List of Bose shelf stereos

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Shelf stereo products sold by Bose Corporation are listed below.

Contents

Wave systems

The Wave systems use a folded waveguide (a series of passages from the speaker driver to the speaker grill). The waveguide is claimed to improve low-frequency sound "from a small enclosure by guiding air through two 26” folded wave guides". [1]

Acoustic Wave Music System

Bose Acoustic Wave Music System CD-3000 with CD player and FM radio Bose Acoustic Wave Music System CD-3000.jpg
Bose Acoustic Wave Music System CD-3000 with CD player and FM radio

The first "Wave" product was the "Acoustic Wave Music System" (AWMS-1), which was a tabletop mini-hifi system that was introduced in 1984. The AWMS-1 consisted of an AM/FM radio, cassette player, two 2-inch tweeters, and a four-inch woofer. [2] In 1987, Amar Bose and William Short won the Inventor of the Year award from Intellectual Property Owners for the waveguide loudspeaker system. [3] [4] A model with a CD player was added in 1992.

The "Acoustic Wave Music System II" was released in 2006 and added MP3 CD playback, a "Boselink" port and a headphone jack. This system was judged to be expensive and lacking in performance and features compared to its competitors. [5] [6] The line of Acoustic Wave Music System products was discontinued in 2017.

Wave Radio

Wave Radio/CD Bose Wave Radio-CD.jpg
Wave Radio/CD

The "Wave Radio" (which has since become known as "Wave Radio I") was an AM/FM clock radio that was introduced in 1993. It was smaller than the Acoustic Wave Music System and used two 2.5-inch speakers. [3] A "Wave Radio/CD" model was introduced in 1998 and was essentially a Wave Radio I with a CD player. The end of the waveguides were tapered by 2%. [7] Unlike the Acoustic Wave, the Wave Radio could be used as an alarm clock radio, and featured two independent alarms, which could be set to A/M or F/M radio, a buzzer, or a device plugged into the auxiliary input.

The "Wave Radio II" was introduced in 2005 and was based on the Wave Music System without the CD player. It used a dual tapered waveguide and revised speakers. The "Wave Radio III", introduced in 2007, was identical in appearance to the Wave Radio II and added Radio Data System (RDS) and a large snooze button on top of the unit.

The "Wave Radio IV", introduced in 2015, had a significantly different appearance and controls to its predecessor, and dual alarms. Production of the Wave Radio IV ceased in 2017.

Wave Music System

The "Wave Music System" was released in 2004 as a replacement for the Wave Radio/CD. It had revised speaker waveguides, a 66 cm (26 in) tapered waveguide for each speaker, and could play MP3 format CDs. [8] The "Wave Music System II", released in 2005, was nearly identical to its predecessor, and the 2012 "Wave Music System III" added Radio Data System (RDS) and a large snooze button to the top of the unit. Accessories included a CD changer (released in 2005) and an iPod dock (released in 2006).

The "Wave Music System – SoundLink" was released in 2009, [9] which used a Bluetooth USB adaptor to stream audio from a computer to the Wave Music System and send basic commands (play/pause and skip) from the Wave's remote to iTunes and Windows Media Player software. [10] The SoundLink functioned as the computer's sound card, therefore it disabled the computer's speakers. Connection was via a "Boselink" port [11] [12] A "Wave SoundLink" accessory was also introduced for the Wave Music System II, which added Bluetooth streaming to existing units. [11] [12] [10]

The "Wave Music System IV", introduced in 2015, had a significantly different appearance and controls to its predecessor, and dual alarms. A "Soundtouch" version was introduced, which added Wi-Fi streaming as an audio source.

Wave/PC

The "Bose Wave/PC" was released in 2001 as a device to play mp3 files and digital radio from a Windows PC. [13] [14] It was based on the Wave Radio, sent commands to the computer using a serial data cable and received audio via an analogue output from the computer's sound card. [15] Later models used a USB for transferring both commands and audio. [16] The system was reviewed to have good sound quality, however it was criticised for its high price and difficulty in transferring commonly used files types such as WMA. [17]

SoundDocks

SoundDock series I Sounddock2.jpg
SoundDock series I

The "SoundDock" was an audio dock for Apple iPods and iPhones that was produced from 2004 until 2017. [18]

