for everyone...

To me, the bottom line is this: Do YOU like it and can YOU afford it? If so, it's good. I just have a hard time with deception for profit... Steve

 

[username2]

I've got a couple of them. The clock radio shaped size (from Salvation Army, $8) and an older tall white thing with CD player (wife bought as a gift for me, don't wanna know what it cost).

They work fine but not super amazing. One problem with consumer electronics is that everything is essentially unfixable...be prepared to throw it in the trash in 3 years.

Personally, I'd just buy one of those (so-called) Class 'T' amps and a couple of thrift store speakers. Hook up a cheap laptop or maybe just a small portable radio. It'll sound better and gives you more options for how it's all wired up. Alternately, a vintage receiver. Some of the small modern integrated amps have a USB input for a thumb drive, not a bad way to go if you have your own music.

I spent a lot of time around studio gear in my work life, but prefer vintage just because it's fun to mess with.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Not a Bose, but I picked up a Sony 'bookshelf' stereo last summer at a yard sale for $8.00 to use in my kitchen. It has a pretty good radio (plus dual cassette player, a CD player, and provisions for plugging in an iPod but I don't use any of those), two speakers and a subwoofer, and remote control. I found a second Sony stereo that's nearly the same at another yard sale for a similar price and gave it to my brother for use in his workshop.

The point is, you can find these sorts of things at yard sales pretty regularly for a few bucks.

 

[mikesea]

GET the Bose. Have 2 of them.Leave one out in the carport.Picks up am talk radio great,plays my c.d's of course fm too.Super sound,loud and clear.I live on a canal in S.Fl.,every Patriotic holiday ,I blast the America songs.Neighbors love it,carries far and clear at full volume. Plenty on ebay and there are a few people that repair for a flat fee advertised there.