Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

Furtive 1.1

  • Positioning: An entry-level, wall-mounted speaker designed for compact spaces and affordable performance.
  • Description: Delivers clear sound in a small, low-power package with a simple 2-way closed design and lightweight MDF enclosure. Compared to its siblings, it is best for users with modest budgets and small rooms, whereas the Furtive 2.0 Pro and GT series offer higher power and advanced features for larger setups.

Furtive 2.0 PRO

  • Positioning: A professional-grade, wall-mounted speaker built for higher performance in demanding home cinema or hi-fi configurations.
  • Description: Features robust power handling and precise time-aligned filtering to maintain clarity at high volumes, making it a strong contender for larger rooms and advanced installations.

SIROCCO 2.24

  • Positioning: A mid-range column speaker from a refreshed series that balances performance with cost-effective design.
  • Description: Uses new driver technologies and innovative filtering to boost linearity and dynamics, ideal for users seeking refined sound over a broad frequency range in moderately sized spaces.

GT2-HD

  • Positioning: A high-end column speaker that offers advanced sound performance and versatile finishing options.
  • Description: Uses a time-aligned tweeter system and precise crossover filtering to deliver balanced and dynamic audio ideal for larger rooms and dedicated hi-fi setups.

GT3-HD

  • Positioning: The flagship column speaker featuring the most advanced acoustic design in the lineup.
  • Description: Features an expanded 3+1 pathway design with superior power handling and refined filtering that ensures exceptional clarity and extended dynamics for the most demanding use cases.
See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

Manufacturer's notes

The GT-CENTER-HD center channel has been designed to be paired with other speakers in the GT range for high-end multichannel installations, whether for Hi-Fi or Home Cinema.
The GT-CENTER-HD central channel has been designed to be combined with other speakers in the GT range in high-end multi-channel installations, whether in HiFi or Home Cinema.
  • Power handling: 200W RMS / 400W peak
  • Impedance: 6 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 90 dB/2.83V/1M
  • Frequency response: 45 Hz - 30 kHz
  • Crossover frequency: 2.5 kHz
  • Woofer/midrange: LD150CR08 (x2)
  • Tweeter: SD28ND04RD
  • Crossover slope: 1st order electrical with tweeter time alignment
  • Cabinet: 19mm MDF with curved multilayer sides
  • Dimensions: 175 x 490 x 295 mm
  • Weight: 15 kg
  • Finish: Piano lacquer Black / White / Rosewood / Wengnut / RAL optional
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Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
3
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
328
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
4
Founded
2000

Our take on the brand

Atohm is a hifi speaker brand that designs and manufactures all their drivers in-house, featuring unique technologies like Time Coherent Crossover with tweeter delay circuits and Progressive Rear Damping to prevent standing waves. Their GT series speakers offer adjustable tweeter output settings to match room acoustics, and use specialized features like sand-filled compartments and decoupling plinths to reduce cabinet vibrations.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
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What if you spend a bit more?

S7c
7995
7995
/
3
Reviews
Perlisten

At the center of it all and always the focus of any studio or home theater is the critical tonal balance provided by the center channel. Sharing the same driver compliment as our flagship S7T, this speaker makes the perfect choice for where the highest performance theater is desired. Featuring our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes. This array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire product line. Custom bass drivers made from TPCD deliver unparalleled dynamic range and musical finesse. The PERLISTEN S-Series speakers also have the distinguished honor to be the world’s first and only loudspeakers to be certified for THX Dominus – their highest. rating.

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The S7c center channel speaker is a standout performer and a tonal match to the mains and surrounds, creating a seamless blend across the main channels
  • Movie dialogue was crystal clear from every seat with the S7c, and levels required no additional tweaking post-calibration
  • Innovative in design and heavy duty in build quality

Product Considerations

  • The price of the S7c and the system as a whole, may be intimidating for some
  • The review sample had a lustrous high-gloss black with chromed silver binding posts and terminal plate

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Perlisten S7t speakers seem to be able to bend the room to their will to an even higher degree than the Revel F328Be speakers that were reviewed earlier

Takeaway: The S7c is a top-tier center channel speaker that delivers exceptional clarity and seamless integration with other speakers, making it a great choice for a high-end home theater system. It's a high-performing product, making movies and music sound their best.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
S7c
page
Product Page
S5c
5995
5995
/
2
Reviews
Perlisten

With the success of the S7c, the request for the S5c center for slightly smaller rooms and screens became too numerous to ignore. A world class center similar to the S7c with nearly the same SPL, sensitivity, and low frequency output. The S5c is sealed for the best integration into any room, and the same exquisite DPC array, for THX certified Dominus surround, or Ultra LCR home theater applications.

