Neakasa Magic 1 Vacuum Steamer a game-changer: I once had a compact Rowenta steamer I used at home and when traveling. Sadly, I did not use it very often. I was never truly happy with the results, so using it was not worth the effort and it added weight and bulk to my bag. I also had a home steamer with a pole that held the steam wand and hose when not in use. It took a long time to heat up, felt flimsy and was prone to tipping over, so I ended up donating it to a thrift store.

A friend suggested I try the Neakasa Magic 1 Vacuum Steamer. It is a portable handheld unit with a built-in vacuum that pulls the fabric to the steam head as it steams the clothes. The vacuum recirculates the steam as it hits the fabric, making the steaming action more effective as it keeps the entire process cool and comfortable. This efficiency also means it can get by with a very small water chamber, which reduces weight and makes it easy to handle. The chamber is clear so it is easy to see when you need to add water.

When I wrote the introduction to this review I used "game-changer." After completing the first draft I went to Amazon to see what others had to say. I saw "game-changer" in the user reviews several times on the first page, which confirmed my impressions. The product befits its name because it works like magic, and I was shocked at how quickly the wrinkles melted away as I passed it over the fabric. My shirt looked so much neater when I was done I was almost embarrassed that I considered wearing it in its earlier condition.

The Neakasa Magic 1 Vacuum Steamer sells on Amazon for $74.99 to $79.99. The current sale using the code MAGICSTEAMER at checkout reduces it to $54.99. Having found a steamer that works so well and is easy to use, it won't collect dust like my old one and is being used regularly, at home and when traveling. (In fact, I am traveling wearing a newly steamed shirt as I write this!)

Q. I use Apple Music for all my streaming. Is the Andover Audio Songbird HR device you reviewed recently compatible with Apple Music? I would like to buy it to add streaming to my vintage stereo. Is the deal still active?

—J.K., Vallejo, California

A. The Andover Audio Songbird HR is compatible with Apple Music, using AirPlay or Bluetooth. I don't know when the sale ends, but I checked and the $100 off with 10% off for email sign-up was active the first week of August. This reduces the price from $299 to $179.10. andoveraudio.com

Q. I have Adcom components with a GTP-450 preamp and two GFA-555 amplifiers, all of which are approximately 30 years old. The preamp recently developed issues and needs repaired. I am sure at some point the amplifier capacitors will need replaced too. Do I repair my components or sell and replace them?

—P.C., St. Paul, Minnesota

A. Repair that preamp! That is some amazingly good gear you have there, and today it would cost a small fortune to replace it with equipment of similar quality — probably $5,000 to $10,000, or even more.

Don't be in a hurry to replace those capacitors. Just wait until they fail, and it could be a long time before they do, if ever. I have several 1980s-vintage NAD amplifiers still on their original capacitors, and they are running as good as new.

———

©2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC