Cerwin Vega L-7B Floorstanding Speakers

Cerwin Vega L-7B Floorstanding Speakers 

DESCRIPTION

2 way bookshelf, 7in woofer, 1in tweeter

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-9 of 9  
[Aug 10, 2010]
rudeboyrobbo
AudioPhile

As owner of a few pairs of high efficiency speaker systems, most notably a pair of vintage Altec Lansing 846B Valencias, I just wanted to stick up for these little Cerwin Vega L-7s. I got my pair via a craigslist posting the other day, $35 for the pair and I'm still blown away by how nice they sound paired with the excellent little Dayton Audio Class T Digital Audio Amplifier Modules I've been experimenting with. The L7s are a perfect match for this little 10 Watt /channel (RMS) amp that kicks out audiophile quality sound -- and lots of clean sound is the result. These are indeed high efficency speakers that will perform nicely with the wimpiest 98-pound weakling of amp powering the system.

I can understand why others have noted that the L7s lack "sizzle" but I think this is exactly why I like them so much. While the bass is surprisingly strong and smooth, this smoothness extends through the top frequencies providing a wide sound stage and dynamic transitions without a hint of harshness on the top end. This makes for the sort of sound one can listen to for hours without fatigue. Once you settle in while listening, you start to appreciate the overall clarity of this 2-way system. No muddy spots, no hot spots, just smooth, strong, and well voiced.




OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 08, 2009]
drewsk404
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Punchy bass response, woofers have quality rubber surrounds, quality construction overall, wide soundstage, decent efficiency (probably 91dB or better), they sound larger than they are

Weakness:

Muddy tweeters do not live up to the quality of the woofers and cabinet design, they leave something to be desired and definitely stand to be upgraded, should not be difficult to perform upgrade though

Not sure about product model year, guessing the L7's originally came out around 1997. Anyway, I saw these speakers at a garage sale and couldn't pass them up because I already owned a pair of CV's AT-10's and they are great. The L7's have a decently broad soundstage and don't seem to be missing any particular band of the frequency range. The 6.5" woofer is excellent at reproduction of the mid-frequency range, and is capable of producing punchy, clean bass as well. The crossovers seem to be about right, however vocals/highs are not really sharp enough because the plastic-sounding tweeter is muddy and lacking efficiency when compared to the woofer. This becomes less noticable at higher volume levels, but this should not be necessary to enjoy these speakers. I am considering upgrading the tweeters in these speakers in the manner that another reviewer on here advised, which is probably all they need to sound like $500+ speakers.

Similar Products Used:

n/a

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Aug 09, 2002]
xxnite
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

great bass, small footprint

Weakness:

standard tweeter lacks "sizzle"

Do yourself a favor... Ditch the standard tweeter and order a replacement pair of tweeters for the Cerwin Vega VS-150's... It's a dual diaphram tweeter with ultra-high sensitivity ($50/pair from CV). The difference is night-and-day... Your L7's will "sizzle" and sound complete! not overly-bassy. I talked to CV tech support and they gave me the idea to use the upgraded tweeter. You will have to 'slightly' dremel the outside of the standard tweeter opening to accomodate the [+-] leads a litrtle and drill new holes for the four screws, but it is without-a-doubt worth it. :)

Similar Products Used:

my rig consists of CV 300SE, E-308, E-706, LS-6C, CC240, SA-140, HT-210C, (qty 2) HT-10, (qty 2) HT-12D (what can I say?... I am a CV fanatic)

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jun 06, 1998]
Chris Kuruc
an Audio Enthusiast

I got a pair of L7's over a year ago on sale for $90 from Best Buy. For that price they beat anything else I've listened to. They sound way better than price comparable Bose and Infinity. I have mine hooked up to a Harmon/Kardon avr40 and they sound great. They sound good loud (I've overpowered them a few times for parties with no damage) as well as quiet. The only thing I don't like about them is the placement of the airhole in the back of the loudspeaker. If you actually put these on a bookshelf(up against a wall), the bass is overpowering.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
[Feb 24, 1999]
Jacek
an Audio Enthusiast

I bought a pair more than 3 years ago for $150 from Best Buy. Price to value is excellent. I use Sherwood 5030 and they sound very good, especially bass (put them 30" from the wall). Now I'm searching for new speakers, so I can compare L-7B to more expensive (like Infinity, Bose, Polk or NHT). They (L-7B) are very good. L-7B's beat anything in their price range. For "price to value" I would give them 5 stars. For sound 4 stars, so average is 4.5 stars.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Feb 15, 1999]
Jonah
an Audio Enthusiast

Loose overpowering base even on speaker stands well away from any wall. Just too much base for a poorly matched midrange. I paid 150 CDN for these, and at that price there is nothing else that seems to compare, so for someone on a budget.... I guess
it'll do until you hear something really nice. Running a yamaha rx460 amp.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
[Jun 18, 1997]
Bryan Strassner
an Audio Enthusiast

For 140 a pair, I have found these small loudspeakers to be of amazing value. Since I had to live in a dorm for a while, they became the main speakers for my system, as I had AT-12's and they are space consuming. The sound quality of the L7's is good, although they are lacking the very low end of some similar sized speakers. The midrange and high frequencies were overall pleasant. The one outstanding strength of these speakers is their ability to reproduce good sound at low volumes, a quality not normally found in this price range. Currently I use them as surround speakers, and they sound acceptable. If this is your price range, I would suggest that a good listen be given to the L7--they may just fit the bill.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
[Apr 13, 2001]
Ryan
Audio Enthusiast

Weakness:

Ummm...well I knew they were two way when I bought them as they are bookshelf speakers so that's really the only thing though.

I love these speakers. They're small yet put out as much base as you'd find in some larger speakers, and the bass is clear and solid. I first bought these after comparing the sound to a pair of Bose of the same price range and simlar model and the Cerwin not only had more base but the treble was clearer, more lively than the Bose. I was surprised back then cause I hadn't heard of Cerwin Vega. There was a 5 year warrantee on it so I figured I couldn't go wrong. I didn't. I was going to blow these at the end of 5 years and get the new model but I like them so much that I couldn't do it.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 22, 2000]
Frank Carlson
Casual Listener

Strength:

Great Sound - has been my faithfull morning, evening, and
day time speakers for what seems like a very long time.
Good sound on a budget. Probably not available new anymore,
but would be a good buy used. I have enjoyed Mozart, Handel
and just about anything else put out by PBS. The fidelity is high and the music is very enjoyable.

Weakness:

None, not as expensive as BOSE for equally good sounding speakers - this can be a minus for someone expecting to spend more money for quality - actually it is a plus for me.

If you can find these used and undamaged - buy them -
them will improve the soundscape for your bedroom -
as they have done for me.

I bought them originally upon the recommendation of
Consumer Reports and I have not been let down.

I try always to get the most bang for the buck.

These speakers are probably only available on the
used resale market - my advice is to check speakers
against damaged speakers before buying.

Meanwhile these speakers keep me entertained
- provide sound confetti to mask outside sound
so that my dogs will not bark while I am away at work!

Similar Products Used:

Just bought the Energy Take 5 System with 8" Subwoofer based
upon these and other reviews for my Home Theater System - Very much recommend these speakers for Home Theater Systems.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-9 of 9  

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