Smaller sibling to our S7c. The S5c is designed for applications requiring somewhat smaller center channel. Featuring our proprietary DPC-Array controlling Mid/High frequencies, centered by our finest 28mm Beryllium dome and dual 28mm TPCD ultra-lightweight domes.

All transducers are developed ground up by our engineers – bringing decades of research, culminating in this world class design. We teamed up with companies in the USA and Sweden to bring modern material science to hi-fi. Utilizing advanced Comsol acoustic modeling, our DPC-array is the result of 18 months of painstaking simulations and prototyping. The result is one of the most technologically advanced loudspeakers available.

This new tweeter/waveguide DPC-Array delivers amazing accuracy, smoothness, and directivity control to handle the critical vocal range and delicate treble. All S-Series speakers share the same DPC-Array and benefit from our unique timbre matching technique across the entire series. Custom bass drivers made from thin-ply carbon diaphragms (TPCD) used here in a compact acoustic suspension enclosure for predictable low frequency performance ideally suited for multi-channel systems.

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Compact center channel designed to match the S7Ts without taking up too much space
  • Properly designed to be a center channel, providing great off-axis performance
  • When integrated as part of a system with S7Ts, it provides a cohesive sound, sounding very similar to the mains

Product Considerations

  • Review mentions having to seal the bass drivers in the subwoofers and redo setup
  • Review mentions it sounds best with 'really good musical subwoofers', which may mean it sounds less good without subwoofers

Takeaway: The S5C is a well-engineered center channel option that can be paired with other speakers to create an immersive sound experience. It offers great off-axis performance and a cohesive sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
S5c
page
Product Page
Platinum C250 3G
5900
5900
/
1
Reviews
Monitor
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • New features and performance for the brand's high-end home theater speakers
  • The slim profile allows for easy integration into any room, distinguishing them from bulkier alternatives
  • Cabinets are crafted using multiple laminated layers of MDF with a 36mm front baffle and feature dual binding posts, plus high-quality jumpers for better performance
  • The series features an updated top-tier midrange and woofer with Rigid Diaphragm Technology III for improved audio performance
  • Build quality is first-rate with no expense spared in using today's technology

Product Considerations

  • The speakers sometimes seemed like they were holding back from being their best—lacking a live and emotional connection

Takeaway: The Platinum 3G speakers from Monitor Audio are an achievement in engineering and aesthetic design and are built for easy integration into any home. They presented very good technical performance and compatibility with different amplifier types.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Platinum C250 3G
page
Product Page
HTM81 D4
9500
9500
/
1
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The HTM81 D4 is designed specifically as a center speaker to partner with the 801, sharing the same tweeter and midrange assembly
  • A very serious center speaker, with a frequency response of +/- 3dB at 28Hz

Product Considerations

  • A large speaker, it takes up considerable space

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The HTM81 D4 is a physical center speaker, preferred by Bowers & Wilkins over in-wall designs for optimal performance when paired with the 801

Takeaway: The HTM81 is a serious center speaker that ensures tonal consistency across the front channels, making movies and music sound great. This center channel is worth considering for the best possible home theater experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
HTM81 D4
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

1528 Center 8
2900
/
Released
2024
Arendal Sound
The 1528 Center 8 delivers high-end performance from a 3-way design ensuring crystal-clear dialogue, deep bass, and smooth off-axis response. With custom-made drivers, including a 28mm lithium-magnesium tweeter, a 5″ carbon-graphene midrange and dual 8" aluminum bass drivers, this speaker delivers clear highs, crisp dialogue, and dynamic bass.
Check on Amazon
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers clear, dynamic, spacious, full-range sound that reveals every detail in a recording
  • Exceptional styling and build quality
  • Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance
  • Wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
  • Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations

Product Considerations

  • Large and heavy, requiring planning and effort for installation
  • Requires high-quality amplification to reach its full potential, AV receivers are not ideal
  • Cannot be auditioned before purchase due to direct-to-consumer model, with returns being a hassle due to size/weight
  • May dominate smaller listening spaces, requiring a recommended listening distance of 13 feet

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • It has better low bass than Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2 and Estelon Aura
  • It holds its own against speakers like Perlisten R7t, Perlisten S7t, KEF Reference 5 Meta, Focal Kanta No.3, Focal Sopra 2, Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII, Paradigm Founder 120, and Revel PerformaBe F328Be

Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 loudspeaker is a great choice for people who want exceptional sound and build quality. These speakers are versatile for both music and movies, making listening a truly immersive experience

Video review

Our take on the brand

Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
1528 Center 8
Page
Product Page
HTM71 S3 Signature
3300
/
Released
2024
Bowers & Wilkins
The HTM71 S3 Signature is a first-of-its-kind 700 Series Signature center channel speaker, bringing even more clarity and detail to your favorite movies and music.
Check on Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional sound quality with unparalleled clarity and detail
  • Cutting-edge driver technologies are used for superior performance
  • Stunning aesthetics with premium finish options (Datuk Gloss and Midnight Blue Metallic finishes)
  • Versatile performance in both home theatre and hifi applications
  • Robust construction with high-quality components

