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Not content with stuffing our homes with consumer electronics, the exhibitors at Germany's IFA show showed how we really have room for a 40" widescreen LCD TV in our boot!

A NAD C355BEE integrated amplifier came into us for repair last week, with the customer reporting that the amp would remain in standby at all times - this is a common fault when the output stages have been destroyed, usually by short circuit load or high volume use for prolonged period (thermal runnaway).

Having got hold of the circuit diagram, it was easy to diagnose the problem armed with just a continuity tester - the PNP output transistor on the right channel was short circuit from collector to emitter, which had then blown the DC power supply fuses. His caused the output voltage of that channel to be stuck hard against the

I wanted to give you a taste for our showroom at Hifi Gear, located on the outskirts of Gloucester city centre. As you can see we have a wide range of hifi and home cinema products on display, and two dedicated demo rooms, one for music, the other for cinema. Free parking immediately outside the shop and friendly knowledgable staff give us an edge over other local dealers. Our stockholding often means you can walk out with the product you have chosen, so there is very likely no waiting to enjoy your purchase!

Phil Glazzard was the designer and manufacturer of the Audio project ap60 integrated amplifer, which received a very positive review in Hifi news magazine in 2001. We still have a working example at the shop if anyone would like to have a listen.

We love the sound of a pair of traditional bookshelf speakers - rich bass, uncoloured midrange and airy treble - often if you want a discrete looking speaker to blend into your room, reduced sound quality is the the price you pay.

When the Arcam rCube was launched, we were sceptical that it could seriously compete with the B&W Zeppelin Air for sound quality and features, but now we have lived with both products for a few months now, I think it is much more a case of do you like this BWM 3 series, or this Mercedes C Class... I think you will agree, both are superb products which perform at the top of their game, just with a different balance of strengths and weaknesses...make up your own mind by coming along for a demo!

If you want to get the best sound from your existing hifi  or home cinema system, without spending a fortune, follow these 10 easy tips:<!