1. Introduction
The Bose Wave® Music System III is an advanced home audio system designed to deliver rich, detailed sound from a compact unit. It integrates a CD player, an advanced FM/AM tuner, and offers versatile connectivity options for various music sources. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your system to ensure optimal performance.

Figure 1: Bose Wave® Music System III in Graphite Gray, shown with its remote control and a compact disc.
2. Setup
2.1 Unpacking and Placement
Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Ensure you have the Wave music system III unit, AC power cord, remote control, and demonstration CD. Place the system on a stable, flat surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or excessive moisture. Allow adequate ventilation around the unit.
2.2 Power Connection
Connect the AC power cord to the power input on the back of the Wave music system III. Plug the other end into a working electrical outlet. The system is designed for immediate use upon plugging in.

Figure 2: Rear view of the Bose Wave® Music System III, highlighting the power input and various connectivity ports for accessories.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Basic Operation
The Wave music system III features touch-top controls for convenient on/off and snooze functions. The included remote control provides full access to all features, including volume, track selection, and source switching.

Figure 3: The Bose Wave® Music System III with its remote control, illustrating the compact design and ease of use.
3.2 CD/MP3 CD Playback
Insert a CD or MP3 CD into the slot on the front of the unit. The system will automatically begin playback. Use the remote control to skip tracks, pause, or stop playback.
3.3 FM/AM Radio
Press the "FM/AM" button on the remote to switch to radio mode. Use the tuning buttons to find your desired station. The advanced tuner displays useful information such as song titles and artists where available.
3.4 Alarm Functions
The system features dual independent alarms. Set your desired wake-up times and choose to wake to radio or CD. The touch-top snooze function allows for easy temporary silencing of the alarm.
3.5 Optional Accessories
Enhance your listening experience with optional accessories:
- iPod/iPhone Connect Kit: This dock connects to the back of the system, allowing you to play music from and charge most iPod and iPhone models.
- Wave® Bluetooth® Music Adapter: Connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet, enabling seamless streaming of music from services like iTunes, Pandora, or internet radio. No software is needed; simply pair your device once.
- Multi-CD Changer: Expand your CD playback capacity by adding this optional changer, allowing you to load up to three additional CDs for extended listening.
3.6 Instructional Videos
For visual guidance on operating your Bose Wave® Music System III, please refer to the official instructional videos below:
Bose Wave Music System III Overview
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the Bose Wave Music System III, showcasing its features and capabilities, including its compact design and powerful sound output.
How it Works: Bose Wave Music System III
Learn about the underlying technology, such as the waveguide speaker technology, that enables the Bose Wave Music System III to deliver room-filling sound despite its small size.
Your Music, Your Way: Bose Wave Music System III Connectivity
This video demonstrates the versatile connectivity options of the system, including how to use optional accessories like the iPod/iPhone dock and the Bluetooth adapter for streaming music from various devices.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning
To maintain the appearance of your Wave music system III, wipe the surfaces with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use any sprays near the system or allow liquids to spill into any openings. Avoid using solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
4.2 CD Care
Handle CDs by their edges. Keep them clean and free of scratches. If a CD is dirty, wipe it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center outwards. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on CDs.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Bose Wave® Music System III, try the following common solutions:
- No Power: Ensure the AC power cord is securely plugged into both the system and a working electrical outlet.
- No Sound: Check the volume level. Ensure the correct audio source (CD, FM/AM, AUX, Bluetooth) is selected. If using an external device, ensure it is properly connected and playing.
- CD Not Playing: Ensure the CD is inserted correctly with the label side facing up. Try a different CD to rule out a disc issue. Clean the CD if it appears dirty or scratched.
- Poor Radio Reception: Adjust the position of the FM antenna. If using the AM antenna, ensure it is properly connected and oriented for best reception.
- Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: Ensure the optional Bluetooth adapter is correctly installed. Verify that Bluetooth is enabled on your device and that it is within range of the system. Try re-pairing the device.
For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the full user manual available for download from the Bose support website.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 18.75 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.96 pounds |
| Model Number | 343178-1110 |
| Brand | Bose |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Auxiliary |
| Color | Graphite Gray |
| Speaker Type | Stereo |
| Batteries Required | 1 Product Specific (included) |
| Date First Available | May 1, 2012 |
7. Warranty & Support
For detailed warranty information regarding your Bose Wave® Music System III, please refer to the official user manual included with your product or download the PDF version from the official Bose website. The user manual contains specific terms and conditions of the warranty.
For technical support, service, or additional inquiries, please visit the official Bose support website or contact their customer service. You can find the user manual PDF here.





