Front View of the Wave Radio from Bose.
While some may call the Bose Wave Radio 1 model AWR131 merely a glorified clock radio, its notably extensive yet not muddy bass qualifies it as more like a high performance stereo receiver; one that just happens to support clock radio functionality.
Indeed, this model Wave Radio sports a bright, easy to read green clock display in a tabletop sized form factor, and can be programmed to wake you up with your favorite radio station, just like a clock radio. However, the punchy, full sound that you’ll here when you do that, sets this compact stereo system apart from most any other clock radio.
The Bose Wave Radio 1 also doubles as a fully integrated stereo sound system with a decent audio amplifier, speakers, and tuner, all in one compact and surprisingly light package. While we consider the entire Bose Wave sound system line a bit pricey, we do recognize that this technology bears some hallmark elements, and accurate sound with ample bass reproduction is certainly one of those.
Full-function remote control that operates the radio from up to twenty feet away.
Battery backup, retains clock and station favorites settings for up to 72 hours, via a heavy duty 9-volt battery. It also powers the tone wake-up alarm. So, even during power outages, this alarm clock still wake you, for up to three days without AC power.
Removable and replaceable AC power cord.
Push button controls to access most features, are located on the top of the AWR131. These include: Sleep / Snooze, Volume Down and Up, six station presets, Tuning Up and Down, Alarm Set, Alarm Mode, and Clock Set buttons.
The back panel features RCA-type AUX In ports and variable line outputs. There’s also a 120-volt power connector and a 75-ohm external FM antenna F connector. So, you can play CD players, cassette tape decks, and any audio source that offers line-level audio outputs.
The system features two 2.5” speakers; one of which is attached to an internal folded wave guide. This yields a bass response that rivals speakers three or four times this size. Their patented waveguide technology really does produce plenty of shocking bass.
Makes those distant, weak stations sound local. The FM radio uses the power cord as an antenna when an external aerial is not connected. This means that for best station reception, completely stretch out the power cable.
Up to six AM and six FM stations can be programmed into the six favorite-stations buttons.
The AWR131 features an auto-dimming green display. This shows current time of day, alarm times, and currently playing tuner frequency. Also indicates whether the current station is broadcasting in stereo.
Clock can display time in either 12 or 24 hour formats.
Two separate, independently programmable wake alarms.
Features waking to music or to an alarm tone, whose volume level can be adjusted.
You can program the sleep function to automatically turn off the Bose Wave Radio 1 up to 75 minutes hence.
The Sleep button doubles as a Snooze feature as well, used to silence the wake alarms for ten minutes when pressed.
No initial setup is required, to begin playing this high-end radio as soon as you take it out of the box.
If you should ever decide to sell this radio, they do seem to hold their value better than cheaper receivers. So, take good care not to scratch the case or expose the radio to cigarette smoke. And, if you’re going to play it in the kitchen, keep it well away from the stove, to avoid splattering it with fats and oils. The better the shape the unit is in, the more you’ll get for it should you put it up for sale.
Room filling, rich sound. Plenty of volume for indoor and small outdoor parties and small DJ venues.
Extensive owners guide that features a Troubleshooting section that explains well how to resolve most any user-solvable problem with the radio. See below for link to the manual.
Does not support Bluetooth, so you cannot play audio from your mobile device wirelessly through the AWR131.
Nor can it play internet stations directly.
Unevenly distributed bass output. All the bass seems to come from the right front corner of the Bose Wave Radio 1, as it is this place where the hole into the interior wave guides is positioned.
No iPod / iPod Touch / iPhone docking connector. However, you can play these devices through the AUX input if you obtain the correct cabling. Not included with this receiver.
No bass and treble controls. This appears to be a standard non feature of the entire Bose Wave Radio line.
For best bass renditions, position the Wave 1 within two feet of a wall, according to the owners guide.
The remote control unit requires a rather difficult to locate CR2032 battery. A triple-A (AAA) battery would have made the remote easier, and cheaper, to maintain.
With today’s proliferation of audio devices, everything from TVs, DVD players, DVRs, Etc., at least three inputs would have been far more helpful.
The speaker grill on the Bose Wave Radio 1 has thin horizontal louvers that quickly catch and retain dust. A soft vacuum brush is required to periodically clean out this dust, which quickly becomes highly visible on the black version of this Wave Radio.
The internal left and right speakers are less than a foot apart so that optimal positioning for best stereo imaging cannot be achieved with this unit, unless you utilize external speakers.
While we wouldn’t pay the suggested retail price for this radio during its production run, it’s nonetheless easy to hear why many people would. The rich, realistic stereo sound, coupled with the sleek, substantially heavy, tank-like feel of this radio, definitely heightens its value above the run-of-the-mill clock radios. We like large and bright status readout, the external antenna and auxiliary inputs, and with an appropriate cable, can play our iPods and listen to them as we would with a high-end boom box. Thus, we rate the unit at 94 out of 100. So pick one up on eBay if you can find it.
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