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
- Very low noise floor, creating a 'CD-like' silence and startling dynamic shifts
- Tonal balance is neutral, inviting the listener to lose themselves in the music
- Offers variable loading to get the best performance from all cartridges
Product Considerations
- Only accepts moving-coil cartridges
- Requires a separate power supply
- Takes an unusually long period of time to 'break in' and reach its full potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aesthetix IO, the Superline has all of the analog goodness, none of the tube hassle
- Compared to Manley Steelhead and Sutherland PhD, the SuperLine is right up there with perennials
- Compared to a popular $1,000 phono preamplifier, the SuperLine had bass line kicks in and sounds flat and uninvolving
Takeaway: The SuperLine is a top-tier phono stage that reveals a lot of information from records with a weight and power that keeps you riveted to your chair with subtlety and nuance. It neither adds nor subtracts from what's in the groove and faithfully offers what you're looking for in any component.
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
SuperLine
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
- THD+N: <0.005% (500μV at 1kHz)
- Analogue inputs: BNC, RCA
- Other inputs: 2 x 5-pin DIN for loading plugs
- Phono charging: 10kΩ, 1k, 500Ω, 220Ω, 100Ω, 100pF, 1nF, 5.6nF, 10nF
- Phono gain: 64dB at 1kHz, SuperLine E: 58dB at 1kHz
- RIAA Accuracy: ±0.1dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
- Dimensions: 314mm x 87mm x 207mm (Depth x Height x Width)
- Weight: 7.7 kg
Description
Vinyl replay makes a huge contribution to the enjoyment of recorded music. At its best, vinyl has a uniquely engaging and musical quality, and with the SuperLine phonostage, the best of vinyl just gets better. The SuperLine is a high performance moving-coil phono stage built in the Naim Audio aluminium reference enclosure with an anodised front panel. It brings Naim Audio's analogue electronic design and environmental isolation techniques to bear on the most delicate analogue element of any hi-fi system - the moving-coil phono signal. The SuperLine requires an external power supply - either the power supply output of an appropriate Naim Audio preamplifier or the SUPERNAIT and NAIT XS integrated amplifiers, or, for optimum performance, a dedicated FlatCap XS, HiCap or SuperCap. SuperLine brings out the best in vinyl replay - timing, pitch accuracy, clarity, detail, and the unmistakable naturalness that records can deliver in abundance.
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:
- Naim devices, such as the Uniti Atom HE and Mu-So 2nd Generation, employ a fully-featured streaming platform that extends from their entry-level products to their flagship ND 555 player.
- The brand uses oversized, beautifully lit volume knobs as a central design element across various product lines, contributing to a tactile user experience.
- Their products are designed to be aesthetically flexible and to be easily incorporated into both high-end and real world listening environments.
- Naim designs components with the potential for future upgrades, such as adding external power supplies, enabling long-term use.
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Select product comparisons
Uniti Atom
- Positioning: The entry-level all-in-one streaming amplifier in the Naim lineup.
- Description: Features a compact design and high-quality sound, making it ideal for small rooms or as a secondary system. It features a 40W per channel amplifier and supports a wide range of streaming services, offering versatility similar to the Uniti Star but at a lower power output and without CD playback capabilities. This makes it a great choice for those with a moderate budget who prioritize streaming and connectivity over physical media.
Uniti Star
- Positioning: Sits in the middle of the Uniti range, offering more features than the Atom but less than the Nova.
- Description: Combines streaming capabilities with CD playback and ripping, which the Atom lacks. It delivers 70W per channel, providing a more powerful sound suitable for larger rooms or those seeking a more dynamic audio experience.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
318
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
8
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
28
Founding Year
1973
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Naim
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What if you spend more?
