what are the best amp and preamp setup for early jbl paragon

[darry07]

just looking for some ideas, would like some advice on some period correct gear to go with my 1959 paragon. thank you guys.

[tom1040]

McIntosh or Marantz of the same time period perhaps? Marantz 7c pre, Model 9 amp? Just guessing-I have not heard these nor the Paragon........

[Mr. Widget]

The Marantz Model 7 would be the hands down winner. It was introduced in 1959 and was absolutely the finest preamp made at the time and is still better than most that have come along after it. The Marantz Model 9 amps were not introduced until a few years later though I'd suggest they were better than any of the macs of their era. Probably the best 1959 amp would be a Mac.


Widget

[Maron Horonzakz]

It really does not matter what Preamps and amps you use,,,I first used Marantz mod 7 and 8b,,, Later went to KRELL amps and preamps,, The early Paragons used 150-4 woofers the later units used LE 15 woofers,, What woofes do you have..

[Maron Horonzakz]

You have to remember ,,,you could purchase the Paragon with a solid state JBL ENERGIZER amp installed in the Paragon,,,I had one of those,,,But preferred the Marantz 8b amp

[57BELAIRE]

Hello, I'd be curious as to how you determined it's build date. Mine, (278) dates to '59 also.
They're very efficient, so a low power tube amp is what I would expect to see.

[Mr. Widget]

You have to remember ,,,you could purchase the Paragon with a solid state JBL ENERGIZER amp installed in the ParagonNot in 1959...

If the original poster's question was literal, meaning what was good when the speaker was built in 1959, the choices are fairly limited. If on the other hand he wants a "period piece", then a number of '60s designs could be quite good.


Widget

[darry07]

i have the letter that came with the paragon dated 1959 from R.V. Pepe thanking the original buyer of his purchase of the paragon. this is how i know the build date. it has the 150-4c's in it. thank you guys

[darry07]

56510

[Mr. Widget]

Very cool... thanks for sharing that.

Indeed, this Paragon may live on for several "lifetimes".


Widget

[darry07]

here is the paragon in which the letter was written for56511

[NickH]

Hey a fellow Houstonian. Vey nice. What do you want new or vinitage equipment?


Id say a single ended gm70 amp would be amazing here. Id go with a tvc passive preamp.

Just my two cents.

But for vintage, there's no shortage of stellar equipment out there, just depends what you want to spend.

Nick

[darry07]

Hi Nick,


I was looking for vintage equipment. I am open to any and all suggestions though.




Best

[57BELAIRE]

beautiful piece. Just for grins, check the decals on the underside for serial number. Post a pic if you can.

[darry07]

here ya go

56521

[jbl_daddy]

My fathers paragon is currently tri amplified using three crown ps200's and a ps400 on theb460. Still not my favorite thing to listen to. I prefer the 4340's.

[Maron Horonzakz]

Later after your retro venture,,,You might want to tweek,,,,I disconnected the 7000 xover and 075 tweet..That tweeter is in the wrong place anyway,,,Installed a Truextent beryllium diaphram in the 375 driver for upper bandwidth extension,,,That way, all upper frequencies reflect off curved panel,,,Or replace 375 with TAD TD-4001 driver..

[rusty jefferson]

Here's a link to the 1959 H.H. Scott catalog. http://www.hhscott.com/pva/1959/Default.HTM

[darry07]

very neat site thank you

[NickH]

Hi Nick,


I was looking for vintage equipment. I am open to any and all suggestions though.




Best


Hi Darry07,

No problem there. There are all many choices. Some vintage altec Lansing amps would look very nice sitting on a rack beside them. Langevin would also be a good choice too.

Nick

[Rudy Kleimann]

That is a beautiful piece of Americana! Impeccably cared for too, by the looks of it. What a conversation piece!

And right here in my home town!

I can just imagine that musical furniture looking right at home alongside the walnut dining room set, or the Coffee table in the living room of my Grand-parents home in Jersey Village in the '60's.

How long have you owned it?
How did you acquire it?

[darry07]

pm sent thanks

[audiomagnate]

Absolutely stunning. Another vote for the 7C/8B combo.

[darry07]

Thank you very much.

[darry07]

5668656687

just some more pics

[Maron Horonzakz]

EERRR Why arn,t the Klipschhorns in propper corners,,??

[darry07]

just bought the klipschorns this weekend was just cleaning them up and pushed them back to get them in picture. other paragon pics i will post later on. anyone wouldn't happen to have an extra metal cabinet leg glides for a paragon would they? thanks guys

[SUPERBEE]

I have a very early Ranger Paragon as well, number #110. I have run all manner of amps, pre-amps and receivers on it. Everything from a crappy McIntosh 1900 to Marantz 9's with a Marantz 7-C, most all sounded good. What I currently run on it and my fave set up so far is a HH Scott LK 72 integrated tube amp with a McIntosh MQ 101 EQ. I have a nice Thorens 125 MrkII there as well but play mainly CD's with that rig