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
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Precisely packed with perfectly cut foam inserts
- The beautiful Tri-Star plinth looks like it should be on display at the MoMA
- The platter seemed to just float and spin with ease
- It's always zipped up to the designated speed almost instantly and had a sense of ease and simplicity
Product Considerations
- VTA adjustments require extra care
- Recordings seemed to lose some life and definitely reduced engagement when the Twister Record Clamp was removed
- The name "Basic" is not ideal
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs dCS Vivaldi Digital stack, the Clearaudio + Dan D'Agostino Momentum was just as enjoyable as listening to that track on the gold standard dCS Vivaldi
- Vs AMG Viella V12, if a turntable setup under 10k USD was needed, this Clearaudio combination would be on the short list
Takeaway: The Clearaudio Innovation Basic Turntable offers a level of synergy that leaves an impression and is easy to assemble. It is recommended without hesitation because of the quality.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Innovation Basic
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Speed ranges: 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 rpm
- Total weight: Approx. 8 kg (without tonearm and power supply)
- Dimensions (W/D/H): 460 × 485 × 125mm (18.11 × 19.09 × 4.92 inches)
- Power consumption max: 9.3 watts
- Power consumption in operation: 2.5 watts
- Power consumption standby: 2.5 watts
- Power consumption off mode: 0.0 watts
- Platter: 40mm / 1.57 inch main platter
- Speed accuracy: < ± 0.08%
- Warranty: 5 years
Description
The Innovation Basic provides the main technical characteristics of our Innovation, in a reduced "Basic" design that rivals it's larger siblings.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Clearaudio turntables are often sold as complete packages, including a pre-mounted and aligned tonearm and cartridge, allowing for a simplified, plug-and-play setup experience.
- The brand utilizes Panzerholz, a dense, resonance-damping "bulletproof" wood, often sandwiched with aluminum in their plinth construction, contributing to a unique sonic signature.
- Clearaudio is an early adopter of ceramic magnetic bearings (CMB), implementing them to reduce friction and noise in their turntables for improved speed stability and transparency.
- They offer various tonearm options, with carbon fiber variants to reduce resonance and improve performance, including innovative, often magnetic, anti-skating designs.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Concept
- Positioning: The entry-level turntable, designed to offer high-end features at an affordable price.
- Description: Features a friction-free magnetic bearing tonearm for low distortion. Unlike the more advanced models like the Performance DC, it offers a simpler setup with a focus on plug-and-play simplicity, making it ideal for small rooms and those new to high-fidelity audio systems.
Performance DC
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range model, offering a step up in performance and features from the Concept.
- Description: Known for its excellent tracking and speed accuracy, includes a ceramic magnetic bearing for enhanced resonance control. Compared to the Concept, it offers a more robust build, with options for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
Master Jubilee
- Positioning: A high-end model, offering advanced features and a luxurious design.
- Description: Features a unique motor suspension system and a heavy-duty chassis for exceptional resonance control. It offers more advanced motor control and the ability to mount a second tonearm, setting it apart from the Ovation.
Master Innovation
- Positioning: A premium model, designed for ultimate performance and flexibility.
- Description: Distinguished by its dual-platter system and magnetic decoupling, providing excellent speed stability. It allows for up to three tonearms, offering more versatility than the Master Jubilee.
Statement
- Positioning: Clearaudio's flagship model, representing the pinnacle of their turntable technology.
