JBL Paragon User manual

JBL Paragon
Owners manual

PARAGON

CONTENTS The Paragon 1
Specifications 2
Placement 2
Assembling the Enclosure 3
Connecting the Paragon 4
Adjusting the System 5
Component Removal 7
The Paragon Enclosure 9
In Case of Trouble TO
Service 11
For Additional Information 12
JBL continually engages in research related to product improvement.
New materials, production methods and design refinements are introduced
into existing products without notice as a routine expression of that
philosophy. For this reason, any current JBL product may differ in some
respect from its published description but will always equal or exceed the
original design specifications unless otherwise stated.
JBL
THE.PARAGON
The Paragon is a unique and classic loudspeaker system;
one of the few loudspeakers in the world with an acoustic
design so innovative that it was granted a United States
patent. It may well be the most expensive loudspeaker ever
produced for home use. Since its introduction in 1957, the
acoustic and visual excellence of the Paragon have become
legendary. Perhaps the most meaningful evidence of this is
the fact that it continues to be purchased in ever increasing
numbers. Despite growing popularity, however, building a
Paragon still involves the same unhurried and elaborate
processes as always. JBL craftsmen devote more than 112
hours to the construction of each.
The Paragon’s appearance reveals much about its perfor
mance. For example, the wide, convex panel on the front
of the enclosure projects a continuously balanced stereo
phonic image to the listener—even when he is seated far
off-axis from the loudspeaker. This precisely contoured
panel is a major element of the patent which precludes others
from duplicating the system without JBL’s permission. The
Paragon is impressively large. This suggests but does not
fully convey the breadth and spaciousness of sound it pro
duces as it fills a room with music in a manner remarkably
similar to a live performance.
The enclosure features a 2.7 m (9 ft) expanse of prime
walnut veneer, skillfully finished with an exclusive oil-wax
formula and hand rubbed to perfection. Within the enclosure
are JBL's finest component loudspeakers, each critically
designed, machined and assembled to provide maximum
performance — indefinitely.
1
Official U.S. Patent Number 3,065,816.

SPECIFICATIONS
PLACEMENT
Components listed are duplicated in each half of the Paragon.
Maximum Recommended
Amplifier Power
200 watts per channel
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Dispersion 120°
Crossover Frequencies 500 and 7000 Hz
Sensitivity 95 dB SPL, 1W, lm(3.3 ft)
Low Frequency Loudspeaker
Nominal Diameter 380 mm 15 in
Voice Coil 100 mm (4 in)
edgewound copper ribbon
Magnetic Assembly Weight 10.3 kg 22% lb
Flux Density 0.95 tesla (9500 gauss)
Sensitivity195 dB SPL, 1W, 1 m (3.3 ft)
Midrange Compression Driver
Throat Diameter 50 mm 2 in
Voice Coil 100 mm (4 in)
edgewound copper ribbon
Magnetic Assembly Weight 10.7 kg 23V2 lb
Flux Density 1.5 tesla (15,000 gauss)
Sensitivity 118 dB SPL, 1W. lm (3.3 ft)
High Frequency Ring Radiator
Nominal Diameter 98 mm 3% in
Voice Coil 44 mm (13A in) copper
Magnetic Assembly Weight 1.5 kg 31/4 lb
Flux Density 1.65 tesla (16,500 gauss)
Sensitivity (averaged above 4 kHz) HO dB SPL, 1W, lm (3.3 ft)
Finish Oiled Walnut
Dimensions 902 mm x 2632 mm x 614 mm
deep 35>/2 inxl035/8 inx
24% in deep
Shipping Weight 317 kg 698 lb
Since the major portion of the energy reproduced by the low frequency
loudspeaker lies below 500 Hz, this specification has been developed by using
a test signal warbled from 100-500 Hz, rather than the conventional 1 kHz
sine wave test signal on which the EIA sensitivity rating is based.
Due to the Paragon’s special acoustic characteristics, per
formance is virtually the same regardless of room placement.
However, if the listening room is unusually "live” and con
sists primarily of hard, reflective surfaces such as large,
exposed windows, paneled walls and hard wood floors and
ceilings, sound quality may be adversely affected through
the loss of clarity. To improve the acoustic characteristics
2
of such rooms, it is wise to place drapes, tapestries, book
shelves or similar items on the wall behind the listeners.
The Paragon is shipped in three parts; the left- and right-
hand halves of the enclosure and the convex refractor panel
The two legs located at the front of the enclosure are
adjusted and locked at the factory. The four legs located at
the rear of the enclosure should be adjusted by the user at
the position occupied by the system in the room.
After establishing where the system will be permanently
located, the two main enclosure sections can be leveled by
adjusting the two outer legs to approximately the correct
height; then, push each enclosure section together so that
the dowel pins on one side fit into the corresponding holes
in the other. A minor readjustment of the two outer legs is
usually required to obtain a perfect fit. When the enclosure
sections are properly mated, the legs should be secured in
position by the locknuts provided.
The two enclosure sections are semi-permanently locked
together by six wedge brackets: three in the front and three
in the rear.
Fit the wedge clips over each bracket and drive them into
place by tapping downward with a small hammer. Insert a
single wood screw through the hole in each clip to hold it
in position.
ASSEMBLING
THE ENCLOSURE
3

