Short story long the A38 is amazing. It's quite a different pre-amp stage to the previous Arcam Hi-Fi amps, and the 100wpc power amps certainly live up to their promise. Using the quite funky PRE/PWR switch on the rear (which physically disconnects op-amp from power amp) I ran the A32 as a pre-amp only into our P7 and compared against the AV9. The sound was quite different (for the better) and not like I am used to hearing with say a C31 (which is also better than the AV9 as a pure hi-fi pre but not quite so open and forward as the A38 detail). I wish now I had picked up a P38 to go with it because our GB1i's really love to suck up 2 x 175w per speaker from the P7, going back to 1x100w per speaker was a little depressing but I wouldn't say it felt underpowered as is the experience of the A32 owner above.
In response to the previous posters comments on a new fmj range, there is now the A28 and A38 integrated amps, and CD17 and CD37 CD players. I have the CD37 which is both CD and 2ch SACD, and quite a cracker too. VERY spacious soundstage, quick timing and detail. Worth going to your local dealer for a demo for sure. New DAB tuner on the way too