A pleasant, beneficial cosmetic facial treatment at an affordable price — finally! For years now, readers have asked if I could find an inexpensive device that provides a face-lift like the $400 machines that use deep-penetrating radio-frequency (RF) heat, microcurrent stimulation and red light. I finally found a low priced, compact device that provides an introduction to the experience, while providing unique benefits of its own.

The Zdeer Facial Care Device for gua sha treatment (the device is called a board, after the flat boards used in traditional gua sha) is rechargeable, easily held in the hand and has racked up impressive industry accolades. The curved surface matches the contours of your skin and uses heat, vibration and red light to enhance the effects of traditional gua sha, which aims to improve circulation, reduce tension and stress, and improve lymphatic drainage.

Best results are achieved when used with lubrication, and Zdeer offers several kinds of pleasantly scented oil for the purpose. The effect is indeed relaxing and almost hypnotic as you pass the device over your face, and while I find using the other devices to be something of a chore, with the gua sha it is more of a treat.

The Zdeer Facial Care Device will not produce the same visual firming and lifting effect as a $400 machine, but I don't think anyone expects it to, given it sells for a tenth of the price. Regular use will likely provide visible improvements for most people, and what it does not produce in clinical results it makes up in pleasure and relaxation, adding up to a worthy addition to a facial care regimen or a way to try a facial treatment device without making a significant investment.

The gua sha board is $49.99. A starter kit including a board and a 10 mL vial of Jasmine Oil and a 10 mL vial of Ginger Evening Primrose Oil is $59.99, and a kit with the board and 30 mL of Jasmine Oil is $69.99. (I tried the Jasmine Oil and liked it.) The code GUASHA20 at checkout on zdeer.com reduces the prices by 20%, making the kits $39.99, $47.99 and $55.99 respectively. I think either starter kit is an ideal way to get started, and they are excellent values.

Q. I have a pair of Pioneer CS-77A speakers. The cabinets were superb in their day, and still are. But at least one speaker driver, a woofer I believe, needs to be re-coned. Who does this anymore? Are they worth re-coning? I bought them in the early 1970s when the Pioneer brand was all the rage.

—M.D., Goffstown, New Hampshire

A. The short answer is that it is probably not worth it. You could get better sounding speakers for not a lot of money. I actually saw an audiophile cartoon about this recently, I wish I would've saved it. In effect it said, "refurbished 1975 speakers sound just like ... speakers from 1975." There are some high-end exceptions, but your Pioneer speakers would not fall into that category.

If you just need to replace the foam surrounds around the woofer cones, it is worth trying. It is something you can do yourself and it is not expensive, with replacement foam selling for about $20 per pair, one for each woofer in each speaker. If you want to have them professionally repaired I recommend the Speaker Exchange at speakerex.com.

CES 2026 was fantastic: This is going to be a very good year for hi-fi fans and music lovers. Stay tuned for news and great products from the show!

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