CONNECTING
THE PARAGON
The curved refractor panel can now be set into place.
This is most easily accomplished by two persons. Lower the
panel from the top of the enclosure, sliding the edges through
the notches at the ends of the curved cabinet sections. Take
care to avoid scratching the surface of the midrange horns.
When correctly positioned, the panel fits tightly and butts
firmly against the top of the enclosure.
IMPORTANT: When connecting or disconnecting loud
speakers from an amplifier, the amplifier must be turned
off. Making connections while the amplifier is operating
could seriously damage the loudspeaker system and void the
warranty.
For loudspeaker connections up to 15 m (50 ft) from the
amplifier, 1 mm (#18 AWG) insulated wire (ordinary house
hold lamp cord) is the minimum size recommended. Beyond
this distance, heavier wire is desirable: 1.3 mm (#16 AWG)
to 30 m (100 ft), and 1.6 mm (#14 AWG) to 60 m (200 ft). If
lampcord is used, wires can be differentiated by noting that
one of the insulating jackets is smooth, while the other has a
distinct ridge. By considering the ridged jacked “red” and the
smooth jacket "black,” wiring connections can be made as if
using color-coded wire.
Connections to the audio power source are made using the
four pushbutton terminal posts located on the back of the
Paragon enclosure. The holes in JBL terminal posts do not
allow the connecting wire to pass all the way through, pre
venting the possibility of a short to the other terminal post
or to nearby electrical conductors.
To make a secure connection, strip approximately 1/4
inch of the insulation from the end of the wire, push down
the spring-loaded terminal post cap, insert the bare wire into
the exposed opening of the terminal post and release. (Inser
tion of the wire into the opening will be easier if the stripped
4
wire is first tinned with a soldering tool and solder.)
Locate the loudspeaker output terminals on the back of
the receiver or power amplifier. For each loudspeaker sys
tem, connect the wire from the black terminal post to the
amplifier output terminal labeled “common/ "ground” or
( —), and the wire from the red terminal post to the re
maining 8-ohm speaker output.
Note that many amplifiers have a chassis grounding
terminal which is usually isolated from the other connec
tors. This should not be confused with the "ground”
designation sometimes used to describe two of the terminals
in each set of loudspeaker connections.
The specified 8-ohm impedance rating is a nominal figure
which suggests a connection giving the most efficient power
transfer between amplifier and loudspeaker system. How
ever, 4- or 16-ohm amplifier terminals can be used without
danger.
1. Depress colored button, exposing hole in terminal post.
2. Push stripped end of lead wire into hole and release button.
Never apply twisting force to the terminal post.
Under most conditions, the three position switch on each
midrange dividing network (LX5) should be placed in the
MED (medium) position. The continuously variable control
on the high frequency dividing networks (N7000) should be
rotated until the number four on the control knob is at
approximately the "12 o’clock" position. This is considered
the normal position: with the controls set in this manner, a
smooth tonal balance will be heard in the majority of
listening rooms. However, in rooms that are either
excessively reverberant or excessively "dead” acoustically,
alternate settings of the network controls may be required.
Of course, even though the acoustics of a room may be
ideal, personal listening preferences vary as do the sound
characteristics of different types of playback equipment.
Either of these general conditions may suggest settings other
than those originally described.
Whether compensating for room acoustics or changing to
suit personal listening preferences, the procedure for the
initial balancing of the system is the'same. Prior to changing
the network settings, audition several selections from
ADjUSTINGTHE SYSTEM
5

