PDA

View Full Version : C44 Paragon info



Drew78
08-01-2016, 09:00 PM
So short story I have managed to inherit a paragon. Looking for info on what year it would be from the serial number(42854 A) as well as try to figure out the best way to take a look at the drivers to make sure they are in good shape before I power it up. I have been doing a lot of searching on the internet but it looks like this is the best place to get the right info and answers. Cheers!

JeffW
08-02-2016, 06:57 AM
There have been a few attempts at some serial number database, at least two threads just up the page from this one (and one thread has a link to yet a third thread). There is no definitive or official serial number registry. You'll can just provide the number and let the buyer decide if it's in a range they'll pay for, I guess. Do you have any experience disassembling speakers? I'd be more afraid of damaging the thing by taking it apart than I would be gently applying music to it and seeing if it plays. It'll likely bring more in an untouched condition, anyway, so long as it functions.

Drew78
08-02-2016, 09:33 AM
Thanks. I don't plan on selling it so anything I do is going to be to keep it in the best possible working condition and to preserve it. Can't wait to get it hooked up properly. Does anyone have any recommendations on amps and pre amps that work well with this thing? I'm thinking solid state so that my wife will also be able to operate it as well. Any help or recommendations on anything to do with it would be greatly appreciated. I feel very fortunate to have this as a part of my collection.

Joseph Smith Jr
08-02-2016, 10:34 AM
You can narrow down the year built to within a year or so buy in order to do so you will have to get a look at the driver load and the serial numbers
This assuming yours is an unmolested original
It's not that difficult to break down a Paragon, just have a helper with steady hands and some common sense
Sliding up and off the front curved panel is the most delicate part, the rest is easy
But you don't even need to do that as you can access almost everything from the back
Do all final screw torquing by hand and you'll have no problems

Joe

Joseph Smith Jr
08-02-2016, 10:50 AM
I'm thinking solid state so that my wife will also be able to operate it as well. Any help or recommendations on anything to do with it would be greatly appreciated.
Why can't your wife operate a tube amp?
I would lean heavily in favor of tubes, I have heard them with both
If it has to be solid state a well restored early JBL amp or a Marantz, even one of ther 22xx series receivers like the 2270. Early KENWOODs like any of the TOTL "KA" series will sound nice too
Some may scoff at my suggestions but the match with these older well built solid state amps and receivers is sublime
BUT ONLY IF RESTORED WITH A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

Joe

Drew78
08-02-2016, 11:56 AM
I'm just thinking ease of use as well as maintenance for going with older solid state gear. And definitely want to match it up with something of the same vintage. I actually used to own a Kenwood KA9100. Very solid well made receiver. I did try to carefully pull the screws off the back to access the drivers but the panels don't want to budge and I don't want to force it. I do have a pic of the ring radiator with the serial number on that if that helps?

4345
08-02-2016, 02:33 PM
That badge looks like it is from the late 1970's. So, I would imagine yours is from the latter part of the production.

Mr. Widget
08-02-2016, 07:12 PM
That badge looks like it is from the late 1970's. So, I would imagine yours is from the latter part of the production.I agree... late '70s or early '80's.

You really must open the woofer chambers as it is very likely your LE15A or LE15H woofers have rotten foam surrounds.


Widget

Drew78
08-02-2016, 08:29 PM
Thanks for the advice. Looks like I will be trying to carefully take the back covers off. Anyone know if they used glue to seal these on when the screwed them on? The one I tried to pull off was on there very solidly. Is there a good place to buy the speaker foam surrounds?

4343
08-02-2016, 11:41 PM
Rick Cobb for foams.

[email protected]

Should not be any glue, but paint tends to stick together after 30 years...

Drew78
08-03-2016, 09:01 AM
Much appreciated!! I'll take all the help I can get!

Joseph Smith Jr
08-03-2016, 09:52 AM
Last Paragon was built in '83

Joe

Joseph Smith Jr
08-03-2016, 10:00 AM
I agree... late '70s or early '80's.

You really must open the woofer chambers as it is very likely your LE15A or LE15H woofers have rotten foam surrounds.


Widget
Or Lans-a-loy if he has LE15As
Definitely with the LE15H
Either way, he'll need new surrounds in all likelihood

Joe

Drew78
08-03-2016, 09:43 PM
Didn't get the back off yet but did use a light and mirror to look around and at the drivers from the front side. Definitely need new surrounds. Some of the foam has fallen right off.

yggdrasil
08-04-2016, 04:34 PM
Registry records suggest your Paragon is from 1980 or 1981.

Drew78
08-05-2016, 10:44 AM
Much Appreciated!!

dprice
08-07-2016, 06:58 AM
I think a Paragon would make a really cool looking stand for a giant (>70") HDTV. No need for a center channel ;)

I suspect I may be the only one the feels that way.


Good luck with the restoration and don't forget to treat us to a few photos of your progress.

Drew78
08-07-2016, 02:07 PM
Got the backs off and the drivers out(LE15h). Someone definitely used about 8 spots of glue on each back. Had to be super careful and use a very thin blade to pry them off. Time to order up the surrounds!:) And still looking for a good amp/pre amp combo to power it

Joseph Smith Jr
08-07-2016, 03:48 PM
Beautiful
Always so nice to see them after they've been sealed away and protected all these years in a nice wooden box
So crisp and pristine
You are very lucky to have this speaker system

I am interested to know though, who'd you lose to get it?

Joe

grumpy
08-07-2016, 03:49 PM
Looks quite repairable. I'd have someone do it right (experience, stable hands, right equipment) to keep the value up. I'd also (personally) match it with well-gone-through vintage components... By vintage I mean of a similar year or earlier... my idea of fun. Someone else might match up new gear and be happy.
Worth going upstream from an HT receiver at any rate :) Very fun piece to own.

Drew78
08-07-2016, 07:01 PM
My thoughts were also to try to match it up with something from the 70's or early 80's as I think it would be really cool to see everything all from the same time period. You would not believe that it was actually hooked up to a newer home theatre amp where it used to be located:crying:. I'm planning on hopefully doing it some justice. I didn't have to lose anyone to inherit it fortunately, just happened to be a fortunate recipient of some great generosity since the nice relative I received it from knew I would set it up properly.:)

Mr. Widget
08-08-2016, 04:47 PM
Looks quite repairable. I'd have someone do it right (experience, stable hands, right equipment) to keep the value up. I'd also (personally) match it with well-gone-through vintage components... By vintage I mean of a similar year or earlier... my idea of fun. Someone else might match up new gear and be happy.
Worth going upstream from an HT receiver at any rate :) Very fun piece to own.+1 on the entire quote.

Very nice!


Widget