The first generation SoundDock was introduced in 2004. [19] It included a remote control and allowed all of the iPods controls to be used while docked. The SoundDock could charge an iPod while docked, however the lack of a direct input or pass-through Dock Connector means that the iPod cannot sync while being used in the SoundDock. [20] The SoundDock was the 2006 winner of the MacUser Reader's Award for Audio of the Year. [21] The series I was discontinued in 2008, however it was re-introduced in 2009 as the "SoundDock series I version 2" model. The version 2 model was compatible with iPhones and charged via USB. [22]

The "SoundDock Portable" was released in 2007 [23] and included a battery which provided a running time of 3 to 14 hours, depending on bass and listening volume. [24] [25] Compared to the SoundDock series I, the Portable was had an external 3.5 input and the remote control could change between playlists. [24]

The "SoundDock Series II" was introduced in 2008. [26] [27] [28] Changes included iPhone compatibility, a 3.5 mm input for external sources and playback hardware shared with SoundDock Portable. [29] [30]

The "SoundDock 10" was released in 2009. [31] It was compatible with iPhones, [32] included a remote control [33] and could receive music via Bluetooth if an additional adaptor was purchased. [34]

The "SoundDock Series III" was released in 2012 and included a lightning connector. [35] A reviewer noted a "rich sound" but also the lack of controls to adjust the tone. [36]

Comparison of functions
VersionDock ConnectionAUX InBatteryiPhone CertifiedVideo Out
SoundDock series I FireWire NoNoNoNo
SoundDock series I v2 USB NoNoYesNo
SoundDock series II USB YesNoYesNo
SoundDock series III Lightning YesNoYesNo
SoundDock Portable USB YesYesNoNo
SoundDock Portable v2 USB YesYesYesNo
SoundDock 10 USB YesNoYesYes
SoundLink Air Bose SoundLink Air.jpg
SoundLink Air

The "SoundLink Air" was released in 2012 and used solely with Apple devices, since it used Apple's AirPlay protocol instead of Bluetooth. [37] Unlike other SoundLink devices, the Air was mains powered, although a battery accessory was an optional extra. [38]

Reviewers praised the sound quality and build quality, but commented that competing systems may offer a better experience, and criticised the price of the optional battery and the bulkiness of the wall-plug adaptor. [39] [40] [41] Sales of the SoundLink Air ended in 2014. [42]

Home Speaker Series

In 2018, Bose introduced its Home Speaker lineup of connected smart speakers, which integrate the same features of its SoundTouch Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled speakers for streaming music services, but also include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration and integrated microphones. The cases on all Home Speaker models are made from aluminum, and feature touch-sensitive controls on the top of the speakers for virtual assistant activation, microphone on/off, auxiliary input mode, volume, play/pause, Bluetooth, and six preset "stations".

The Home Speaker 300 is the smallest offering in the Home Speaker Series, featuring smaller drivers (speakers), allowing for excellent sound quality from a single speaker.

The Home Speaker 500 is the flagship model in the Home Speaker Series, featuring larger drivers (speakers), and more room-filling sound. The 500 also features a color LCD display screen that is used strictly for song information (similar to the screens on early Apple iPod models).

Bose also manufactures a Home Speaker 450 that is essentially identical to the Home Speaker 500, but lacks the integrated LCD display screen.

Related Research Articles

Bose Corporation is an American manufacturing company that predominantly sells audio equipment. The company was established by Amar Bose in 1964 and is based in Framingham, Massachusetts. It is best known for its home audio systems and speakers, noise cancelling headphones, professional audio products and automobile sound systems. Bose has a reputation for being particularly protective of its patents, trademarks, and brands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Horn loudspeaker</span> Loudspeaker using an acoustic horn

A horn loudspeaker is a loudspeaker or loudspeaker element which uses an acoustic horn to increase the overall efficiency of the driving element(s). A common form (right) consists of a compression driver which produces sound waves with a small metal diaphragm vibrated by an electromagnet, attached to a horn, a flaring duct to conduct the sound waves to the open air. Another type is a woofer driver mounted in a loudspeaker enclosure which is divided by internal partitions to form a zigzag flaring duct which functions as a horn; this type is called a folded horn speaker. The horn serves to improve the coupling efficiency between the speaker driver and the air. The horn can be thought of as an "acoustic transformer" that provides impedance matching between the relatively dense diaphragm material and the less-dense air. The result is greater acoustic output power from a given driver.