NAD
M66
5499
5499
/
11
Reviews
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Product Strengths
- Offers a wide range of features rarely seen in a component of this type, including a high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, BluOS streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and a high-quality phono stage
- Includes Dirac Live Bass Control for up to four independent subwoofers, allowing for optimized bass performance and integration, and Dirac Live improves clarity and bass definition
- Uses ESS Sabre DAC chips, known for wide dynamic range and low noise/distortion
- Features a modular design that lets one expand its capabilities, helping to ensure product longevity and up-to-date functionality
- Offers versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR, AES/XLR, and HDMI eARC
Product Considerations
- BluOS is limited to a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
- Does not offer home-theater bypass, though it could be implemented in a future upgrade
- Dirac Live iPhone app not always successful at recognizing microphone
- Touchscreen does not behave in the same way as an EverSolo or a FiiO, because one cannot browse music libraries with it, it is really just for input and settings and just the kind of nitty-gritty of daily use, but not music playback
- Some found the styling a bit overdone, while others appreciated the display
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is considered better overall than the Anthem STR due to a more sophisticated room correction system and a fully featured multiroom streaming platform with wireless capability
- Sounds more lit up top to bottom with greater avidity than PS Audio, and it better exposes surface textures, and layer separation is more easily seen
- The MC input quite clearly resolves more finer detail and it better inks tonal colors compared to the MC phono stage built into the Cambridge Audio Alva TT 2 turntable
Takeaway: The NAD M66 is a sophisticated and feature-rich streaming preamplifier, offering a versatile set of tools for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and optimized bass performance. With its modular design and future-proofing capabilities, the M66 is a great choice for anyone building a high-end hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Incredibly saturated sound packed with information, resulting in a deep and detailed presentation
- Separate gain paths for MM and MC cartridges, optimizing performance for each
- Extremely silent and powerful signal transmission capabilities
- Offers a wide range of settings to optimize performance for any cartridge, including extensive gain and loading options, and dozens of equalization curves
- Parameters can be adjusted on the fly using a custom Mola Mola app
- Design allows it to get out of the way of the music, allowing the music to swell and breathe majestically
Product Considerations
- The new review sample took some 300 hours to stabilize
- A slight faltering of absolute pitch definition and texture below about 40-45 Hz
- Some may find the sound too neutral and challenging—preferring a more lush sound
- With so many parameters to adjust, people may use the unit's abilities as a tone control and stray away from the intended EQ curve
- There are so many options, that it may be changed too far
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier, Lupe reminded the reviewer more of their Class A GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier than the other of my references—ESE Lab Nibiru MC
- Versus ESE Lab Nibiru MC, each of those features could be pointed out as Lupe's advantages, although they were not as prominent as with Nibiru MC
Takeaway: The Mola Mola Lupe is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that delivers a sophisticated and musical sound. Its extensive features and convenient app control make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to optimize their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
Product Page
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Lumin
P1
10000
10000
/
10
Reviews
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Combines a network streamer, DAC, and preamplifier with digital and analog inputs, offering versatility
- Features Leedh Processing lossless volume control, which minimizes distortion and loss of resolution, maintaining sound quality even at high attenuation levels
- High-quality build with an aluminum chassis and a well-designed internal layout, including dual toroidal transformers and a Femto Clock System
- Has three HDMI inputs with 4k passthrough and ARC (Audio Return Channel), making it work as part of a multimedia system
Product Considerations
- Analog input signals are digitized because the P1's volume control operates in the digital domain
- The Lumin app is not as graphically compelling as Roon, nor is it as easy to navigate and manage a music library
- When the volume is set at '100' or the output level is set to 'fixed,' both Leedh and the conventional volume controls are bypassed
- It appears to have no discernible colorations of its own and delivers extremely high resolution, probably more than most systems will be able to realize
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the AURALiC Aries G1.1, the P1 delivers a considerably more realistic, musical, and engaging sound
- Compared to the Copland CSA 100 amplifier, the P1 is a more musical and competent sounding player with greater resolution, extension, dynamics, and ease
Takeaway: The Lumin P1 is a versatile network player, DAC, and preamplifier offering high-quality sound and a wide range of features. It delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Product Page
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Hegel
P30A
8995
8995
/
9
Reviews
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Allows the music to play as intended, with transparency being a key attribute
- Offers excellent control, grip, and dynamic headroom
- Fully balanced design from input to output, maximizing performance with balanced sources
- Provides a very quiet background, improving separation and detail
- Very low noise floor, revealing a lot of detail without sounding analytical
Product Considerations
- The volume control lacks a digital readout
- Minimalist design with a basic remote that some may find lacking
- There are only two XLR inputs
- The simple lines may not appeal to those seeking a visually flashy product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hegel H390, the P30A/H30A surpasses it, making the H390 sound inferior
- Compared to the Luxman M900U, the Hegel H30A exhibits greater soundstage depth
- Compared to the Constellation Revelation Series, the P30A/H30A revealed plenty of sonic information but didn't sound stilted or forced, though Constellation had "peer into the recording" transparency that the Hegel combo probably can't match
- Compared to older Hegel models, the newer models sound more extended and focused in the upper frequencies and are slightly warmer than neutral compared to the older versions' more apparent tilt toward warmth
Takeaway: The Hegel P30A is an excellent preamplifier that prioritizes transparency and control, letting the music shine through with exceptional detail and soundstage depth, and minimal coloration of its own. It ensures a clean, powerful, and natural presentation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
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Product Page
What competes at this price?
Naim
NVC TT
3699
/
Released
2023
Vinyl records have never sounded better than when played with the NVC TT phono preamplifier. This device is designed to work seamlessly with any turntable that uses MC cartridges or MM cartridges. It connects effortlessly to preamplifiers NAC 332 or NSC 222 to deliver crisp, clear audio with stunning clarity and detail.
