Bose Acoustic Wave Music System - Graphite Gray
From BOSE
At first glance, you might wonder how much sound could possibly come from a music system about the size of a briefcase. And then you turn it on?The Acoustic Wave music system will thrill you with sound equal to that of a large stereo system. The only differences are its compact size, sleek design, versatility, portability and the innovative Bose technologies that have made this system a popular audio solution for many music lovers.When you hear the concert-like sound and consider the many possibilities this music system offers, you'll understand the reasons for its popularity. Equipped with a CD player and high-performance stereo tuner with 5 AM and 5 FM presets, the Acoustic Wave music system gives you an opportunity to hear your favorite music again for the first time.If you'd like to know how the Acoustic Wave music system produces sound that seemingly defies logic, you don't have to look any further than the name itself. It is all made possible by the patented acoustic waveguide speaker technology, featuring an 80-inch waveguide chamber wrapped inside the enclosure. The chamber amplifies sound just as a flute amplifies a small breath of air, resulting in a stunning audio experience.And whether you choose to raise the volume to window-rattling levels or leave it low for peaceful ambiance, the fine-tuning is done for you. The system's integrated signal processing automatically adjusts tonal balance so you hear natural sound and full bass at any volume.Controlling your Acoustic Wave music system is a snap. The credit card size remote operates most functions of the system so you barely have to lift a finger.External sources such as TVs or VCRs can also be added to the music system, bringing Bose sound to your favorite shows and movies. And if you'd like to take that sound to the park, the beach or most anywhere music is enjoyed, you can convert the system to a portable unit - and even expand its capabilities - with a complete line of accessories.
Perfect, big sound for a small apartment. 
I have had this system for a couple of years now and I am not looking back.
I added a Sennheiser DSP 360 processor to give the system virtual digital surround sound for television and DVDs, just to give an extra pop, but it isn't a necessary add on.
Despite that little fix, the system is perfect. The sound is remarkable.
I have several snobby audiofile friends who scoffed when I first mentioned I bought this system. But when watching television (especially digital cable with it's exceptional audio channel) or a DVD, or listening to a CD, either through the DVD player on the included CD player, all of my friends have remarked how great the sound is.
Great sound, but lacking features for the price.
I bought this system for my Mom some years back because I wanted her to have great sound with a no fuss, non-techie interface. It definitely delivered those. As can be expected from Bose, the sound was totally amazing. Especially considering the size of the unit it was coming from. I comes pre-equalized delivering deep bass you can feel and well balanced, spacious treble. My Mom is really into Classical music and every cd we threw in sounded awesome. The ultra-thin, credit card sized remote was also a total crowd pleaser. Very simple and intuitive, even for the technically challenged. I had struggled for years to teach my Mom the wonders of the personal computer but she took to this Bose really quickly and started to appreciate great sound.
The good:
- amazing sound
- super easy interface that delivers great sound everytime with minimal effort
- great handles and light weight make it easy to carry from room to room
- very easy to understand remote
The not so good:
- single cd. Now Bose offers a base attachment that comes with a 5 disc changer. However, at the time the single cd was a huge drawback. Also, the unit could not read MP3 cds. Cutting edge sound, just not a cutting edge cd player. At the time, you also had to purchase a base attachement if you wanted to connect the RCA jacks bringing sound from a VCR, DVD player, or an MP3 player. I couldn't see spending more money for a clunky, external MP3 player, plus the Bose base to be able to connect it. That would defeat the purpose of the easy interface if my Mom had to be fiddling with the MP3 player. Which brings me to my next point...
- the price. These now top out at nearly $1400 with the 5 disc changer, $1100 with just a single cd capacity. Quite a bit to pay but I imagine it caters to the similar demographic as Apple computers once did. A bit of a hefty price tag, but I suppose products that are attractively designed, super easy to use and mostly deliver great quality cost a little extra. It did sting a little thinking what an amazing component stereo system I could put together for $1400 (with Bose speakers, of course) but that would be a bit more complicated to interface with, right? I don't know that anybody who this system would be perfect for would care about what a tech savvy individual would consider "technical limitations". My Mom certainly didn't seem to mind. Which brings me to...
If you can afford one, it is the perfect gift or purchase. It definitely delivers amazing, large sound from a petite, portable unit with a simple, intuitive, no fuss interface.
Big Sound - Small Package
Sound: This system produces some truly remarkable sound. The box is the size of your average boom box but sounds more like your full blown home stereo. The separation and spatial qualities are right up there with home speakers placed feet apart. The sound reproduction is clean with crisp highs and "thumpy" bass. The RCA jacks on the rear of the unit make connecting an i-Pod easy utilizing a $5 cable.
Design: Looks more like a piece of art than a "boom-box". There are no controls on the front to clutter up the look so the unit accents your bookshelf or refrigerator. The ease of use is unbelievable, the control buttons are all on top, clearly labeled and laid out. The operating instructions are almost superfluous!
Interesting Feature: works on 100-220 volts, take it worldwide!
