JBL Paragon
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Audio equipment |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Founder | Arnold Wolf (designer), Richard Ranger (concept) |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Fate | Discontinued; succeeded by the "Everest" series |
| Successor | Everest series |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Arnold Wolf, Richard Ranger |
| Products | Unified stereo loudspeaker |
| Owner | JBL |
| Parent | JBL |
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The JBL D44000 Paragon represents a unified stereo loudspeaker developed by JBL, first released in 1957 and produced until 1983, marking the longest manufacturing period of any JBL speaker.[1] Upon its introduction, the Paragon was the priciest home loudspeaker available.[2]
Conceived by Arnold Wolf based on an initial idea from Richard Ranger, this speaker stretches almost 9 feet (2.7 m) in length and demands over a hundred hours of meticulous handcrafting by skilled artisans.[1] Its appearance is more akin to a refined sideboard than a typical loudspeaker,[3] establishing it as a signature product for JBL, favored by affluent clients and celebrities alike.[4] With approximately 1,000 units produced, it remains a highly coveted item among collectors.[1]
History
The Paragon is a horn-loaded, stereo speaker system housed within a single enclosure measuring about 9-foot-wide (2.7 m).[3] It employs a diffusion principle developed by consultant Richard Ranger to JBL. Introduced in 1957, the Paragon stands as the earliest mass-produced stereo loudspeaker designed for residential use,[5] and was also the most costly speaker at that time.[2] As JBL's flagship model, it was priced at $1,830 (£650) – Template:Inflation.[3] The Paragon holds the record for the longest continuous production run among JBL speakers.[1] Manufacturing persisted until its discontinuation in 1983, when it was succeeded by the "Everest" series.[2][4]
Design
From the inception of stereophonic sound, designers grappled with challenges related to sound directionality and listeners positioned off-center between two speakers. Col. Richard R. Ranger, an innovator in stereophonic sound for cinema, devised a solution addressing stereo playback for all listeners rather than just those seated centrally. He engineered a loudspeaker system where sound waves emitted from driver units are reflected off curved wooden panels inside the cabinet, producing a broad and consistent stereo image that remains stable regardless of listener position within the room. Ranger described the JBL-Ranger Radial Refraction system of stereo reproduction as follows:[1]
Ranger’s initial 9-foot prototype featured numerous right angles and a glossy black Micarta finish but was bulky and visually unappealing.[6] Early in 1957, Arnold Wolf was engaged as industrial design consultant.[1] Wolf—who later ascended to JBL president and CEO—was initially tasked with designing an exterior shell suitable for retail display. Due to logistical concerns involving transport and installation, it was decided to divide the speaker into three parts: separate enclosures for left and right channels and a curved radiator panel; these could be easily assembled on site using just a screwdriver.[6] To support its weight and prevent distortion, six legs were incorporated into the design, four of which were adjustable in height.[5] Rather than relying on detailed blueprints, Wolf utilized scale models throughout development.[5] Beginning with a 1:4 plastic model, he progressed through several iterations before producing a 1:12 scale version demonstrating disassembly and reassembly.[5][6] During this phase, tensions arose between Wolf and Ranger nearly causing project termination.[5] However, both parties reconciled during June and finalized specifications for production: a two-way design.[5]
Construction
The distinctive form of the Paragon, illustrated in the diagram, presented significant manufacturing complexities.[1] The engineering and production teams successfully translated this intricate design into a feasible manufacturing process. After resolving difficulties related to the curved refractor panels and the uniquely shaped cabinet legs, production commenced in late 1957.[6]
Resembling a sideboard in appearance, the Paragon measures approximately 106 × 33.75 × 24.5 inches (269 × 86 × 62 cm) and weighs around 850 pounds (390 kg), as specified in the official brochure.[3] Available standard finishes include korina, birch, mahogany, and ebony; higher-end options featured light and dark walnut, oak, teak, and rosewood;[3] while a piano lacquer finish was offered at an additional cost.[1] Each unit required a dedicated team of six craftsmen who invested roughly 112 to 125 man-hours per speaker,[1][5] with the majority of time devoted to wood finishing. Following assembly, the entire cabinet was sanded for eight hours before multiple hand-applied varnish layers were applied, allowed to cure, and then meticulously polished.[1]
Product revisions
Throughout its production lifespan, the Paragon underwent several component modifications.[1]
- 1957 – Introduction of the Paragon model 44000, offered in both "domestic" and "industrial" versions.
- Early 1960s – Replacement of the 150-4C bass driver with the LE15A.
- Early 1960s – Release of the SE408S power amplifier designed for integration as powered speakers with the Paragon (discontinued by the 1970s).
- 1979 – Transition to drivers featuring ferrite magnets instead of Alnico V; specifically, the LE15A bass driver was supplanted by the ferrite LE15H, while the midrange 375 driver was replaced by the Alnico 376.
- 1983 – Discontinuation of the Paragon model.
Reception
According to Partick Vercher from L'Audiophile, the optimal listening spot is positioned at a minimum distance of 3 metres and approximately 40–50 cm lower than the usual seated ear level; alternatively, raising the speaker by that height achieves a similarly comfortable audio experience. The sound quality is characterized by "unwavering dynamics" even at high volumes, delivering a lively pace without any noticeable distortion that causes listener fatigue, alongside remarkable instrument separation. Sonic Flare praises the Paragon’s audio output for its seamlessly blended "fluid highs, outstanding midrange, and robust bass," describing it as truly exceptional. It is said that Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin each owned three Paragons—one dedicated to each audio channel: left, center, and right—used to monitor their master tape recordings.
Throughout its 25-year production span, only around one thousand units were manufactured. At peak manufacturing, the factory produced about five units weekly. By the year 2000, well-preserved examples commanded prices exceeding $20,000 on the resale market. The Paragon has also been showcased in museum exhibitions, notably at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art during 2011–12 in an exhibit titled "California Design, 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way."
Spin-offs and legacy
In 1960, JBL introduced a more compact and simpler three-way sideboard speaker known as the "C45 Metregon," measuring 73.7 × 30 × 22.5 inches (187 × 76 × 57 cm). Optional self-powered versions of both the Paragon and Metregon were available, utilizing the JBL SE-408S stereo amplifier. Additionally, a smaller model called the C46 Minigon was offered in the early 1960s.
External links
- Product brochure, Lansing Heritage
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