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality with superb machining and anodizing of the cast aluminum case
- Inky black backgrounds allow one to hear even the most obscured musical details
- User-friendly phono stage with 'auto standby' that consumes less than 0.5W of power and 'instant on' feature that permanently powers the audio circuitry
- Excellent transient response and tight-sounding upper and mid-bass frequencies
- Outstanding dynamic range with realistic micro- and macro-dynamics
- Outputs are either unbalanced RCA or 5-pin DIN
Product Considerations
- The NAP 350 monoblocks only have balanced XLR inputs
Takeaway: The NVC TT phono stage offers exceptional clarity and detail, letting one enjoy their vinyl collection to its fullest potential. Its precise engineering and quiet performance bring out the best in every record.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Product Page
Product Page
Cambridge Audio
Edge NQ
4999
/
Released
Impressively revealing – our most detailed pre-amplifier and network player with StreamMagic award-winning streaming built-in, hand-picked components, and built-in DAC with digital inputs including TV ARC and Bluetooth aptX HD.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a visually pleasing design
- The StreamMagic app is well-made and capable, offering a good user experience
- Delivers music in an extremely lifelike manner, limited more by the source than its own limitations
- Offers a strong musical sense of rhythm across all inputs, contributing to a well-rounded performance
- Presents a clear, bold, and spacious presentation
Product Considerations
- The volume dial may be slightly loose
- Lacks a phono analog input
- The acceptance angle of the remote sensor is limited
- The USB has trouble with large music collections
- The high frequencies can be bright with the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M8Xi: The M8Xi has more power output and exhibits more control over loudspeakers, but lacks the built-in streaming of the Edge NQ
- Vs Naim electronics: The Edge system is neutral, and not as warm as the Naim electronics
- Vs Gold Note DS-10: Provides a bigger soundstage and more detail
- Vs PS Audio DSD Jr: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ and the PS Audio DSD Jr are sonically comparable, but the NQ delivers more precise lateral focus
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ is a versatile, well-designed preamplifier and network streamer that delivers high-quality sound. It provides an enjoyable listening experience, making it a great choice for those seeking both performance and elegant aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Primare
SP25 Prisma
4985
/
Released
2022
The SP25 Prisma is a multi-channel processor designed for both cinephile and audiophile, composed of carefully considered and crafted features and functionality to provide the best home cinema experience for the greatest number of people.
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The SP25 Prisma includes 4K dynamic HDR switching and eARC
- Eleven channels of processing and preamplification
- Dual eight channel DAC chips allow for unique digital to analogue conversion, allocating four channels of conversion when delivering signal to the pair of front left and right analogue outputs
- Versatile, with single ended analog inputs, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, and HDMI inputs
- Prisma streamer, wired and wireless
Product Considerations
- Good surround sound gets expensive fast
- Operation and setup can be complex
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SP25 Prisma lacks the power amplifiers of the SPA25 Prisma, making it only an AV processor or preamplifier
Takeaway: The SP25 Prisma is designed for cinephiles and audiophiles. It provides the best home cinema experience with carefully considered features and functionality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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Holo Audio
Serene
2698
/
Released
2021
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly detailed, clear, and clean sound with musicality, but without sterility
- The KTE version includes a beautiful aluminum remote
- Truth, neutrality, and accuracy, making it fun to listen to music
- Enhanced spatial presentation, adding force and rhythmic nuance
- First class build quality
- It does not have a built-in DAC or phono preamp
Product Considerations
- The buttons on the remote are a bit loose
- It is not possible to directly select inputs, it is necessary to click through
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to ModWright LS-99, the Serene KTE is more accurate and neutral, while the ModWright LS-99 is juicier
- Compared to Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL, the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL added more midrange warmth and flavor
Takeaway: The Serene is a preamplifier that offers a clean and neutral sound, and it is excellent for those who want to hear the sound of other components without coloration. It is built with high-quality components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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AGD
Alto MKII
4999
/
Released
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced design provides less noise and coloration to the sound.
- Supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono cartridges with a high-performance phono stage.
- Passive ladder volume control with precision resistors provides superior channel separation, low distortion, and high signal integrity.
- Superior noise performance and extended bandwidth, with a very low THD+N and wide frequency response.
- Large, high-resolution display is visible from a distance
Product Considerations
- Limited features for its price, lacking an internal DAC, room correction, or bass management.
- Small, non-standard form factor might not match other hifi equipment aesthetically.
- Limited to one balanced input and one balanced output.
- Reviewers noted a chintzy plastic remote that needs to be synced.
- Sensitive to cable changes and may exhibit high-frequency noise if XLR cables are not connected
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Alto was equal in sonic performance to the Amped America AAP-1, but the AAP-1 has dead-neutral tonality.
- There is not a lot missing between the Alto and the Bricasti Design M20 preamplifier in terms of sound, but at a little more than double the price, the Bricasti Design M20 had better dynamics and ultra-fine resolution.
- Both the Alto and the Pass Labs XP-12 stereo preamp are very high-end stereo preamps that do just that—do what they say on the box.
- Trilogy's set emerged rounder, bloomier, more massive, and atmospheric against the quick snappy team AGD that prioritized dynamics, outlines, clarity, and had its spatial projections sensibly more oxygenated.
- The Alto is like the Anthem without the DAC and streamer.
Takeaway: The Alto preamplifier is well-engineered to provide clean, high-quality sound, and it's a good choice for audiophiles who prioritize core preamp functions. It offers great performance for vinyl and digital sources when additional features aren't needed.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
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