Cerwin-Vega – From the Beginning

In the last 50 years, Cerwin-Vega has grown from a small group of engineers headed by the legendary Gene Czerwinski into one of the foremost loudspeaker companies. Cerwin-Vega speakers have been used by Pro Audio professionals, Hi-Fi enthusiasts and Mobile Audio fans and has earned an almost cult-like devotion of customer loyalty.

In 1954, Gene Czerwinski, an aerospace engineer, founded Cerwin-Vega. Gene’s goal was to reproduce the live musical experience based on high-efficiency drivers, durability, and a “value for money products.” CV began as Vega Associates and grew when it introduced 18” sound systems that could produce 130dB at 30 Hz.  In 1957 Vega introduced the world’s first solid state amplifier, rated at 125 RMS. The amplifier’s circuit was influenced by a 10,000-watt sonar amp Gene designed for Bendix Corp. In the 60’s Cerwin-Vega became a supplier of loudspeakers and system designs to many major manufacturers including; Fender, Acoustic, Sunn and Vox. In 1974, the movie “Earthquake” premiered with the innovative “Sensurround”. It was the first time audio was  integrated into the movie experience through special effects. The concept required large powerful bass cabinets, which would provide very low frequencies in order to shake the movie theater, thus simulating a real earthquake. For this purpose, the “E” bass horns and woofers were developed. These woofers were 18” versions that were folded into a horn configuration. The internal path length of the horn was 6 feet with a cutoff frequency of 33 Hz. Sensitivity of the system was an incredible 106 dB at 1 watt / 1 meter. “Sensurround” technology and Cerwin-Vega were honored an Academy Award for Special Technical Achievement.