Paragon System E preamplifier

[NOSValves]

On 12/29/2023 at 11:36 AM, Adamj said:

I have the exact same paragon amp and power supply as in the  photo above. Who can look over and test the stuff to make sure nothing needs to be replaced ? I am in the Portland Oregon area. 

 

 

Send it, I'll fix it right up! All they usually need is the power supply rebuilt. check my website for contact info www.nosvalves.com

[KEM]

Hi, I'm a bit late for the train here, however, I thought I'd share my experience with the very musical Paragon System E preamp.

 

I purchased it brand new around 1980, equipped with 6 Tungsram 12AX7 tubes. It has one Phono, one Aux and one Tape input. After a year, it developed a problem with the volume pot that would send the output to full. I put it away and went with a SS Apt/Holman model 2.

 

I just recently dusted it off. It still works! And sounds great. I reduced the pot problem with liberal amounts of Deoxit, but there's still some crackling if I turn the knob fast. Since it is 40+ years old I decided to check out the PSU. Cap values were out of spec. I wound up keeping the transformer and replacing everything else with modern types. The biggest difficulty was finding the correct resistor value for the 12V power.

 

After solving that, I powered it up. All voltages checked out ok and it still sounds great and will now last a few more years. I could replace the caps in the signal path, but am unsure about which type to get. Suggestions?

 

It looks like hell. The crummy anodizing has been rubbed off leaving unsightly discolorations around the knobe ansd switches.

I don't care. It beats the heck out of the more recent preamps I've had: the Levinson no.38s (not bad really), and the Bryston BP-17 cubed (too bright).

 

The only downside to this preamp is that there is no remote for volume control, understandable because of its antiquity. I can get an aftermarket volume control and am presently researching them. There's one for under $200 and one for over $1000! I would really like some guidance on this!

 

Thanks!