Old Cerwin Vegas

[wingman358]

Hello all, this is my first post. I have a pair of old Cerwin Vega speakers bequeathed to me by my father. I'm not sure what model they are, but the I/O panel on them reads "15U HED Cerwin Vega". I've attached a picture. Does anybody know about these speakers?

They sound pretty good, with excellent bass and high-range. I feel like they are a little lacking in the mid-range, however. Is there anything I can do to fix that?

Edit: I forgot to mention that they are pretty old, 80's I believe.

[mazersteven]

Those speakers if I'm right where from the very early 70's.

[j_garcia]

Well, looking at them it should be fairly easy to see why there midrange is lacking... Looks like a 10 or a 12 and those are generally not great for midrange. Definitely look 70s.

[skizzerflake]

As I recall, I have heard old CV's referred to as "Thudsquawkers" due to their hot top end and bass. It was a somewhat cynical design intended to emphasize cymbals and kick bass in a rock band, producing a "punchy" sound. I doubt that there is much that you can do unless you are an audio engineer in need of a weekend project.

[wingman358]

Skizzzerflake, what if I was in need of a weekend project? I'm no audio engineer, but I'm pretty good with electronics and DIY stuff.

[Hi Ho]

I you are indeed in need of a weekend project and would like to improve the mid range I'd say adding a 4-6" mid rang driver would be in order. This would require a complete crossover redesign. Three way crossovers are a bit complicated.

[wingman358]

I'm all for doing a crossover redesign, but I have no idea where to start or what to do. What are my other options if I want to add a mid-range driver?

[skizzerflake]

Skizzzerflake, what if I was in need of a weekend project? I'm no audio engineer, but I'm pretty good with electronics and DIY stuff.

Then maybe it's time for a visit to Parts Express's web site. They sell not only kits but raw parts, drivers, crossovers, etc. With some carpentry, you might be able to make a new beast out of the old Thudsquawkers.

[wingman358]

Skizzerflake, you seem to know what you're talking about. If you wouldn't mind helping me, what would you recommend for mid-range drivers? Could you give me a few recommendations ranging from dream drivers to budget drivers? How about crossovers?

[Hi Ho]

I used Dayton Reference Series 6" (http://www.************.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-362) drivers in my DIY speakers and they are superb. I couldn't ask for a better sounding mid range driver for the price, or even double or triple the price. They offer amazingly good bass as well but that's a moot point in your application.

I'm sorry that I don't know where to start as far as a crossover either. I got a lot of help with my crossovers from the AudioKarma Forums (www.audiokarma.com). The people there will be happy to help you design a crossover.

[skizzerflake]

Then maybe it's time for a visit to Parts Express's web site. They sell not only kits but raw parts, drivers, crossovers, etc. With some carpentry, you might be able to make a new beast out of the old Thudsquawkers.

My few ventures into building my own don't provide much of an example to follow. I know that you can get the parts from www.************.com (somehow this forum appears to be blocking URLs, but you can Google for "Parts express") along with books on how to do it, but I admit incompetence when it comes to recommending components for a speaker rebuild or doing the carpentry.