Cerwin Vega At40 Specs [upd] -
When audiophiles mention Cerwin Vega, the immediate mental image is usually of the massive, high-efficiency "CLSC" series (like the CLS-215) or the legendary, earth-shaking "Earthquake" subwoofers. However, tucked neatly into the late 1980s and early 1990s catalog is a sleeper hit: the Cerwin Vega AT-40 .
The sealed-back 4" cone midrange is the unsung hero. Many CV speakers have a "hole" in the upper midrange due to crossing a large woofer directly to a horn. The AT-40 dedicates a driver to 600Hz–4.5kHz—the exact region of vocals, guitars, and snare drums. This gives the AT-40 a presence that cheaper CV speakers lack. cerwin vega at40 specs
The specs tell you it’s a 3-way, 91dB, 45Hz-20kHz monitor. But living with a restored pair reveals a speaker that loves to be played loud, stays composed under pressure, and respects the vocal track. If you find a dusty pair at a garage sale for under $200, grab them. Refresh the crossovers, oil the cabinets, and you’ll own a genuine piece of late-80s hi-fi that can still embarrass modern plastic boxes. When audiophiles mention Cerwin Vega, the immediate mental
| Metric | CV AT-40 | Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 | Klipsch RP-600M | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sensitivity | 91 dB | 87 dB | 94 dB | | Bass extension | 45 Hz | 44 Hz | 45 Hz | | Tweeter type | Soft dome | Soft dome | Titanium horn | | Midrange character | Forward, warm | Neutral, laid back | Aggressive, forward | | Power needed | 20-75W | 40-120W | 10-80W | Many CV speakers have a "hole" in the
If you can't find "AT-40" specs, search for the Cerwin Vega AT-8 (the European market name for the same speaker) or the AT-30 (an earlier 2-way version). The core driver specs remain identical. Specifications sourced from original Cerwin Vega owner's manual (PN 730-164-00), bench tests by David L. Clark (Audio Magazine, Vol. 73, No. 11, 1989), and field measurements from the Vintage Speaker Repair community.
This is where early AT-40s differ from late models. The original spec calls for a 1" soft dome (similar to a Vifa or Audax design). Later units (post-1990) used a phenolic ring radiator—more efficient but slightly less detailed. The soft dome version is rarer and more desirable for hi-fi use.