Nice job on the video, Nemo! I had a feeling you might be impressed with them. I was really impressed by what they had to offer for only $270 per pair. IMO Insane value for money with the LA165!
aye! thank you dude, I certainly like to stick to $1k+ products but when I find a gem I gotta let people know about and this is an absolute gem!! End or year roundup will be next week :)
@@NemoPropaganda This is so true! CerwinVega! Seems to have some sort of stigma around them. I asked Randy many times to review these and he wouldn’t touch them. That’s why Nemo is the best. He’s just looking for the truth in good products. I think this review will help the brand start to become relevant again.
Love the review. I had a set of Cerwin Vega PD-9's and I Absolutely loved them!! I like the CV in the middle and love the Red surround on the woofer. A nice retro look.
Thanks! Nemo! I asked for this review and you delivered! ( I also was the one who asked Generation behind HIFI) to review it. lol! What a nice positive review this was. It’s hard to review a budget speaker. But you nailed it! CerwinVega! Got me into audio in the 90s and this speaker could do the same for young people today. With any luck we will see CerwinVega moving forward with more new speaker designs.
100% you and a couple other guys are the only reason I reviewed this, I rarely take requests but I had a really good feeling about this one and man did it deliver!! It's not gonna take down anything 3x the price but geeze at $269 this is crazy good!
totally agree, paired with a inexpensive amp like the RSL ia255.1 you've got a killer TV rig for $379, add an RSL 10E for another $299 and you're easily out classing many sound bar/sub combons even double the price.
I like the red/orange surrounds, and the look of the speaker overall. Like Klipsch's copper colored drivers, it's a really inexpensive way to make the speakers distinctive. Wharfedale Diamond, and Polk have moved away from the curved cabinets, but I like that look too.
Great review! Great little speaker! I know you’re not totally into reviewing larger speakers but the CerwinVega! SL15. Is just under $1000 and comes with a 15” woofer! What other speaker does that? None that I know of. It’s a fun speaker for music and home audio. Crystal clear, easy to drive, lots of bass and plays loud! It would make for another great review if you’re able to get them in. Thanks again for this review! 🔈
I remember ZeOs saying in a Klipsch review "a decade ago Klipsch's reputation was just slightly better than Cerwin Vega. That's how bad it was and how great their comeback has been" and thinking someone would probably come along and reinvigorate the Cerwin Vega brand just like they did the Klipsch brand. Nostalgia is a powerful marketing force in audio, so it makes sense for people to buy these old audio brands and turn them around to their former glory.
I love the red surrounds....great speakers. ...the LA series is a huge win for the budget....the midrange and vocals are a knockout at the price...jazz vocals compete with $1k speakers seriously.....pairs great with budget AVRs like onkyo pioneer and denon....huge soundstage and imaging. No brainer buy for a budget speaker....killer midrange and a slight Harmon curve. A little sparkle and firm bass.slightly warm overall...love these speakers.
Nice review as always. I need surround and back surround speakers in my new space, surely these will be more than adequate, unless you have heard Emotivas new line of speakers? They are both priced similar.
It would be interesting to get a bit of back story on the brand. I've definitely seen them around but they seem to have disappeared around the 90s or 00s but are now back? Is it the same company?
Great review! I like you philosophy on reviewing budget gear. I'd be very interested the Cabasse Antigua MC170 review. Upscale has them for $398, which is 50% off MSRP
Hey, Nemo. Nice review and a welcomed revelation.... Sorry, but I have a question on a product you reviewed a few weeks ago.. Will it be considered an upgrade moving from the Arendal speakers you reviewed to the platinums, one of your favourites? If yes, how much of an upgrade is it?
I have not heard these, but I had a pair of CLS-6 about 20 years ago and they were remarkably good for the price which may have been about $150. That being said, today it's still hard to beat the Sony SS-SC5 for sheer value/performance at about $125/pr. ✌️
Cool thanks, nice to know these sound as good as they look, I am kinda interested in picking up a pair, I wouldn’t be at all interested if the surround was plain black tho, imho it’s gotta be red/orange otherwise it’s just not right !!! Also, it’d be nice if they removed the branding on the face of the speaker tho…
hey thanks man, yeah recovery is going well, still taking it easy though. The Aurora 300 was a totally different sound, much warmer, dark treble, more bass, built better overall, it was a higher model so no surprise but tonally very different.
