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

  1. #1
    Junior Member darry07's Avatar
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    what are the best amp and preamp setup for early jbl paragon

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

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    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........
    Careful man, there's a beverage here!

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    Administrator Mr. Widget's Avatar
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    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.


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  4. #4
    Maron Horonzakz
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    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..

  5. #5
    Maron Horonzakz
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    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

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    Senior Member 57BELAIRE's Avatar
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    serial number

    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.
    Last edited by 57BELAIRE; 08-03-2012 at 04:01 AM. Reason: number correction
    OPUS POCUS

  7. #7
    Administrator Mr. Widget's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Maron Horonzakz View Post
    You have to remember ,,,you could purchase the Paragon with a solid state JBL ENERGIZER amp installed in the Paragon
    Not 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.


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    Junior Member darry07's Avatar
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    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

  9. #9
    Junior Member darry07's Avatar
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    Name:  paragonletter.jpg
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Size:  187.8 KB

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    Administrator Mr. Widget's Avatar
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    Very cool... thanks for sharing that.

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


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  11. #11
    Junior Member darry07's Avatar
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    here is the paragon in which the letter was written forName:  paragon1.jpg
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Size:  85.5 KB

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    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

  13. #13
    Junior Member darry07's Avatar
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    Hi Nick,


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




    Best

  14. #14
    Senior Member 57BELAIRE's Avatar
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    beautiful piece. Just for grins, check the decals on the underside for serial number. Post a pic if you can.
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  15. #15
    Junior Member darry07's Avatar
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    here ya go

    Name:  paragon sticker.jpg
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