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JBL Metregon and Paragon

Of late I have been enamored by the look of these systems. They seem to be quite unique. All I can comment on is they look stunning, like well built pieces of furniture. Heirloom quality even.

I am sure there are those of you with experience with these. I would love to hear your impressions of these systems. What do they sound like? Are they high quality systems? Do they live up to and deliver on their wide dispersion with pinpoint imaging claims?

And if they are as good as literature makes them out to be, why don't we see others employ the same premise? Yes there are modern speakers that try to deliver the same experience through various means, why not reflector like the JBL?

Appreciate your input.

Best

Dave
corazon
11 responses Add your response
corazon OP
210 posts
 
Viridian,
Thought you would like to get a sense of scale. Unit is listed again, second photo in description has a scale in it.

Saw another for $42K listed now. I believe seller claims it to be the 100th made.

Best,

Dave
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Hi Dave,

According to an older bluebook I have, the D-44000 Paragon System Series I originally sold for $6000, and the Series II for $10,000. The Series I is listed as having been produced from 1964 to 1983, and the Series II from 1984 to 1986. I wouldn't take those dates as gospel, though (Viridian mentioned that the Paragon was produced as far back as 1957, which I have no reason to doubt). And I'd assume that the $6000 price of the Series I changed significantly during its long production run.

Best,
-- Al
corazon OP
210 posts
 
He did have a square in one photo for scale. I saw another the other day, a Paragon asking $48999.00! It is incredible what the low serial numbers go for.

Some of them look to be in incredible condition.
What did they retail for back in the day?

Best

Dave
Post removed 
corazon OP
210 posts
 
You're welcome. Checkout the guy Matt who is selling one. Checkout his system with all the Marantz gear.

Love to hear what you think!

Best,

Dave
Post removed 
corazon OP
210 posts
 
Viridian,

A few months ago I tried to post the link to the Paragon but the moderators wouldn't allow it.

The ad is no longer active, if you go to eBay/vintage speakers/completed listings/jbl paragon, it will come up and has a full description. Looks cool.

Best,

Dave
Post removed 
corazon OP
210 posts
 
Viridian,
Thanks for the response. I would love hear either of them. I suppose given the time they were made that tubed equipment was what they excelled with?

Something cool I tried to share a few months ago but was not posted was there is this guy who manufactures desktop (1/5 scale?) working models of the Paragon! I was blown away! It was so cool. It has a stand alone sub woofer to help with the bass and the whole system is amplified. I would love to hear that! Bet it would be pretty cool on a credenza.

Thanks again and look forward to hearing from more of you.

Best,

Dave
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