Alpine Electronics, Inc. is a Japanese consumer electronics subsidiary of the Japanese electronics component manufacturer Alps Electric, specialising in car audio and navigation systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loudspeaker enclosure</span> Acoustical component

A loudspeaker enclosure or loudspeaker cabinet is an enclosure in which speaker drivers and associated electronic hardware, such as crossover circuits and, in some cases, power amplifiers, are mounted. Enclosures may range in design from simple, homemade DIY rectangular particleboard boxes to very complex, expensive computer-designed hi-fi cabinets that incorporate composite materials, internal baffles, horns, bass reflex ports and acoustic insulation. Loudspeaker enclosures range in size from small "bookshelf" speaker cabinets with 4-inch (10 cm) woofers and small tweeters designed for listening to music with a hi-fi system in a private home to huge, heavy subwoofer enclosures with multiple 18-inch (46 cm) or even 21-inch (53 cm) speakers in huge enclosures which are designed for use in stadium concert sound reinforcement systems for rock music concerts.

A&R Cambridge Ltd (Arcam) is a British manufacturer of hi-fi equipment based in the Cambridge Innovation Park, Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, England. It was established in 1976 by science and engineering students from the University of Cambridge. Since July 2017, it has been a part of South Korean company Samsung Electronics through its American subsidiary Harman International Industries.

Tivoli Audio is an American manufacturing company notable for producing a line of up-market tabletop radios and related audio products. It was founded in 2000 by Tom De Vesto in collaboration with Henry Kloss. Tivoli Audio is known for its Model One Radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple headphones</span> Lineup of products manufactured by Apple, Inc.

Apple Inc. has produced and sold headphones since 2001, available for standalone purchase and bundled with iPhone and iPod products. Apple's current product line consists of EarPods, AirPods and AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Home audio</span> Audio electronics for home entertainment

Home audio systems refer to audio consumer electronics designed for home entertainment, such as integrated systems like shelf stereos and music centers, as well as individual components like loudspeakers and surround sound receivers. The evolution of home audio began with Edison's phonograph, transitioning from monaural to stereophonic sound in the 1950s and 60s. The term "hi-fi" emerged, highlighting sound accuracy and minimal distortion. Audio equipment evolved from large wooden cabinets to compact units. The 1970s introduced enhancements like quadraphonic sound and technologies like Dolby Pro Logic. The 1970s and 1980s also saw the rise of component-based stereo systems. Cassette decks became a staple in the 1970s. Integrated systems, termed "music centers" gained popularity in the 1980s. Table systems and compact radio receivers emerged as entertainment devices, with some offering features like cassette players and CD functionalities. Audiophile systems prioritize high-quality music formats and specialized equipment like premium turntables, digital-to-analog converters, and other high-end devices, with some enthusiasts preferring the unique sound characteristics of vinyl records and vacuum tubes. Modern systems often emphasize home cinema applications to enhance the audio experience beyond standard TV speakers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPlay</span> Proprietary wireless streaming protocol developed by Apple Inc.

AirPlay is a proprietary wireless communication protocol stack/suite developed by Apple Inc. that allows streaming between devices of audio, video, device screens, and photos, together with related metadata. Originally implemented only in Apple's software and devices, it was called AirTunes and used for audio only. Apple has since licensed the AirPlay protocol stack as a third-party software component technology to manufacturers that build products compatible with Apple's devices.

The ZiiSound, Inspire and Creative Wireless Speakers is a range of wireless speakers by Creative Technology, which utilizes Bluetooth technology and apt-X audio codec for high-quality wireless streaming of audio.

The VideoWave was a television sold by Bose from 2010 until 2015. It consisted of a 46-inch LCD television with an enlarged Bose wave radio attached to its rear surface. Also included was a Lifestyle control center that allowed for connection of additional sources, an Apple iPod docking station, as well as AM/FM radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Play:5</span>

The Play:5 is a smart speaker developed by Sonos, announced on October 13 and released on November 5, 2009, and is the debut product in the Play line of products. It is one of the compatible speakers designed to initiate SonosNet, stereo pair with itself and pair additionally with the Playbar and SUB to initiate a basic home theater system.

Apple Inc. has produced and sold numerous music and multimedia speakers, available for standalone purchase and bundled with Macintosh products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPods Pro</span> Wireless earbuds produced by Apple

AirPods Pro are wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones designed by Apple, initially introduced on October 30, 2019. They are Apple's mid-range wireless headphones, available alongside the base-level AirPods and the highest-end AirPods Max.