favorite recordings. Recordings of solo voices are recom
mended because most listeners are able to perceive a voice
that is improperly balanced much more easily than an
orchestra presented with the same degree of imbalance.
During the evaluation, amplifier tone controls should be
set at their middle (typically referred to as "flat”) position
and the mode or equivalent selector switch in the monaural
(L & R) position. The balance control should be placed full
left or full right; and initial network adjustments made to
that channel only. After adjustment, listen a short while then
move the balance control to the opposite extreme. This will
provide an instant comparison between the adjusted channel
and the normal channel. The normal channel will serve as
an excellent point of reference.
Actual adjustments should proceed as follows:
1. Check to see that the midrange control is switched to the
MED position. Rotate the high frequency control to the
extreme left of its travel. This attenuates high frequency
output so that the ear hears only the balance between the
low frequency and midrange loudspeakers.
2. Pay particular attention to the smoothness and natural
ness of the voice. If it sounds too bright and over
emphasized, switch the control to the MIN (minimum)
position. If it sounds distant or slightly muffled, switch the
control to MAX (maximum) position.
3. When the midrange dividing network has been satisfac
torily adjusted, gradually increase the setting of the high
frequency control until a pleasing overall balance has been
achieved. In addition to voice, recordings having bells,
cymbals and triangles are also useful for this test.
After each adjustment, listen to two or three different
recordings. This gives a broader base on which to make
judgments as to the best setting of the controls. When final
settings have been determined on one channel, merely dupli
cate these settings on the remaining channel. Compensation
Position of
Dividing Network
Inner Mounting
Brackets for
H5038P Horn
Clamp Assembly
for 376 Driver
Outer Mounting
Bracket for
H5038P Horn
for differences in individual recordings should be made
using the tone controls on the amplifier or receiver.
Mounting positions of individual components are shown COMPONENT REMOVAL
in the illustration below. If it should become necessary to
remove the loudspeaker system components for testing or
repair, disconnect the Paragon from the amplifier and pro
ceed as outlined below.
LOW FREQUENCY Remove the 16 Phillips-head screws from
the panel at the rear of the enclosure. Carefully tilt the panel
outward for access to the low frequency driver and detach
the wire leads from the driver. Holding the loudspeaker
firmly, remove the four screws that attach it to the baffle
board. If the loudspeaker gasket adheres to the baffle, gently
separate it using a sturdy, broad-bladed tool such as a putty
knife. In severe cases, a large screwdriver may be required.
Take care to avoid unnecessarily damaging the gasket.
MIDRANGE DRIVER AND HORN Remove the upper section
of the sculptured front leg by firmly pulling it upward. Next,
unscrew the two Phillips-head machine screws that hold the
front edge of the horn mouth to the mounting bracket.
Remove the two Phillips-head machine screws which attach
the rear edge of the horn mouth to the rear mounting brack
et. Using a 1/8" Allen wrench, remove the four socket-head
machine screws which fasten the midrange driver to the
horn. Detach the wire leads located at the rear of the driver.
Loosen the two 9/16" square nuts retaining the clamp as
sembly which holds the driver in place. The driver can now
be removed by pulling it forward. When reinstalling the
driver, make certain that its input terminals face toward the
rear of the enclosure before mounting the horn in place. Do
not clamp the driver into position until it has been attached
to the horn and the front horn flanges are assembled to their
respective brackets.
LE15H
Low Frequency
Loudspeaker
075
High Frequency
Ring Radiator
376
Midrange
Compression Driver
H5038P
Exponential Horn

