These were the first baffles I built - I have since vertically cut them into 3 pieces, and installed piano hinge so that they don't take up
quite so much space... This is also my old listening room - my present space is around 4x the size, but an unfinished basement, so not the most visually appealing!
As for the EX A1 vs the ES-1, yes I can offer a little insight.
The ES-1 that I had came used, from a fellow AC member - I also lent it to JLM, as the unit was coming from the US anyway, and he lived sort of half way between the origin, and me up here in Canada, and I know that he was interested to get an ear around that highly touted technology. I found that it was nice, but not great for me. I preferred the Bolder modded Teac by far, as it seemed to have more punch, and better clarity. I used the JVC with my old Totem Rokks, the DIY Cable/CSS WR125S running full range, and the KIT41 from the same folks. I moved the ES-1 along before I built the OB b200's, so I cannot comment on it with them.
In direct comparison to the EX A1, I would say the obvious first - one is a 5 channel receiver, the other a 2 channel, all in one type device, that includes DVD playing, tuner, etc. The build quality of the EX A1 is in a different state - the little unit is rock solid, nice aluminum case, copper screws (think Sony ES build quality), binding posts, and if you Google this little guy, you will see that it was built from scratch to be the "statement" piece for JVC at the time, using their "Hybrid Digital Feedback" technology.
OK, tactile and marketing rant off - how does the little bugger sound?
Well, the built in source holds it back, so if you can use an external one (I used my Nakamichi cd player feeding a Bolder Mensa) into the AUX input, you will hear it as it should be heard. Rich, full, clear, and really pleasing.
On the b200's, it is the best I have heard yet, for realistically reproducing all but the lowest 1.5-2 octaves - most other amps get off at least an octave higher.
I have continued to try amps since, but this one is sitting on a shelf, waiting for me to stop kidding myself, and just admit that I will use this boring old, non-audiophile, mass market company amp, and love the sound!
I have tried the Panny XR55, it did not do it for me, I own a gainclone (it is the equal of the JVC in many ways, but does not produce the bass as well), and the Bolder Teac was sold off, etc.
STOOOOPID value at the $240 I paid off eBay, for a new unit, from the Sharper Image.
Not a great deal at the $1000 list price up here in Canada.
Recommended at the under $300 price point, in my experience, and since it was designed to play with single drivers... perfect for the b200 thang - has a sub out, but you cannot control the cutoff frequency, and JVC techs could not even tell me where it knifes the bass from the mains when you activate it...
That help?