@NemoPropaganda Glad to hear man. Thx for the quick reply comparison! Sounds like these are a great recommendation for basic 2.1 setup- high value "fun" sound with a decent sub crossed around 70hz I'd suspect
@@Ty-qj6ws eh, your room will determine where you xover your sub but in all the rooms I've ever been in somwhere around 55hz or less always sounds better than higher up but your taste & room will determine what you like.
Tweeter padding resistors and high pass cap change out can provide significant customization for little $$ … Dayton caps are very good. 0.5 db treble reduction can do it on a forward speaker like this CV if that’s your taste. I’m sure most of you guys know this.
Wow! (in a Christopher Walken voice) who knew that Cerwin Vega would come back and in a good way?! Hopefully this means somebody in their company has decided to use their name popularity for the better and start competing. Who knows? At least it's an improvement for them, looking at you Velodyne and Bose! But I guess Bose just cheated and bought McIntosh and Sonus Faber. Anyway, great surprising video! Dig your style/attitude as always and THX for your time and knowledge!
hey what's up Sean! Glad you enjoyed the vid. Velodyne is done imo, bose got taken down by sonos for the most part but bose sound bars sound pretty darn good, their subs are crappy imo but I think most soundbar subs are crappy lol.
this is extremely high level humor, it took me a minute and then a memory unearthed from the depths of my mind, that bastard crawling up the fence constantly and jumping down on me with that freaking claw hand of his and the sweet victory of seeing that broken claw after I defeated him.... Balrog on the other hand was never too tough but Vega gave me hell every time! Honestly Vega was harder than bison for me.
I agree the CV! Logo on the dust cap would be enough. Time to ditch the red surround. Just like your CV! AL1000 had a black surround and look fantastic! A modern version of those would be great!
@ It’s a hard decision for me. I do like the red because you know CerwinVega! But honestly I think if I was designing the speaker for them I would likely ditch the red. I think a modern version of the AL with a black surround would look awesome. But a modern VS with the red surrounds would also look fantastic! I’m torn. lol!
@JR-ho5qm no way. I'm sick of this boaring modern mindset audiophile crap....hifi has lost the mojo and fun of the 70s-80s and 90s...choice ,taste,flare cool factor. ...not a Grey box with no buttons or lights that goes unnoticed and sounds flat and the same as everything else.
These or the Polk r100s for surround duty? It’s tough with so many options. My mains are arendal 1961 towers. All of that line is discontinued so I need something else for surrounds.
The R100 is a considerable step up but not really the same sound as your 1961 towers, instead I suggest you go for RBH 5i, tonally that will be more of a match for your 1961 tower and the finish is also more similar. If that is too expensive I suggest the RSL CG3M.
Thanks. Got out of the Navy in 1970 with a Pioneer system from the Japan Military Exchange and hated the boring Pioneer speakers. Traded them in or Cerwin Vega party animals with a 12 or 15 inch woofer and as I recall just a tweeter, Cant remember there being a midrange. They boogied just fine for me at the time with my Pioneer receiver. I would not want to have them back, but I could use some of those fifty years. James Gang Funk 49 at 911 call levels through the CVs. Heh.
Thanks for another great review, Would it be possible for you to review a $1250 speaker . Erins Audio Corner reviewed the The Audio Fist Designs - Fidelia speaker. His results result in some great measured specs. (th-cam.com/video/HKrm19_asro/w-d-xo.html) But I prefer your subjective speaker reviews. So would you review this speaker for us? It would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
i came back from 2054 to say that the prices are wrong in this vid. Matter of fact it gets discontinued in 15 years so i don't even know why we're still watching this. (yes i wasted 2 mins of my $80k 15 minute time travel trip to write this. It's important to me)
I tried these about a year ago just from nostalgia. It was a great attempt at moving forward for CV. Ultimately I sent them back. They were just too forward for my taste. Maybe the next generation ✌️
It's a cerwin vega, the red surround is a must!😊
ahahaha, I can't argue with you.
Agree!
Nice job on the video, Nemo! I had a feeling you might be impressed with them. I was really impressed by what they had to offer for only $270 per pair. IMO Insane value for money with the LA165!