HIGH FREQUENCY The wire leads from the high frequency
driver are accessible from the rear of the enclosure. After
detaching these, the five Phillips-head wood screws that at
tach the driver’s clamp ring to the baffle board should be
removed. The driver is removed by loosening the screw at
the bottom of the clamp ring. When reinstalling the high
frequency driver, the two larger wood screws are inserted
through the holes nearest the base of the clamp ring. The
ring is positioned so that its base is directed towards the
bottom of the enclosure.
DIVIDING NETWORKS Detach the amplifier leads from the
network terminals. Remove the four screws from the corners
of each network mounting plate. Lift out each network and
remove the wire leads by gently pulling them through the
holes in the network mounting plate. Identify each wire so
that it can be replaced in the proper hole when the network
is reinstalled. Use the wiring diagram below to verify that
connections have been properly made. Each channel is color-
coded as shown.
8
REPLACEMENT Reverse the removal procedure to replace the
loudspeaker system components. Mounting screws should
be tightened evenly to avoid the possibility of frame warp-
age, and just enough to prevent air leaks between the com
ponents and the enclosure. Avoid excessive force.
Although JBL loudspeakers are extremely rugged, the
cone and other moving parts are subject to accidental
damage. Exercise extreme caution whenever using a
screwdriver or other tools in their immediate vicinity.
Whenever the horn is removed from the compression
driver, the mouth of the driver should be covered with
plastic tape. An intense magnetic field exists in the
mouth of the driver, and it is extremely important that
foreign objects such as iron chips, mounting hardware,
tools or other metal items be kept from the area.
JBL cabinetry represents the finest quality available in the THE PARAGON ENCLOSURE
high fidelity industry, uniquely styled and solidly constructed
to last a lifetime. Designed to complement the characteristics
of the loudspeaker components, the Paragon enclosure features
tight, wood-welded, lock-mitered joints and acoustic padding
to eliminate undesired resonance and warpage. Only the finest
compressed woods, furniture hardwoods and hardwood
veneers are used —carefully selected, skillfully prepared and
hand-rubbed to a rich, lustrous finish enhancing the natural
beauty of individual grain structure and color. Detail work
is obvious: hand-fitted joints are expertly closed; edge
veneering is flawless; scratches, dents, gluelines and other
defects are non-existent. Typical assembly line procedures
are avoided; each cabinet receives all of the personal atten
tion it must have before it can bear the JBL medallion —the
symbol for quality throughout the world.
Occasional dusting with a clean, soft cloth will maintain
the original beauty of the oiled walnut enclosure. Since
moisture cannot penetrate the oiled surface, most household
stains can be easily removed with a damp cloth. The surface
should be treated only with wax specifically formulated for
use on oiled finishes. Conventional furniture waxes, polishes
or cleaners are not recommended.
As the oil penetrates deeper and deeper into the walnut,
the finish may appear to be drying out. Many owners find it
desirable to re-oil the enclosure surface from time to time.
With each application, the beauty of the finish will become
more obvious, and a warm, rich patina will eventually be
obtained.
To re-oil the finish, use the JBL finishing oil supplied with
the Paragon or any one of the several clear oil finishing
preparations available through furniture or hardware outlets.
Apply a liberal amount of the preparation over the entire
finished surface of the enclosure. In ten to fifteen minutes
wipe off the remaining oil with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Small
9