Product Considerations

  • Premium pricing may not suit all budgets
  • Substantial size requires adequate space for optimal placement
  • May require high-quality amplification to reach its full potential

Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3 Signature Centre Speaker offers exceptional sound and build quality, making it a worthy addition to any audio system. It is a great choice for those seeking the ultimate center channel experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
HTM71 S3 Signature
Page
Product Page
R5c
2995
/
Released
2022
Perlisten
The hardest working speaker in any home theater and yet the least appreciated. Natural, True vocals are never easy while maintaining super low distortion and extreme dynamics that movies demand is what sets the R-series apart. The same DPC control with clarity that make you forget you have speakers in your room at all and just enjoy yourself.
Check on Amazon
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The R5c center channel speaker allows dialog to be clear and intelligible amid layers of effects sounds
  • The R5c maintains performance and clarity even when listening decently off-axis

Product Considerations

  • Impedance drops rather low, so more quality power on tap to use with these speakers is better
  • Too much bass or upper bass was present

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Revel F228Be towers: Revels tended to make vocals and some instruments sound strangely "tall," whereas the Perlisten was far more of a point-source presentation with vocals and instruments being centered to the speaker

Takeaway: The R5c is great for listening to music or for home theaters. It ensures all voices can be heard clearly, even when there are a lot of other sounds.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
R5c
Page
Product Page
Elysian C
4995
/
Released
Wharfedale
ELYSIAN Centre brings a new dimension to the ELYSIAN series performance, tuning the application for mind-blowing home theatre settings. Each component part is engineered to the very highest standard. The drivers, the crossover, the cabinet – every aspect has been developed in harmony and without cost constraint to push the project to its performance limit. This thorough and no-compromise approach has led the Wharfedale engineers to create a benchmark in affordable, audiophile-grade luxury loudspeakers.
Check on Amazon
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Unrivalled audio clarity and detail across a vast frequency spectrum
  • Dynamic three‐way design delivers immersive, lifelike sound
  • Innovative AMT tweeter produces crisp, sparkling highs
  • Robust bass reflex technology for deep, resonant low frequencies
  • Exquisite hand‐polished finishes that double as statement décor
  • Flexible placement providing consistent performance throughout the room

Product Considerations

  • A premium investment best suited to the discerning audiophile, where professional setup is recommended to fully exploit its potential

Takeaway: The Elysian C delivers immersive, lifelike sound with clarity and detail. Its design will enhance any living space and provide consistent performance throughout the room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Elysian C
Page
Product Page
1528 Center+
4700
/
Released
2024
Arendal Sound
The 1528 Center + 8 is a powerhouse in every aspect, offering exceptional performance that matches its impressive size. Designed for accurate reproduction and deep bass, it delivers a premium audio experience that sets a new benchmark for multi-channel systems. With unmatched clarity and power, this speaker represents our highest level of multi-channel audio technology.
Check on Amazon
Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Outstanding dynamic capabilities and tonal balance
  • Wide dispersion and seamless integration across seating positions
  • Uncompromising build quality and attention to detail
  • Versatile sealed/ported design for multiple room configurations
  • Full-range performance with or without subs, with usable bass extension down to 17Hz

Product Considerations

  • Extremely large and heavy; installation requires planning and effort
  • Demands high-quality amplification (at least 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms) to reach full potential, AV receivers are not ideal
  • Requires careful placement and meticulous setup/calibration to unlock full potential
  • Some may find the tweeters noticeably bright initially, requiring adjustments and break-in

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Arendal 1723 THX Tower speakers, the 1528 serves as a worthy upgrade
  • Vs Perlisten R7t, Perlisten S7t, KEF Reference 5 Meta, Focal Kanta No.3, Focal Sopra 2, Sonus Faber Sonetta VIII, Paradigm Founder 120, Paradigm Persona, RBH 6500-SF/R, RBH 8300-SF/R, and Revel PerformaBe F328Be—the Arendal 1528 series holds its own

Takeaway: The Arendal 1528 Tower 8 and Center 8+ speakers offer audiophile sound and exceptional build quality, making them a serious contender in their category. If one wants well-thought-out modern audio engineering and robust build at a competitive price, these are worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Arendal Sound is a Norwegian-designed hifi brand whose 1723 series is THX Ultra certified for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, featuring cabinets made from high-density fiberboard instead of standard MDF for better sonic performance. Their speakers use a distinctive waveguide-loaded tweeter design for controlled dispersion and lower crossover points, while their subwoofers feature the Avalanche 1200 IQ amplifier with an LCD control interface.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
1528 Center+
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

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