Thank's man! You're the main reason I reviewed it, you seemd super enthusiastic and hyped about it when I saw your review :)
Enjoy your 'underdog' reviews of inexpensive products. It's brings our hobby to more folks. Look forward to your year end best as usual.😀
aye! thank you dude, I certainly like to stick to $1k+ products but when I find a gem I gotta let people know about and this is an absolute gem!! End or year roundup will be next week :)
Unbelievable! Cerwyn Vega getting a fair review from a audiophile!
good stuff is good stuff, I don't care who makes it :)
@@NemoPropaganda
This is so true! CerwinVega! Seems to have some sort of stigma around them. I asked Randy many times to review these and he wouldn’t touch them. That’s why Nemo is the best. He’s just looking for the truth in good products. I think this review will help the brand start to become relevant again.
Love the review. I had a set of Cerwin Vega PD-9's and I Absolutely loved them!! I like the CV in the middle and love the Red surround on the woofer. A nice retro look.
This was a great review and one of the things I love most about audio TH-cam: hidden gems, a scandal(?), and some straight-talking. 10/10
Thanks! Nemo! I asked for this review and you delivered! ( I also was the one who asked Generation behind HIFI) to review it. lol!
What a nice positive review this was. It’s hard to review a budget speaker. But you nailed it! CerwinVega! Got me into audio in the 90s and this speaker could do the same for young people today. With any luck we will see CerwinVega moving forward with more new speaker designs.
100% you and a couple other guys are the only reason I reviewed this, I rarely take requests but I had a really good feeling about this one and man did it deliver!! It's not gonna take down anything 3x the price but geeze at $269 this is crazy good!
These are a steal!! And way better than MOST soundbars (some soundbars are awesome tho). Thanks for bringing these to our attention!
totally agree, paired with a inexpensive amp like the RSL ia255.1 you've got a killer TV rig for $379, add an RSL 10E for another $299 and you're easily out classing many sound bar/sub combons even double the price.
@ agreed!! 👍🏽
I like the red/orange surrounds, and the look of the speaker overall. Like Klipsch's copper colored drivers, it's a really inexpensive way to make the speakers distinctive.
Wharfedale Diamond, and Polk have moved away from the curved cabinets, but I like that look too.
CV have always had an airy clear sound. Think it’s their signature
Great review, lots of information here. The only gripe I have with your review is: I'm a big fan of the red rings, as I grew up in the 70's & 80's.
oh yeah, if you check the comments you'll find a ton of other people that love the red ring, it's a pretty even 50/50 split.
I think the white ones look great. I just bought a pair. Thank you Nemo!
cool man, enjoy!
Cabinet looks a lot like the Pioneer designed by A Jones BS 22 LR which was a great budget speaker, loved by all the reviewers in its day.
I have a pair of those in my upstairs system. They sound amazing considering the size and price.
Great review! Great little speaker! I know you’re not totally into reviewing larger speakers but the CerwinVega! SL15. Is just under $1000 and comes with a 15” woofer! What other speaker does that? None that I know of. It’s a fun speaker for music and home audio. Crystal clear, easy to drive, lots of bass and plays loud! It would make for another great review if you’re able to get them in. Thanks again for this review! 🔈
I've actually heard a few people say their bigger stuff still rocks!
Would love videos on the big boys. Always wanted a pair back in the 80s when I would get my Crutchfield catalog but was a poor kid back then.
I don't review towers but generationsbehindhifi covered the LA towers in one of his videos if you want to check it out.
I remember ZeOs saying in a Klipsch review "a decade ago Klipsch's reputation was just slightly better than Cerwin Vega. That's how bad it was and how great their comeback has been" and thinking someone would probably come along and reinvigorate the Cerwin Vega brand just like they did the Klipsch brand. Nostalgia is a powerful marketing force in audio, so it makes sense for people to buy these old audio brands and turn them around to their former glory.
If anyone in Canada 🇨🇦 is interested in these Electronics for less has them on for $250 free shipping and only one tax! This is an unbelievable price!
I remember my brother having a cervin vega about 30 years ago I was only about 7. It kind of started off my interest in speakers
Yeah I like his channel generation behind I discovered his channel when he had the rel 1205 on at the time
I love the red surrounds....great speakers. ...the LA series is a huge win for the budget....the midrange and vocals are a knockout at the price...jazz vocals compete with $1k speakers seriously.....pairs great with budget AVRs like onkyo pioneer and denon....huge soundstage and imaging. No brainer buy for a budget speaker....killer midrange and a slight Harmon curve. A little sparkle and firm bass.slightly warm overall...love these speakers.
How do they do at high volume? Like will they still be clear in the 100 ish dB range given eq adjusted.
