Cerwin-Vega was founded in 1954 by aerospace engineer and audio visionary Gene Czerwinski (1927–2010), who revolutionized the audio industry with a passion for creating speakers capable of producing concert-level sound in the home. One of the company’s first major breakthroughs was the development of an 18-inch speaker that could generate an astonishing 130 dB in SPL at 30 Hz, a remarkable feat for its time. In 1957, Cerwin-Vega also released the world’s first solid-state amplifier (125 Watts), further solidifying its role as an innovator in audio technology.

Since 1954, Cerwin-Vega has been dedicated to enhancing the musical experience through acoustic research and the creation of unique, high-performance loudspeakers that embody innovation and technical excellence. With a design goal focused on low distortion, high efficiency, and extended bass response, their products deliver superior performance for dynamic musical impact, often described as a "sensory assault." Gene's recognition of the importance of test equipment led Cerwin-Vega to be the first to purchase Klippel's XXXX. Today, Cerwin-Vega boasts a state-of-the-art design facility, featuring a 400,000 cubic foot acoustic chamber equipped with the latest technology and software.

In the 1960s, Cerwin-Vega! became renowned for producing woofers that could withstand the demands of rock and roll. Their iconic 18” woofers were widely used by manufacturers like Sunn, Vox, and Acoustic, becoming a key component for top acts of the era. Known for their powerful bass and durability, Cerwin-Vega's legendary "Earthquake" speakers played a pivotal role in live music performances, amplifying the soundtracks of a generation and cementing their place in the birth of rock 'n' roll.

In the 1970s, Cerwin-Vega! introduced several innovations, including the ThermoVapor Suspension™ bass enhancement principle used in the renowned S-1 and S-2 hi-fi models, which altered cabinet capacitance for enhanced bass response. They also pioneered the Stroker™ dual spider woofer, boosting stability and performance in mobile audio competitions. Cerwin-Vega! continued to innovate with the first speakers on wheels, carpeted finishes, and the modern DJ mixer. By 1996, their Stroker subwoofers broke the 160 dB SPL “sound barrier,” setting new standards for audio performance, which today reach over 170 dB SPL in competition settings.

In the 1970s, the film Earthquake introduced Sensurround™, a groundbreaking cinema sound innovation that integrated audio special effects into the movie experience. This required powerful subwoofers to produce low frequencies that “shook” theaters, for which Cerwin-Vega developed new transducers and “Double E” bass horns using dual 18” woofers. With a 6 ft. internal path length and a cutoff frequency of 33 Hz, the system achieved a sensitivity of 106 dB (1 Watt @ 1 meter). Sensurround™ and Cerwin-Vega received an Academy Award for special technical achievement in 1974.

In the late 1970s, Cerwin-Vega became the first loudspeaker manufacturer to produce digital recordings for evaluating design parameters, leading to an engineering effort that aligned with the rise of digital audio technology. This advancement, marked by low distortion, phase accuracy, wide dynamic range, and high power handling, imposed demanding performance standards on loudspeakers. While Cerwin-Vega speakers had traditionally met these attributes, a renewed effort using Fast Fourier Transform evaluation resulted in the first line of speakers designed for digital audio. Notably, the D Series, Cerwin-Vega’s first “digital ready” loudspeakers, launched five years before the success of digital CD technology.

As technology evolved, so did we. The 1980s and 1990s saw Cerwin-Vega expand into car audio, home audio, and professional audio markets. Our innovations, such as the Stroker subwoofer and the ProStax series, cemented our reputation for delivering robust, high-quality sound across various applications. Our products became staples in recording studios, nightclubs, and home theaters worldwide.

Today, Cerwin-Vega is back with a renewed focus on innovation and performance. We have embraced modern technology while staying true to our roots of powerful, clear, and dynamic sound. Our latest line of portable party speakers, home audio systems, and professional audio equipment reflects our dedication to delivering the ultimate audio experience.