Cerwin Vega | At40 Specs
The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is a late-1980s 3-way, rear-ported loudspeaker featuring a 10-inch woofer, 5-inch midrange, and 1-inch tweeter, delivering 95 dB sensitivity and 125 watts continuous power handling. Designed for high sound pressure levels, the system includes frequency response from 30 Hz to 22 kHz and adjustable midrange/tweeter controls. For detailed technical specifications, visit Classic Audio Cerwin-Vega AT-100 Loudspeakers (Vintage)
The #1 enemy. The iconic orange foam surround on the 10" woofer will disintegrate. It is not a matter of "if," but "when."
If you're hunting for a used pair of AT-40s (typically $150-$300 on the used market), here is what fails.
Here are the factory specs as published in the original Cerwin Vega product literature (circa 1988-1991). Note: Some values vary slightly between the early and late production runs.
| Specification | Detail | | --- | --- | | System Type | 3-way, bookshelf / stand-mount monitor, bass reflex | | Woofer | 8" (203mm) cast polymer frame, high-excursion, butyl rubber surround | | Midrange | 4" (100mm) treated paper cone with sealed back chamber | | Tweeter | 1" (25mm) soft dome ferrite magnet (some variants had a phenolic ring radiator) | | Frequency Response | 45 Hz – 20 kHz (± 3 dB) | | Sensitivity | 91 dB (1W/1m) | | Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms (minimum 5.2 ohms @ 120 Hz) | | Power Handling (RMS) | 75 watts | | Power Handling (Peak) | 150 watts | | Crossover Frequencies | 600 Hz and 4,500 Hz | | Enclosure Tuning | 45 Hz (ported, rear-firing slot port) | | Dimensions (H x W x D) | 19.25" x 11.25" x 9.5" (489 x 286 x 241 mm) | | Weight (per speaker) | 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | | MSRP (1990) | $400/pair |
The stock electrolytic capacitors are junk by now. Replace them with Dayton Audio or Mundorf polypropylene caps (values: ~6.8uF, 12uF, 47uF – check your specific board). This single upgrade transforms the speaker—revealing treble detail that was previously muted.
The AT-40 employs a multi-element, air-core inductor and Mylar capacitor network for the mid and high frequencies.
The Cerwin Vega AT-40 is proof that the company could do more than just "party speakers." With its robust 8" woofer, dedicated midrange, and unexpectedly smooth dome tweeter, the AT-40 delivers 85% of the pedigree of a JBL 4408 at 40% of the cost.
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.
Pro tip for search: 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. cerwin vega at40 specs
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.
The Cerwin Vega AT-40 is a vintage three-way floorstanding speaker from the "AT" (Advanced Technology) series, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its high efficiency and "party speaker" reputation, it was designed to deliver high volume levels even with relatively low-powered amplifiers. Key Technical Specifications Specification System Type 3-way bass reflex (ported) Frequency Response 30 Hz – 22 kHz Power Handling 125 Watts (RMS/Maximum) Sensitivity 95 dB (1W/1m) Impedance Crossover Points 400 Hz and 3000 Hz Protection PTC (Self-resetting tweeter protection) Dimensions (H x W x D) 730 x 365 x 320 mm (approx. 28.7" x 14.4" x 12.6") Driver Configuration
Woofer: 10-inch ATW10 driver featuring the signature orange foam surround. Midrange: Dedicated cone driver for vocal clarity.
Tweeter: High-frequency driver with internal protection circuitry. Performance Review & Sound Profile
Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is a vintage 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker from the AT (Residential) series, known for its high efficiency and signature large woofers with red surrounds. Classic Audio Key Technical Specifications According to listings from Classic Audio and historical records, the primary specs include: : 3-way bass reflex system. Frequency Response Power Handling Sensitivity Nominal Impedance Crossover Points Protection
: Built-in PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) device for tweeter protection. Classic Audio Physical Dimensions Classic Audio Performance Characteristics
Like many speakers in the AT series, the AT-40 is designed for high output and "concert-level" sound in a home setting. Its high sensitivity (
) means it can produce high volume levels even with relatively low-powered amplifiers. Cerwin-Vega SL-12 Learn about Cerwin-Vega's legacy of high-quality audio
The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is a vintage three-way bass reflex loudspeaker known for its high efficiency and signature "loud" sound profile. Introduced as part of the AT (Arc) series, these speakers were specifically designed to deliver high sound pressure levels with minimal amplifier power. Core Specifications Design: 3-way, Bass Reflex (ported) cabinet. Power Handling: 125 Watts. Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 22 kHz. Sensitivity: 95 dB (1 Watt @ 1 Meter). Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms. Crossover Frequencies: 400 Hz and 3000 Hz. The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is a late-1980s 3-way, rear-ported
Protection: PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) circuit protection for the drivers. Physical Build
Drivers: Features a 10-inch woofer (model ATW10), typically identified by Cerwin-Vega's iconic red/orange surround. Cabinet Dimensions: Approximately
Manufacturing: While the drivers and crossovers were engineered in the USA, European models were often built under license at the Dali factory in Denmark. Performance Character
Like many speakers in the AT series (such as the larger AT-15), the AT-40 is prized for its "arena-style" performance. It excels in large rooms where it can deliver deep bass and high volume without the need for massive high-end amplification. They are often considered ideal for rock and party music rather than critical, detailed near-field listening. These Speakers Absolutely Changed My Life
Overview
The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is a high-performance, 2-way, passive loudspeaker designed for professional audio applications, including live sound, DJ, and music playback. Cerwin-Vega is a well-known brand in the audio industry, and their AT-40 model is a popular choice among sound engineers and musicians.
Key Features
Technical Specifications
Audio Performance
The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is designed to deliver clear, powerful sound with excellent low-end response and smooth high-frequency reproduction. The speaker features a high-quality woofer with a 2-inch voice coil, which provides tight, controlled bass response. The 1.5-inch high-frequency compression driver delivers smooth, detailed treble with a wide dispersion pattern.
Use Cases
The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is suitable for a variety of applications, including:
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
The Cerwin-Vega AT-40 is a high-performance, 2-way loudspeaker designed for professional audio applications. With its powerful 15-inch woofer and 1.5-inch high-frequency compression driver, this speaker delivers clear, detailed sound with excellent low-end response. The durable enclosure and multiple suspension points make it suitable for a variety of applications, including live sound reinforcement, DJ, and music playback. While it may be heavy and large, the AT-40 is a reliable choice for sound engineers and musicians looking for a high-quality, professional-grade loudspeaker.
| Model | Woofer | Sensitivity | Low-End | Key Difference | |-------|--------|-------------|---------|----------------| | AT-40 | 10" | 95 dB | 32 Hz | Curved cabinet, rear port | | AT-15 | 15" | 101 dB | 28 Hz | Larger, higher output, dual mids | | D-5 | 10" | 95 dB | 38 Hz | Traditional box, front port | | E-310 | 10" | 95 dB | 34 Hz | Updated tweeter, modern crossover | The #1 enemy