- Description: A masterpiece of engineering, featuring a massive 350 kg build and advanced optical speed control. It offers groundbreaking sound reproduction, far exceeding the capabilities of the Master Innovation, and is designed for the most discerning audiophiles who demand the ultimate in audio performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
88
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
65
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
31
Founding Year
1978
Our take on the brand
Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Used
clearaudio
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
clearaudio
Innovation
14000
14000
/
3
Reviews
Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The 'Panzerholz' plinth brings warmth and a more musical sound with transparency
- Ceramic Magnetic Bearing (CMB) technology allows the platter to float, increasing transparency
- Optical Speed Control (OSC) provides excellent speed stability
- High-torque DC motor offers quick start-up and convenient electronic speed change
- New platter machined from POM provides more damping
Product Considerations
- Some may feel other turntables have a more inky black background
- It can only accommodate two tonearms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Technics SP-10 MkII—it matches the speed accuracy but without the motor noise of the SP-10 MkII
- Vs SME 20/12—SME 20/12 has a more inky dark black background
- Vs Clearaudio Statement—Clearaudio Statement achieves a spookier silence
Takeaway: The Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable combines warmth, transparency, and incredible speed stability, creating a relaxed, natural, and detailed listening experience. This product is a great choice for those seeking a high-performing and technologically advanced record player.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
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Rega
Naia
12995
12995
/
16
Reviews
Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Naia epitomizes Rega's design philosophies, and its sonic performance confirms this
- Exceptionally capable, setting a sky-high standard for resolution and transparency
- Incredibly neutral and transparent for a vinyl source, doing a more effective job of getting out of the way and letting the record itself be the story
- Genuinely high end and trades blows with the best, but is no more demanding in use than one at a tenth of the price
- Delivers better timing than 99.9% of audio sources–analogue or digital
Product Considerations
- The foam edges on the plinth look a little unfinished
- An otherwise admirably off-hand approach to music-making did leave some wanting more in the way of rhythmic drive
- Can expose weaknesses in record quality, so upgrades to some of your record collection may be needed
- Minimalist design and understatement might not impress those unfamiliar with high-end audio
- The removable dust cover doesn't offer quite the same protection as a more conventional lid and, combined with the fairly small stylus guard on the cart, means Rega is slightly more vulnerable than some rivals
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia brings it closer technologically and, unfortunately, in price, but it is also better in every way, and the measured performance demonstrates that the Naia is a step above the Planar 10
- Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia gets significantly more information out of records, has a lower apparent noise floor and even better timing
- Vs Technics SL-1000R, the Rega is significantly better with low-frequency transients, delivering them with greater heft and power while also revealing that the Technics has a slightly sludgy quality in comparison
- Vs Linn Seleckt LP12, the Naia is more neutral and transparent
Takeaway: The Naia is a high-performance turntable that offers exceptional clarity and detail, providing a very neutral sound. If you want a turntable that reveals every nuance in your vinyl collection, the Naia is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
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VPI
Avenger
12500
12500
/
10
Reviews
The VPI Avenger Table was originally a project started by Harry over 12 years ago. In the process of the design, the project was dropped in mid-production due to excessive demand by HR-X customers which left the design and proto-type chassis to be mothballed. The good news about the abandoned design is Harry instead shifted his focus to starting and completing the VPI Classic Turntable.
VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Customizable and upgradable, it can handle up to three tonearms
- It produces a big soundstage with life-like proportions and scale, which provides a holographic sound
- Offers an effortless power and control and is unflappable at any volume
- VPI's chassis is versatile, allowing a different and more complex drive system
- Has great speed stability
Product Considerations
- Setup is critical and may require assistance from an experienced dealer or audiophile
- It can be sensitive to vibrations from the room and speakers, requiring careful placement and isolation
- It may not suit those wanting a 4/4 beat to everything, because it does not emphasize the beat in the way that a suspended turntable does
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Minimizes resonance problems with both moving-coil and moving-iron cartridges
- Avenger Direct has the speed stability of the best direct drives
- Avenger Direct is competitive in overall level of detail and silence, sometimes slightly superior, to the VPI Classic Direct
- The three-legged layout solves the problem of accommodating two tonearms
- Compared to VPI Scout 21, the Deep In The Night track has depth and scale to it that's grander in every direction and dimension via the Avenger
Takeaway: The VPI Avenger is a high-end turntable with a customizable design and strong performance, offering great sound quality and the ability to use multiple tonearms. With its solid engineering and powerful sound, it is built to deliver great sound from vinyl records, allowing listeners to hear music with a new level of engagement.
