While I liked the size of the EA7, I felt that the sound was a bit too "boxy". I think the speaker chambers need to be larger, or deeper. There's plenty of power, but it doesn't show off the fullness of the sounds. Doesn't fill much of the space in front of the player. If you listen through a good system, it's much improved, but as I've said many times ... the internal speakers are an important monitor source for me, and if I don't like the sound in my face, it won't matter what it sounds like in the PA.
I've also become very comfortable with a larger touchscreen, and I see the dual, tiny screens as a step backwards.
Some navigational features are functional, and some are intuitive, and I think, without a lot of time spent on it, most of the other arranger products are easier to "drive" than the EA. I'm just weighing in with my thoughts after spending a day with it (Fran and I swapped when I had the EK-50), and it's purely subjective, as are all of our opinions. If I had to rate it, I'd give the sounds, and rhythms a solid A, but the screens, and button layout drop it down to a C+ for me.
Funny, I have so much Roland stuff in my studio (LOVE their amps, and effects) but the keys have been Korg, and Yamaha for the last 20 years. The last Roland arranger I had was the VA-7 ... I loved the sound, but hated the navigation.
Chocolate and Vanilla?
Perhaps.
Now, to enjoy my day off that the EAGLES have graciously provided me with.
