Ian's advice today was extremely helpful. I wanted specific advice on speaker crossovers, Ian went…read moreabove and beyond just being helpful, his advice and expertise clarified my doubts. It was a pleasure speaking with him. I would highly recommend. Thank you Ian. Fernando

Ian has carried out two pieces of work on my Meridian speakers, Both times I have received…read moreexcellent service for a very fair price. On the second occasion the work was completed in well under 24 hours even though it was a Sunday! Ian is extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

This electronics megastore is absolutely hilarious to visit when you're a distinctly arty-looking,…read morenon-technologically savvy female. When I visited as a student - buying something really dull like extension cables and something to do with a modem - I felt like the only bit of colour in an otherwise white, grey and black world. I flounced in and had no idea where to go and what to ask for, and felt immediately ridiculous! I asked the nearest assistant for help, and felt that he, too, probably thought I was ridiculous! They are very, very helpful in here, and luckily very patient when faced with absurd people like me who think it's somehow kooky and endearingly old-fashioned not to have a clue about extension leads! All I know is that I have always managed to get what I need in here, even if I don't entirely understand exactly what I'm buying.

At the bottom of Gloucester road, just before the arches, maplins is an electronics retailer with…read morehighly competitive prices. They've got a good range of item categories, with things like car accessories, networking, lighting, sound etc. It's a perfect shop to pick up those annoying extra parts you need for so many electrical things - connection adapters, for example. They've constantly got some kind of deal on the go, which is widely advertised on their large front window looking out onto the road. The staff, who do seem to be new everytime I go in there, are nonetheless very helpful, and always have good knowledge of technology to help you out. Its only let down is the slight feeling they're a jack of all trades and a master of none - their sound section, for example, houses only the most basic kind of microphones and P.As. If you're after quality then you might be better going to a specialist shop for the product required. All in all, though, Maplins is a pretty useful shop to have in this good position on Gloucester Road.

Quite a small store but everything you need…read more Genuinely helpful friendly staff. Good central location. Great prices on cables and more obscure things.

I have bought alot of stuff from here over the years, and I think that the quality/value mix is…read moresecond to none. They sell much of the very latest kit, from budget prices to high end fat wallet. Their speaker wire and cables are particularly good value, and I would recomend their own brand as being able to stand comparison with much more costly equivalents. They have a sound proofed trial room so that you can hear your prospective purchase before you buy. If you want to get the best of service and attention from the staff, I would suggest that you avoid Saturdays as the shop gets extremely busy then.

This is an excellent hi fi shop - really good listening room facilities…read morewhere you can take your own discs and just wig out! After sales service is outstanding, had a couple of problems after purchase and they got sorted straight away.

Top notch Hi-Fi shop where you can take your CD's along for a demo and test…read morewith a bunch of different speakers and just wig out. The after sales service is outstanding!

I once made the stupid mistake of admitting in this shop that I didn't have the first clue about…read moreelectronics which left me open to being patronised and embarrassed. All I wanted was a replacement microphone for my karaoke machine, not a lecture on why my old microphone was so rubbish they're not surprised that it broke. As I am 'thee of little brain' when it comes to electronics I took along the connector, adaptor and microphone that I was in need of along only to be given the completely wrong bit of kit to take away with me. It was hastily returned the next day, when I was served by somebody so helpful it made me feel a little less bitter about the whole experience. Too little too late - I won't be taking my stupid queries here again!

Sure, this place does loads of useful bits and pieces, as well as a few less useful ones, but…read morethere's one category of items in which it really excels - and for that reason, it is a godsend for the tech hungry among us. Yes, that's right, I'm talking about adaptors. I hate to think how much time and money I've spent in this place trying to find something to connect lead A to socket B or visa versa. I know it would be far cheaper to pick them all up on the internet, but I'm an impatient kind of chap, so when I buy a new piece of kit I want it to work as soon as I lovingly unsheathe it from it's cellophane wrapping. If it's not going to work straight away, then there's really only one option - to Maplin, quick!

I am a bit perplexed by the lackluster reviews here. I was in from the US looking for an adapter…read morefor my Mac last year when ours died during our trip. The staff was helpful in finding one at a reasonable price. I had inadvertently left my new camera (purchased elsewhere) on the counter when fishing for my wallet in my purse. I came back looking for it several hours later looking for it and one of the salespeople had it stored safely out of view. He returned it to me once was able to describe the make and model along with the most recent pictures stored on it. The staff was also extremely appreciative when we had dropped off a thank you gift to them. Overall, we had a very good experience with the store. They have a good selection at a reasonable price in a prime location. I don't understand the prior reviewers comments about it being "depressing and grey". It is reasonably well lit and everything is easy to find. Perhaps he still hasn't gotten over the closure of Dixon's. :(

Being the gadget connoisseur that I am, my travels have often involved visiting the new Currys in…read moreSt. Davids 2. It has been much needed as since the close down of Dixon about 3 years ago there hasn't be a dedicated electrical store in the centre since. I've bought a set of headphones (great), Some batteries (Useful) and nearly bought my Mac from there (luckily escape). Prices seem fine here and are not marked up from the general RRP of equipment. The shop seems very grey and depressing though and doesn't grab you to pull you in if your walking past. The products are all lined up in quite long rows and are easy to find and play with. Staff are very nice here but are oh so annoying. Within the 2 minutes I was in their last week looking for a router, I was asked by 3 separate members of the Currys family "If I'm ok". Not cool when your as miserable as me and a world record in customer bothering.

Always friendly and very helpful. Stock excellence always have what I need. Shame the Ashton branch…read moreis closed not sure how much I will be able to use them in Fishponds

This is one of those businesses that still leans back in time and clings to the good 'ol days. A…read morecounter at the front and not a lot to peruse for yourself, the kindly gent will nip out back and fetch whatever it is you're after. True this is an electronics shop but it's a bit more for the serious DIY guy or the tradesman than your normal B and Q types; they sell light bulbs, light fittings, fuses, plugs and such like. More than that however is the experience and the type of client they attract. If you're doing something electrical pop in here for your parts and I'm sure you'll wind up chatting to either the owner or another sparky about what's best for you.

This is the most helpful shop in Cardiff if you're after a new stereo, amp, or other audio and…read morevisual goods. They know their kit and their brands, and can offer really sound advice according to your budget. From basics such as speaker cabling through to full sound systems, TVs, DVD players and recorders, they offer good price deals and don't try to push the most expensive products down your throat. They stock a good range of well-known brands and don't talk down to you if you know little about electrical equipment. You might be able to match or even better their prices online, but you just won't be able to benefit from their expertise. If you see something you like, however, grab it there and then - as stock often flies out of the door not long after it arrives.

This is the kind of shop that will have a never-ending supply of teenage boys pressing their noses…read moreup against the glass. Once upon a time they were the be all and end all in tape recorders, then they moved on to CD players, and now it's all about Ipod docking stations. Basically, Richer Sounds always manages to have the most modern equipment on the general market, and they always keep with the times (unlike some of the other such stores in the area). Because this is quite a small little place on Cowbridge Road East (an area I remember from my childhood as having seen better times), there is a sense of community spirit; clearly they've managed to build up a nice little network of loyal clientele. But this shop is run by people who know their stuff and are clearly passionate about getting the right products on their shelves, and knowing what brands are best for them and their customers. A good place to consider in the epic hunt for your next electrical item.