The "class G" design of the Arcam A39, as explained here, is radically different than the designs of most amplifiers having high end aspirations. And despite the high efficiency provided by that kind of design (resulting in reduced size and weight relative to power capability) it doesn't seem encouraging that the A39 weighs a grand total of only 25 pounds. Especially considering that it is a fully integrated amplifier, including even a phono stage as well as preamp and power amp functions. Nor does it seem encouraging that while the impedance of the F208, as shown here, dips below 4 ohms at a number of frequencies, the 240 watt rating of the A39 into 4 ohms is specified on the basis of only one channel being driven (while the 120 watt 8 ohm rating is spec'd for both channels being driven).
Also, the A39's extremely low harmonic distortion rating of 0.001% at 80% power into 8 ohms is suggestive of the possibility that feedback has been applied in, um, a liberal manner in the design, which is also not encouraging with respect to its sonics.
So although a combination of factors may have been involved, given the uncertainties about both the intrinsic sonic characteristics of the amplifier and how good a match it may be for the particular speaker, I doubt that a meaningful conclusion about the speaker can be drawn from this audition.
Regards,
-- Al
Also, the A39's extremely low harmonic distortion rating of 0.001% at 80% power into 8 ohms is suggestive of the possibility that feedback has been applied in, um, a liberal manner in the design, which is also not encouraging with respect to its sonics.
So although a combination of factors may have been involved, given the uncertainties about both the intrinsic sonic characteristics of the amplifier and how good a match it may be for the particular speaker, I doubt that a meaningful conclusion about the speaker can be drawn from this audition.
Regards,
-- Al