Video review
Our take on the brand
VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
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Linn
Selekt LP12
14560
14560
/
4
Reviews
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a sweet spot in price/performance terms
- Delivers a quintessential Sondek sound, and is highly emotional
- Unlocks the music in real time, making for an extremely immersive sound
- Strong and taut bass
- Sounds sweet, refined, and smooth
Product Considerations
- Setting up an LP12 needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing
- The Kendo MC cartridge feels very exposed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is a definite step up from the Majik LP12
Takeaway: The Linn Selekt LP12 embodies the best of the venerable turntable in its classical form, offering high-quality engineering and an immersive sound. It's a worthwhile option for those seeking a significant upgrade in their vinyl listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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What competes at this price?
Linn
Majik LP12
5130
/
Released
Take your first step into high-fidelity vinyl playback. And close the door behind you, you won't be turning back. Experience the legendary Sondek LP12 in its most affordable guise – powered by carefully curated Linn-engineered components. Majik LP12 includes our sandwich-construction aluminium sub-chassis, patented single point Karousel bearing, internally mounted low noise power supply, and low-friction Krane tonearm.
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Shares the plinth, bearing and suspension design with higher-end LP12 models
- Great build quality and finish, made with precision aluminum and stainless-steel components
- Offers upgrade paths with higher quality phono cartridges, arms, chassis, and power supplies
- Known for its musicality and ability to make listeners forget about typical audio criteria and focus on enjoying the music
- Great value package bringing LP12 ownership to a wider audience without major compromise
Product Considerations
- Requires professional setup and adjustment
- Speed change to 45rpm requires fitting a pulley adaptor, which may be annoying for some users
- Footfall and external vibrations can affect performance, requiring a lightweight and rigid support
- Some reviewers found the bundled Adikt moving magnet cartridge to be the weakest link in the system
- Lid is an optional extra, which may come as a surprise
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Technics SL-1200G: Majik LP12 offers a more relaxed and beguiling sound, while the Technics is crisper and tighter
- Vs Origin Live Calypso Multilayer/Silver: Majik LP12 sits in the middle, more relaxed than the Technics SL-1200G—but not as expansive and tonally natural as the Origin Live Calypso Multilayer/Silver
- Vs Thorens TD160 HD or Michell's Gyrodec SE: Majik LP12 has a relaxed warmth and fluidity that the others do not
Takeaway: The Majik LP12 is a well-built, musically engaging turntable that brings the classic Linn sound to a more accessible price point. It's a great way to get into vinyl and enjoy records without being distracted by technicalities and has plenty of upgrade options available.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Cyrus
TTP
5800
/
Released
2023
The Cyrus TTP Turntable is the perfect complement to our award-winning Classic PHONO preamplifier, unless Moving Magnet is your choice of cartridge, and then any of the Cyrus Classic or XR pre-amplifiers or integrated amplifiers can also be considered as a suitable partner.
Cyrus Audio is known for its compact half-width designs and proprietary Servo Evolution technology that optimizes CD transport performance beyond basic readability. The brand stands out for being the first to implement voice-assist technology in hifi through their ONE Cast amplifier, which features a hybrid Class D design and high-end DAC, while their PSU-XR power supply employs five independent power supplies to minimize electrical noise.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Heavy weight and high mass design combats resonant frequencies and provides a stable platform for playing vinyl records
- Delivers a clean, dynamic sound with superb imaging and soundstage
- The motor is integrated into the chassis giving the turntable a very clean look
Product Considerations
- No dust cover/lid is included
- No ground/earth cable included with the RCA's
- RB330 tonearm is not known for its easy adjustment and cartridge matching
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- TTP has similar solidity of image and body to the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301 idler-wheel turntables
Takeaway: The Cyrus Audio TTP is a well-engineered turntable that delivers engaging music from a stable platform and a clean background. It offers a blend of modern technology, thoughtful design, and flexible upgrade options.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cyrus Audio is known for its compact half-width designs and proprietary Servo Evolution technology that optimizes CD transport performance beyond basic readability. The brand stands out for being the first to implement voice-assist technology in hifi through their ONE Cast amplifier, which features a hybrid Class D design and high-end DAC, while their PSU-XR power supply employs five independent power supplies to minimize electrical noise.
