Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • Excellent wireless sound quality with clarity, detail, and balanced, refined sound.
  • Good technical performance, particularly soundstage width.
  • Multiple hifi audio codecs are supported, including LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Lossless.
  • The Edifier ConneX app provides a customizable EQ.
  • Long battery life is quoted at 80 hours.

Product Considerations

  • Active noise cancellation is lacking.
  • Some reviewers find the fit awkward, with inadequate clamping force.
  • Treble can sound a little metallic or plasticky.
  • The use of animal hide might deter some buyers.
  • The volume on wireless mode isn't always loud enough.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Spirit S5 offers a more audiophile-like presentation with better soundstage and clarity.
  • The Spirit S5 destroys the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4s in terms of sound quality.
  • The S5 sounds better than the Stax Spirit S3, with improvements across the board and new features.

Takeaway: The Stax Spirit S5 is a great-sounding wireless headphone that is comfortable and offers modern convenience. It is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy music with detail and clarity.

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

Stax Spirit S5

reviews

[{"title":"Finally! Truly audiophile wireless headphones! Edifier Stax Spirit S5 review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdZczRCOgLg","source":"Passion for Sound","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Best sounding wireless headphones? Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92BAEwpt81I","source":"Aaron X Loud and Wireless","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Edifier STAX Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyA0Pxctapc","source":"MOBHouse","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Edifier's Latest Audiophile Headphones! Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Review!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zUBiP4e2h0","source":"MOBHouse","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Edifier STAX Spirit S5 review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmZuwFsCwiY","source":"GearUP with Aaron","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"STAX SPIRIT S5 WIRELESS, PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES, REVIEWED AND RATED AS WIRELESS, WIRED & MORE!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zabN88RejKQ","source":"Sean Talks Tech","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Edifier Stax Spirit S5 - Review & Audio Samples","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wyOna5maUI","source":"André Fontes","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Review","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/edifier-stax-spirit-s5-review/2","source":"headfonia.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Is Planar Magnetic the Future? 🤔 Edifier STAX Spirit S5 ...","link":"https://www.loudnwireless.com/blog/planar-magnetic-sounds-awesome-but-edifier-stax-spirit-s5-review","source":"loudnwireless.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Review: Edifier STAX Spirit S5. Probably the best closed- ...","link":"https://www.neowin.net/reviews/review-edifier-stax-spirit-s5-wireless-closed-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-that-excel","source":"neowin.net","datePublished":""},{"title":"Edifier Stax Spirit S5 review: excellent wireless over-ear ...","link":"https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/edifier-stax-spirit-s5-review","source":"techradar.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

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:

  • Edifier headphones frequently include access to the Edifier Connect app, offering users options to personalize EQ settings, customize controls, and conserve hearing.
  • The brand is consistently lauded for delivering a great sonic experience, with impressive bass, clarity, and overall balance, considering their affordable price points.
  • Edifier headphones are celebrated for a foldable and lightweight design focused on user comfort for extended wear, making them ideal for travel and daily use.

Edifier S3

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a simple yet effective audio experience with a lightweight design that makes it ideal for small rooms and everyday use. Compared to the other models, it lacks advanced noise cancellation and specialty drivers, making it most suitable for buyers on a tight budget with basic functionality needs.

ES850NB Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

  • Positioning: Mid-range option focused on noise cancellation and comfort.
  • Description: Features active noise cancellation that helps reduce background sounds and offers good sound tuning for moderate listening environments. Relative to the entry-level S3, it adds enhanced noise reduction technology without the higher price tag of premium models.

V80 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

  • Positioning: Mid-to-high range model that uses hybrid noise cancellation.
  • Description: Combines two cancellation approaches to improve background noise reduction and delivers a more balanced audio profile for larger rooms. When compared with the ES850NB and S3, it targets users needing better noise control and sound staging.

Edifier W820NB

  • Positioning: Premium series that emphasizes advanced noise cancellation and enhanced audio performance.
  • Description: Integrates improved noise cancellation algorithms along with refined driver tuning to offer richer sound and longer battery life, making it a strong choice for varied settings. In comparison to the V80 Hybrid, it is designed for buyers who value a more robust build quality and extra functionality.

Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones

  • Positioning: High-end flagship featuring advanced planar magnetic technology.
  • Description: Uses planar magnetic drivers to deliver crystal-clear audio with a wide soundstage and superior detail. Compared with the rest of the lineup, its premium build and state-of-the-art technology represent the pinnacle of the range.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
781
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
22
Founding Year
1996

Our take on the brand

Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.