@TimShelnut they play loud great. 100db no problem crystal clear 👌
@TimShelnut I bet I'm peaking around 95db in this video they can go louder. Crystal clear..th-cam.com/video/Sx82XsPjicg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=w3S2wPK4160ypq0i
If you could review the Cerwin Vega LA365, that would be awesome. Thanks
no can do bro, I don't review towers.
I have a pair of the AL1000 man i Love them. But thinking of trying out the la series
wow, what are the chances!! I'm surprised those darn things are still holding up for ya!
Nice review as always. I need surround and back surround speakers in my new space, surely these will be more than adequate, unless you have heard Emotivas new line of speakers? They are both priced similar.
I have not heard the new Emotiva's yet.
I think you will be happy with the Vegas! I think they are easier to drive than the Emotivas and will likely play louder
My first speakers were also Cerwin Vegas.
I had 4 S 2’s. We’re awesome
It would be interesting to get a bit of back story on the brand. I've definitely seen them around but they seem to have disappeared around the 90s or 00s but are now back? Is it the same company?
they have a fairly short wikipedia page that tells the history, give it a read.
Great review! I like you philosophy on reviewing budget gear. I'd be very interested the Cabasse Antigua MC170 review. Upscale has them for $398, which is 50% off MSRP
I have it here but with the holidays I have not had time to listen.
Hey, Nemo. Nice review and a welcomed revelation.... Sorry, but I have a question on a product you reviewed a few weeks ago..
Will it be considered an upgrade moving from the Arendal speakers you reviewed to the platinums, one of your favourites? If yes, how much of an upgrade is it?
that comparison is in the pinned comment for that video.
I have not heard these, but I had a pair of CLS-6 about 20 years ago and they were remarkably good for the price which may have been about $150. That being said, today it's still hard to beat the Sony SS-SC5 for sheer value/performance at about $125/pr. ✌️
the LA165 stomp all over the sony but it is twice the price.
Does it sound just as good with the grills on?
yes, the grills are very transparent too the sound. Basically a frame with a very thin piece of cloth. I notice no sound difference at all
yes.
Cool thanks, nice to know these sound as good as they look, I am kinda interested in picking up a pair, I wouldn’t be at all interested if the surround was plain black tho, imho it’s gotta be red/orange otherwise it’s just not right !!! Also, it’d be nice if they removed the branding on the face of the speaker tho…
it seems I'm in the minority, a lot of people are saying they like the red :)
"Captain Obvious" haha you're the best
Ayy new one! How do these compare to the Heco 300? Hope for continued recovery my guy
hey thanks man, yeah recovery is going well, still taking it easy though. The Aurora 300 was a totally different sound, much warmer, dark treble, more bass, built better overall, it was a higher model so no surprise but tonally very different.
@NemoPropaganda Glad to hear man. Thx for the quick reply comparison! Sounds like these are a great recommendation for basic 2.1 setup- high value "fun" sound with a decent sub crossed around 70hz I'd suspect
@@Ty-qj6ws eh, your room will determine where you xover your sub but in all the rooms I've ever been in somwhere around 55hz or less always sounds better than higher up but your taste & room will determine what you like.
Tweeter padding resistors and high pass cap change out can provide significant customization for little $$ … Dayton caps are very good. 0.5 db treble reduction can do it on a forward speaker like this CV if that’s your taste.
I’m sure most of you guys know this.
@@NemoPropagandaYep, around 50 hz seems to be the magic xover epicenter in many cases. Interesting.
Wow! (in a Christopher Walken voice) who knew that Cerwin Vega would come back and in a good way?!
Hopefully this means somebody in their company has decided to use their name popularity for the better and start competing. Who knows? At least it's an improvement for them, looking at you Velodyne and Bose! But I guess Bose just cheated and bought McIntosh and Sonus Faber.
Anyway, great surprising video! Dig your style/attitude as always and THX for your time and knowledge!
hey what's up Sean! Glad you enjoyed the vid. Velodyne is done imo, bose got taken down by sonos for the most part but bose sound bars sound pretty darn good, their subs are crappy imo but I think most soundbar subs are crappy lol.
as in movie earthquake,,, isnt it all bass and mo bass....
I do not understand your question.
I refuse to write a comment. (algorithm)
I appreciate ya!
@@NemoPropaganda, it's just a bit of help in getting this channel noticed.
P.S. Wishing you well on your road to full recovery!
Yeah, the red ring can be avoided.
Hmmm...Red surrounds? Thought it was orange...My color blindness, red/green deficiency strikes again.