INCASE OF TROUBLE
surface scratches can usually be removed by gently rubbing
them out with very fine steel wool (4/0 grade) and applying
oil to the entire panel. Very deep scratches, dents or other
serious damage should be repaired only by a qualified
furniture refinisher.
Caution: Improper storage of wiping rags could result in
spontaneous combustion. They should be spread out to dry
in a well-ventilated area before storage or disposal.
A JBL loudspeaker system responds with verbatim accuracy
to the signal supplied by the audio power source; it will
therefore reproduce extraneous noises just as accurately as
it reproduces desired program material. Noise seldom
originates in the loudspeaker system. Its presence usually
indicates that one of the other components of the music
system, or the program material itself, is faulty. In rare
instances when something does go wrong with the
loudspeaker system, one or more of the component
loudspeakers will stop working altogether or a distinct
rattling or scraping sound (indicating a rubbing voice coil)
will be heard whenever the system is operating.
If one channel of a stereo installation is not operating,
examine the loudspeaker wiring and check the balance
control. If wiring instructions were followed correctly, if the
connections are clean and tight, and if centering the
balance control does not remedy the situation, reverse the
right and left loudspeaker connections at the amplifier,
taking care to turn the amplifier off before each connection
or disconnection. If the previously non-functional
channel operates, the amplifier or one of the
component program sources (tuner, phono, tape deck, etc.)
is malfunctioning. In the event that the system channel
is still inoperative, it is probably defective.
To determine whether the defect lies in the amplifier or
in one of the component program sources (after verifying
that the loudspeaker systems are not defective) reverse the
right and left cables from the program source at the
amplifier. If the original channel is still inoperative, the
amplifier is defective; if the previously inoperative channel
functions, the program source is defective. If the amplifier is
not faulty, alternately check each program source until the
defective unit has been isolated. It is unlikely that more
than one program source will be faulty at any given time.
Extraneous interference such as static or radio
broadcast signals can be picked up by the component
devices. When this occurs, the troublesome unit can be
identified by disconnecting inputs from the receiver or
amplifier until the interference stops. Again, if the
interference persists with none of the input devices
operating through the power source, the receiver or
amplifier itself is probably defective. Shorting plugs,
available from your JBL Audio Specialist, should be
10
inserted in unused phono inputs to help eliminate stray hum
or signal pickup.
Hum may be caused by locating a turntable or tape
recorder directly over or underneath the amplifier or
receiver. The farther the audio power source is located from
the phonograph cartridge or tape heads, the less chance
there will be of picking up hum. The AC leads and
shielded cables should be as widely separated as possible;
AC lines should never cross cables or speaker wiring.
Power line interference can be further attenuated by using a
heavy duty line interference filter between the audio power
source and the AC wall outlet.
Fuzzy or indistinct high pitched sounds can usually be
traced to the recording itself, a defective cartridge, a worn
stylus or insufficient tracking force. Problems with low
frequency reproduction are usually the result of room
acoustics or placement of the speaker system. Excessive
bass boost or incorrect loudness compensation tend to give
a muddy or "boomy” quality to reproduced music.
Acoustic feedback is the result of mechanical vibrations
produced by excessive bass at very high volume levels. The
loudspeaker system can produce enough energy to vibrate
other objects in the room —including the record player and,
by direct mechanical transmission, the stylus itself. These
vibrations are reamplified again and again, producing very
loud ''rumble,” or even a sustained howl that increases in
intensity as the volume or bass control is turned up.
Possible solutions: 1) locate the speaker as far as
possible from the turntable, 2) adjust or replace the
turntable shock mountings, 3) place the turntable on a
rubber or sponge mat to further absorb vibrations. If the
low frequency tone is still audible, it is probably the result
of inherent turntable rumble rather than acoustic feedback.
Should your Paragon require service, remove the defec- SERVICE
tive component (see COMPONENT REMOVAL) and return
it to the JBL dealer from whom your Paragon was pur
chased. If it is not possible to contact a dealer, write directly
to the JBL Service Department describing the difficulty as
fully as possible. Products returned to the factory must be
sent prepaid. The warranty is recognized only when the
unit is repaired by JBL or an authorized JBL Service Agency
and if the serial number of the unit has not been defaced or
removed.
Sp*
11

If you have difficulty in achieving the fine performance
of which your JBL loudspeaker system is capable, consult
the JBL Audio Specialist from whom the system was pur
chased. He is equipped with the knowledge required to
provide expert advice and assistance. If for some reason
the JBL dealer is unable to assist you, write directly to the
JBL Technical Services Department explaining the difficulty
in detail.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
12

James B. Lansing Sound, Inc., 8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, California 91329
59990/ IM440Ö0A/3-80 Printed in U.S.A.