Look inside the brand

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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Brand Page

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Edifier

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H95
1250
1250
/
10
Reviews
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous design and fantastic build quality with premium materials, like titanium, aluminum, lambskin leather, and cowhide leather
  • Extremely comfortable and lightweight (around 323-333 grams), with oval-shaped earcups suitable for larger ears for long listening periods
  • Intuitive controls, including a mix of touch and physical controls, like responsive touchpads and tactile dials for precise volume and ANC adjustments
  • Sound quality is well-balanced and versatile, making them suitable for various music genres, with particularly good performance for classical music, podcasts, and rock
  • Amazing noise cancellation performance, effectively blocking out mid- and treble-range noises

Product Considerations

  • Very high retail price
  • Earcups are not very deep
  • Not very portable due to a bulky design
  • A heavier side, which can develop a little bit of strain on the back of the neck
  • The Bang & Olufsen app does not work well, spending a long time trying to connect to the H95 most of the time

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys is cheaper and better in sound quality
  • Vs Bose QC45s: The Bose QC45s are a little bit more effective in cancelling the high end of mid-range frequencies that you would get from a busy cafe
  • Vs AirPods Max: The H95 manages to separate all the layers very beautifully, the AirPods Max is not on par
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 is more muffled
  • Vs Cambridge Audio P100: The P100 has more clarity and crisp sound to that treble without having that sibilance

Takeaway: If you want a luxurious pair of headphones with amazing build quality and very good noise cancellation, the Beoplay H95 could be a good option. The sound quality is great, and they are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H100
2200
2200
/
8
Reviews
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Amazing sound quality with wide soundstage and airy, ethereal sounds, especially in the treble, create a magical experience
  • Very comfortable, despite being heavier than some alternatives, with earcups that wrap around the ear and a redesigned headband

Product Considerations

  • Warranty experience may vary significantly depending on location and travel habits, so the global warranty should not be taken at face value
  • Color options are limited, and some lighter colors may stain easily
  • Lack of high-resolution Bluetooth codec support at the time of some reviews, although promised for a future update

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bang & Olufsen H95: H100 has a massive soundstage and is more comfortable
  • Vs Focal Bathys: H100 offers a smooth, neutral, and refined sound signature, while Focal Bathys delivers a more dynamic and energetic sound

Takeaway: The Beoplay H100 provides excellent sound and comfort, delivering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and build quality. It is a top-tier product for people who want great design and sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

HIFIMAN
Ananda-BT
799
/
Released
2019
ANANDA-BT — Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones Featuring High-Res Bluetooth and R-2R DAC.
Check Amazon
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impressive, high-quality audio reproduction and detail that is comparable to wired headphones
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Bluetooth connectivity is stable with a long-distance range
  • High-quality codecs are supported, including LDAC and aptX HD
  • Can be used wired via USB-C

Product Considerations

  • Open-back design offers limited passive noise isolation and noticeable sound leakage
  • Clamping force of the earcups can cause hotspot around the temple area
  • Battery life is average, and battery is not easily replaceable
  • Limited on-device control options for volume or skipping tracks
  • USB-C connectivity may have volume and usability issues, depending on the source device

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Focal Batis, the Ananda-BT is a direct competitor
  • Versus Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Sennheiser has slightly better call quality, but the audio quality is disappointing in resolution and clarity compared to Ananda-BT
  • The wired version has superior sound, but the Ananda-BT is more versatile due to its Bluetooth connectivity
  • Versus Bose QC35II, the QC35II is better for portability and noise isolation, but Ananda-BT has far superior sound quality

Takeaway: The Ananda-BT are great sounding wireless headphones that offer impressive technical capabilities. For audiophiles who value convenience without sacrificing too much sound quality, they could be worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay HX
749
/
Released
2021
Wireless over ear headphones. Listen in comfort whether you're on a call, working from home or taking a moment for yourself.
Check Amazon
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
  • Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
  • Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
  • Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
  • Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
  • The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
  • ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
  • Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
  • Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
  • Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
  • Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
  • Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed

Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Apple
AirPods Max
534
/
Released
2020
AirPods Max deliver stunningly detailed, high-fidelity audio. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for sound that surrounds you. Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation to remove unwanted noise. Transparency mode to comfortably hear the world around you.
Check Amazon
Apple deserves credit for making its entire Apple Music catalog available in Lossless (ALAC) up to 24-bit/192 kHz and adding Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos at no extra cost, while creating Personalized Spatial Audio that uses an iPhone's TrueDepth camera to scan your ears and head to build an individualized HRTF profile applied across Apple devices. The brand has also engineered a proprietary lossless, ultra-low-latency wireless link between Apple Vision Pro and specific AirPods models that bypasses standard Bluetooth limits, and created the open-sourced Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) that makes its lossless format royalty-free.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively quiets the outside world.
  • Transparency mode sounds natural, as if you're not wearing headphones.
  • Exceptional build quality, using premium materials like aluminum and stainless steel.
  • Seamless integration with iOS devices, easy pairing, and automatic switching between Apple devices.
  • Spatial audio provides an immersive surround sound experience, and dynamic head tracking works well

Product Considerations

  • The case offers very little protection and is often criticized for its design.
  • They are relatively heavy, which can cause discomfort over long periods.
  • They only support AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs.
  • No power button.
  • Earcups can get dirty, and replacement earcups are expensive

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • AirPods Max can at times be better at blocking speech than Sony WH-1000XM4/XM5 models, but the Sony models generally block constant, consistent noises better.
  • The AirPods Max and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700/QuietComfort Ultra models are neck and neck.

Takeaway: The AirPods Max is great for Apple users because they work easily with other Apple devices, produce great sound, and come with good noise cancelling and a unique design. They can be a good purchase if these features are valued.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Apple deserves credit for making its entire Apple Music catalog available in Lossless (ALAC) up to 24-bit/192 kHz and adding Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos at no extra cost, while creating Personalized Spatial Audio that uses an iPhone's TrueDepth camera to scan your ears and head to build an individualized HRTF profile applied across Apple devices. The brand has also engineered a proprietary lossless, ultra-low-latency wireless link between Apple Vision Pro and specific AirPods models that bypasses standard Bluetooth limits, and created the open-sourced Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) that makes its lossless format royalty-free.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Master & Dynamic
MW75
599
/
Released
2022
The MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones deliver detailed, serious acoustics and custom-tailored sound with 40mm Beryllium drivers and Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation for the perfect combination of sound and silence. Choose to listen in Adaptive, MAX, or All Day ANC modes for more tailored listening.
Check Amazon
Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Premium build quality with materials like lambskin leather, aluminum, and tempered glass, gives it a solid and luxurious feel
  • Comfortable for extended wear, due to soft memory foam padding on earcups and headband, and a balanced headband
  • Balanced sound signature with warm bass, clean mids, and well-defined treble, making it suitable for various music genres
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) significantly reduces low-frequency sounds
  • Comprehensive package includes various adapters for different connections, and a hard-shell carrying case for protection

Product Considerations

  • The earcup size might be too small for some users, potentially affecting comfort and seal
  • Some reviewers found the clamping force to be loose, which could be an issue for active use
  • Audible hiss can be noticeable when ANC is activated
  • The app lacks a customizable graphic EQ
  • Ambient mode is subtle and might not let in as much surrounding sound as competing models

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Master & Dynamic MW75 delivers above-average ANC performance, but it is not class-leading
  • Compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has an audible ANC hiss

Takeaway: The Master & Dynamic MW75 are stylish and comfortable headphones that deliver excellent audio quality and decent noise cancellation. They are a great choice for those looking for a premium listening experience and appreciate high-quality materials.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Master & Dynamic
MW75 Neuro
699
/
Released
2024
Developed in partnership with Neurable, the MW75 Neuro Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones offer a unique listening experience to help you work smarter. EEG sensors track your brain's electrical signals and use a BCI to translate them into information to enhance concentration, avoid burnout, and boost productivity, through the Neurable app. The headphones deliver rich, warm sound with three modes of ANC making them the ideal focus tool.
Check Amazon
Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Innovative brain-tracking features provide data on focus levels
  • High-quality build and premium materials provide a luxury feel
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Provides insights into focus patterns and productivity

Product Considerations

  • Expensive, making it a luxury product
  • Default sound profile may not appeal to everyone, overly bright or V-shaped tuning
  • Brain-tracking features only work wirelessly when connected to the app
  • Battery life is significantly reduced with EEG monitoring and ANC enabled
  • Noise rejection on the mic could be better

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The MW75 Neuro has a focus-tracking feature, the original Master & Dynamic MW75 offers better isolation and improved bass response due to different earpads

Takeaway: The MW75 Neuro is a premium pair of headphones that offers brain-tracking, potentially helping understand and improve focus. If interested in the intersection of audio and neurotechnology, these headphones could be a worthwhile investment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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