I always thought it was red.
@@NemoPropaganda The AL 1000's had black surrounds didn't they?
@@YoungOldDude yes they did, it was a more upscale & conservative look for the brand.
Cerwin Balrog
this is extremely high level humor, it took me a minute and then a memory unearthed from the depths of my mind, that bastard crawling up the fence constantly and jumping down on me with that freaking claw hand of his and the sweet victory of seeing that broken claw after I defeated him.... Balrog on the other hand was never too tough but Vega gave me hell every time! Honestly Vega was harder than bison for me.
@NemoPropaganda Hahaha yeah Vega was very difficult and so fast. In Japan they called the Vega character Balrog.
@@Slickman2006 oh really? what did they call Balrog in Japan then?
@NemoPropaganda Balrog was M. Bison(basically Mike Tyson) in Japan so they changed it so they wouldn't get sued.
I agree the CV! Logo on the dust cap would be enough. Time to ditch the red surround. Just like your CV! AL1000 had a black surround and look fantastic! A modern version of those would be great!
Red surrounds forever !!❤
@ It’s a hard decision for me. I do like the red because you know CerwinVega! But honestly I think if I was designing the speaker for them I would likely ditch the red. I think a modern version of the AL with a black surround would look awesome. But a modern VS with the red surrounds would also look fantastic! I’m torn. lol!
@JR-ho5qm no way. I'm sick of this boaring modern mindset audiophile crap....hifi has lost the mojo and fun of the 70s-80s and 90s...choice ,taste,flare cool factor. ...not a Grey box with no buttons or lights that goes unnoticed and sounds flat and the same as everything else.
These or the Polk r100s for surround duty? It’s tough with so many options. My mains are arendal 1961 towers. All of that line is discontinued so I need something else for surrounds.
The R100 is a considerable step up but not really the same sound as your 1961 towers, instead I suggest you go for RBH 5i, tonally that will be more of a match for your 1961 tower and the finish is also more similar. If that is too expensive I suggest the RSL CG3M.
Thanks. Got out of the Navy in 1970 with a Pioneer system from the Japan Military Exchange and hated the boring Pioneer speakers. Traded them in or Cerwin Vega party animals with a 12 or 15 inch woofer and as I recall just a tweeter, Cant remember there being a midrange. They boogied just fine for me at the time with my Pioneer receiver. I would not want to have them back, but I could use some of those fifty years. James Gang Funk 49 at 911 call levels through the CVs. Heh.
CV's really delivered a great experience in the era of "bigger is better" they gave us a lot for the money and always had good strong bass :)
Thanks for another great review, Would it be possible for you to review a $1250 speaker .
Erins Audio Corner reviewed the The Audio Fist Designs - Fidelia speaker. His results result in some great measured specs. (th-cam.com/video/HKrm19_asro/w-d-xo.html)
But I prefer your subjective speaker reviews. So would you review this speaker for us?
It would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
I can't review DIY kits unless the MFG sends me the speaker already assembled and ready to use. I have a full time job, I can't build speakers.
@@NemoPropaganda Hello, thanks for the reply, Maybe you could ask them for an assembled pair for review? Couldn't hurt to ask.
i came back from 2054 to say that the prices are wrong in this vid. Matter of fact it gets discontinued in 15 years so i don't even know why we're still watching this. (yes i wasted 2 mins of my $80k 15 minute time travel trip to write this. It's important to me)
Is CerwinVega! Still building speakers in 2054? I’m very curious. I hope they are!
lololol, that was a good one!
Oh goodness , a small two way stand mount speaker looks like another small two way stand mount speaker.
I dunno what you're talking about 😅
If they would just give up the red surround.
bro I think we're the minority, a lot of people saying they want the red :) either way the darn thing sounds great!
Low Budget, Freudian slip. Lol
I don't understand what you're referring to.
The poo like vinyl doesn’t look so great unless you’re into that sort of thing …
it actually looks better in person and is one of the better vinyl finishes I've seen.
little red fartbox speakers hahahaha
pretty meaningless comment without any context, care to clarify?
I tried these about a year ago just from nostalgia. It was a great attempt at moving forward for CV. Ultimately I sent them back. They were just too forward for my taste. Maybe the next generation ✌️
It’s a shame they are so ugly 😢
they look great with the grills on :)
@@NemoPropagandaAmazing the weight guys put on appearance these days. This was not the case some years ago.