References

  1. ↑ "Overview – Acoustic Waveguide Technology – Bose Learning Centre". Worldwide.bose.com. Archived from the original on 2016-10-18. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  2. 1 2 Popular Science. September 1993. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  3. ↑ "IPO Education Foundation | Past Winners". Ipoef.org. 2005-04-19. Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  4. ↑ Moskovciak, Matthew. "Bose Acoustic Wave music system II Review – Audio Shelf Systems – CNET Reviews". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  5. ↑ Laiq Qureshi. "Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II". Tech2.in.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-21. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  6. ↑ Popular Science. March 1999. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  7. ↑ Howard, Bill. "Bose Wave Music System". www.pcmag.com. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  8. ↑ Jimin Brelsford (2009-10-21). "Bose hops on the wireless streaming bandwagon". Crunchgear. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  9. 1 2 Joseph Palenchar (2009-10-21). "2ND Bose Tabletop System Gets Wireless PC Streaming". TWICE. Archived from the original on 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  10. 1 2 "Wave SoundLink adapter manual" (PDF). Bose.com. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  11. 1 2 "Acoustic Wave SoundLink adapter manual" (PDF). Bose.com. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  12. ↑ Boland, Michael. "Ten O'Clock Tech: Bose Goes PC". Forbes.com. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  13. ↑ "Bose MP3". www.mp3newswire.net. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  14. ↑ "WRPC Web OG.book" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  15. ↑ "Wave/PC Interactive System USB Adapter Kit – Installation Guide" (PDF). Products.bose.com. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  16. ↑ "Bose Wave/PC Review – Audio Shelf Systems". www.cnet.com. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  17. ↑ "SoundDock® III Speaker". www.bose.com. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  18. ↑ "About Bose - Milestones". Archived from the original on 2013-03-09. Retrieved 2019-06-13.
  19. ↑ Jeremy Horwitz (2004-11-03). "Bose SoundDock". iLounge. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  20. ↑ "MacUser Awards 2006 | Expert Reviews". Archived from the original on 2012-08-06. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  21. ↑ "SoundDock series I v2 Manual" (PDF). Bose.co.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  22. ↑ Wilson Rothman (2007-08-29). "Baby Dock: New Bose SoundDock Portable Arrives at Our Door". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 2008-05-27. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  23. 1 2 "Review: Bose SoundDock Portable". www.ilounge.com. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  24. ↑ Wilson Rothman (2007-08-31). "Sizemodo and Sound Check: New Bose SoundDock Portable vs. Original SoundDock". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  25. ↑ Paul Miller (2008-08-21). "Bose SoundDock Series II heading to a den near you this September". Engadget. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  26. ↑ "SoundDock Series II Digital Music System". Archived from the original on 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2019-06-13.
  27. ↑ Jeremy Horwitz (2008-09-25). "Bose SoundDock Series II". ilounge. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  28. ↑ David Carnoy (2008-08-21). "Bose unveils SoundDock Series II for iPod--and iPhone". CNet. Archived from the original on 2012-02-06. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  29. ↑ Mark Wilson (2008-08-21). "SoundDock Series II Allows the iPhone to Visit". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  30. ↑ John Herrman (2009-09-15). "Bose SoundDock 10 Has a Subwoofer In Its Belly, $600 Tag On Its Forehead". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  31. ↑ Jeremy Horwitz (2009-11-06). "Bose SoundDock 10". ilounge. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  32. ↑ Jon Previtera (2009-09-15). "New Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System". Bose release on Reuters. Archived from the original on 2009-09-24. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  33. ↑ Bill Howard (2009-09-15). "Bose SoundDock 10: Rich Sound for Your iPod". gearlog. Archived from the original on 2009-11-14. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
  34. ↑ BOSE (2012-10-08). "BBose® SoundDock® Series III Digital Music System - First Bose SoundDock System for new iPhone 5 and iPod models". PRWEB. Retrieved 2013-01-09.
  35. ↑ "Bose SoundDock Series III with Lightning Connector". Techskunk.
  36. ↑ Tim Gideon (2012-09-24). "Bose SoundLink Air Review". PC Magazine . Retrieved 2014-03-18.
  37. ↑ "SoundLink® Air digital music system". Bose. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  38. ↑ Jeremy Horwitz (2013-05-29). "Review: Bose SoundLink Air AirPlay Digital Music System". www.iLounge.com. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  39. ↑ Lex Friedman (2013-01-02). "BOSE SoundLink Air Wireless Speaker review". TechAdvisor. Archived from the original on 2015-04-29. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  40. ↑ Vishal Mathur (2013-05-07). "Bose SoundLink Air Review". ThinkDigit. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  41. ↑ "SoundLink® Air Digital Music System - Bose Product Support". www.bose.com. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
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