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Musical Fidelity
M8xTT
8999
/
Released
2023
The M8xTT is a high-end turntable with radical concepts and innovations originating from its legendary predecessor.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sleek acrylic construction that is visually appealing and acoustically excellent
- A beautifully open window onto the performance, achieved in a commandingly authoritative manner
- Muscular sounding, exhibiting a solid grip on the music, especially through the bass and into the lower midrange
- Utterly coherent, with an uncanny ability to untangle complex music
- Precision opened up the record, presenting sometimes-busy albums as if they were giant paintings
Product Considerations
- Consistency of speed was not what was expected from a turntable of this pedigree
- The headshell lacks sufficient offset angle, so rotation of an MM or MC slightly inwards may be needed
- If a cartridge is less than about 17mm tall, spacers may be needed to use it with the M8xTT's arm
- Acrylic scratches easily and shows dust, so care must be taken when cleaning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The M1 was always a little soft at the low end, but the Musical Fidelity's new model couldn't be more different
Takeaway: The M8xTT is a wonderful turntable with exceptional sound quality and outstanding construction. The crystalline chrome-and-acrylic chassis and visual effect of the spinning platter make it a thrilling machine to use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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MoFi
MasterDeck
5995
/
Released
2023
Unveiling the pinnacle of vinyl reproduction: the MasterDeck Turntable, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned Allen Perkins. Born from a collaboration of vinyl enthusiasts, this reference-grade turntable is engineered for those who seek to unearth the true essence of music embedded in the grooves of their cherished vinyl LPs.
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed by Allen Perkins, incorporating groundbreaking technologies and design principles.
- Every component is designed to work in perfect harmony, extracting every nuance and detail from vinyl collection.
- Features a three-point isolation system with Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) feet.
- Has a 10-inch dual-pivot carbon-fiber tonearm with Cardas Audio internal wiring.
- Offers speed options and trim control.
Product Considerations
- Setup is extremely critical and may require assistance.
- The tonearm rest requires a strong pull to secure the arm, which can cause the arm to ricochet if not handled carefully.
- Additional head shells should be purchased with the turntable, if the user anticipates swapping them to use different cartridges.
- Maintenance parts may be difficult to secure for the next 40 years.
- The design is not for those looking to customize the table with different tonearm mounts and components.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to StudioDeck and UltraDeck, the MasterDeck's collar screw drive VTA adjustment is easier to set and more precise in its movement.
Takeaway: The MasterDeck is a well-engineered turntable that delivers realism and detail while keeping the musical enjoyment alive. Its innovative design and precision components provide a high-quality listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Thorens
TD 1600 TP 160
5035
/
Released
2021
The TD 1600, featuring the new TP 160 tonearm, represents a consistent evolution of the TD 1600. It possesses a classic wooden plinth, a two-part machined aluminum platter with an internally run ground drive belt.
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely well built and beautifully finished, demonstrating extraordinary tolerances between mating parts.
- A quiet and stable platform for playing records.
- Its tonearm is very flexible in cartridge support.
- It provides balanced outputs via XLR, which is unusual, but phono cartridges are inherently balanced.
- It provides an accurate and consistent rate of spin.
Product Considerations
- The antiskating mechanism is effectively uncalibrated and extremely sensitive to correct adjustment.
- The manual provides very little detail about attaching the cartridge to the tonearm.
- The manual lift has to be operated carefully because it is located on the moving part of the player.
- The manual TP 160 arm's lift lever is less damped, and any non-linear hand movements are transferred to the sub-chassis—incurring wobble.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Thorens TD 1601: The TD 1600 is fully manual, while the TD 1601 is semi-automatic.
- Vs Linn LP12: Both models fall into the same audiophile category and are also quite close in price in terms of basic equipment.
Takeaway: The TD 1600 turntable is a well-engineered, beautifully finished turntable that offers a quiet and stable platform for quality vinyl playback. With its flexible tonearm and robust construction, it should provide years of listening enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
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