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

  • Dynamic, detailed, 3D soundstage that projects into the room
  • Excels at reproducing the subtleties and nuance of vocals with seldom-noticed breathing and other ambient sounds clearly heard
  • Produces a healthy amount of bass on its own for its size
  • Precise imaging and wide soundstage
  • Fabulous industrial design and finish quality

Product Considerations

  • Installation requires careful measurement and drilling for wall mounting, with limited opportunity to adjust position after installation
  • Hiding cables can be challenging, potentially requiring in-wall wiring for a clean look
  • The binding post space leaves enough room for speaker cables, but more space would be nice
  • Needs enough room to fully breathe—sounds smoother with less midrange congestion when mounted vs leaning on a wall
  • May need a subwoofer to provide low midrange/upper bass capabilities

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • PWM2s delivered all the deep notes wanted compared to upgrading to the four-woofer per cabinet PWM3s
  • As surround channels, the PWM2s were a much closer match to the Synchrony 600s in treble and detail than the PWM3

Takeaway: The PWM2 is a high-performance on-wall speaker that delivers great sound and looks good with modern TVs. It offers a versatile solution for home theaters and music listening, with a focus on detail and a wide soundstage.

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

PWM2

reviews

[{"title":"PSB PWM2 - Sound Advice Review","link":"https://www.sound-advice.online/product-reviews/psb-pwm2","source":"Sound Advice","datePublished":""},{"title":"PSB PWM2s Offer Elegant On-Wall Theater Sound","link":"https://www.cepro.com/audio-video/hands-on-psb-pwm2s-elegant-on-wall-theater-sound-review","source":"CE Pro","datePublished":""},{"title":"PSB Speakers Synchrony B600 & PWM Home Theater Speakers Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/live/u735VPfEARU","source":"Shane Lee","datePublished":"2022"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response On Axis @ 0° ±3dB: 70 - 23,000Hz
  • LF Cutoff -10dB: 40Hz
  • Sensitivity Anechoic Chamber: 86dB
  • Sensitivity Listening Room: 89dB
  • Impedance Nominal: 8 Ohms
  • Impedance Minimum: 6 Ohms
  • Tweeter: 1" (25mm) Titanium Dome with Ferrofluid
  • Midrange: 2 x 3" (75mm) Carbon Fibre Cone Rubber Surround Cast Basket
  • Woofer: 2 x 4" (100mm) Carbon Fibre Cone Rubber Surround Cast Basket
  • Design Type: Bass Reflex
  • Cabinet: MDF
  • Size (W x H x D): 36" x 6.5" x 3.38" (914mm x 165mm x 85mm)
  • Depth With Grill: 3.5" (90mm)
  • Available Finishes: Satin Black, Satin White
Experience audio excellence with the PSB PWM2. This ultra-slim on-wall speaker delivers an expansive soundstage, whether mounted vertically or horizontally. Advanced driver and cabinet design ensure remarkable sound dispersion, tonal balance, and bass extension. With its elegance and versatility, the PWM2 combines installation flexibility, elegant design, and renowned PSB sound.
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:

  • PSB's loudspeaker designs, refined at Canada's National Research Council for 50 years, emphasize wide bandwidth, low distortion, and broad, even dispersion.
  • The brand offers exceptional value by using lessons learned from flagship Synchrony lines in more affordable speakers, often outperforming competitors at similar price points.
  • Unlike many brands, PSB resists the urge to design cost-no-object loudspeakers, remaining committed to creating high-end audio components that people can afford.
  • They have developed their own Amplitude Perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th order crossover, featuring high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire for precise driver control.

Alpha T20 Tower

  • Positioning: The entry-level model in the PSB lineup, offering an affordable yet high-quality audio experience.
  • Description: Delivers a rich and full-bodied sound with its dual 5 ¼" woofers and ¾" aluminum dome tweeter, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Unlike the more expensive models, it focuses on providing excellent sound quality at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for those who want good sound without breaking the bank.

Imagine T65

  • Positioning: A mid-range offering in the PSB lineup, providing a balance of performance and price.
  • Description: Stands out with its 3-way dual bass reflex design, offering deep bass and clear highs, making it suitable for both music and home theater use. It provides a more refined sound compared to the Alpha series, with better bass response and higher power handling.

Passif 50

  • Positioning: A special edition model celebrating PSB's 50th anniversary, positioned as a premium offering with a vintage aesthetic.
  • Description: Combines retro design with modern technology, featuring a 1" titanium dome tweeter and a 6.5" woofer with an 8" passive radiator for precise bass. It offers a unique blend of nostalgia and advanced audio performance, setting it apart from the more modern-looking models like the Imagine T65.

Synchrony T800 Tower

  • Positioning: The flagship model in the PSB lineup, offering the highest level of performance and craftsmanship.
  • Description: The groundbreaking Synchrony T800 Tower is engineered for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience, with its advanced motor structure and sophisticated crossover design for minimal distortion and high sound pressure levels. It surpasses other models in the lineup with its superior build quality and acoustic performance, making it ideal for large rooms and those who desire the best soundstage and clarity. Its premium price reflects its top-tier status, offering features and sound quality that justify the investment for serious audio enthusiasts.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
87
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
52
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
41
Founding Year
1972

Our take on the brand

Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.

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
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Focal
On Wall 302
1599
1599
/
4
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Versatile design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, on-wall or freestanding configurations
  • Clear dialog and well-sorted audio elements are produced for movies
  • Accurate imaging creates a strong phantom center channel effect
  • Sleek and modern aesthetics fit well in various spaces
  • Clear midrange and spirited highs provide good sound quality for both movies and music
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts without a subwoofer
  • Small hole for speaker wire in the stand pole may be too small for some speaker cables with spade connectors
  • Speakers need to be closer to the wall to reinforce bass

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Focal On Wall 302 offers more versatility in application, while the Focal Vestia No. 2 has more designer finish

Takeaway: The Focal On Wall 302 is a versatile speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and offers a modern, sleek design that fits into various home theater or music setups. These speakers are a great choice for those looking for unobtrusive, elegant speakers that perform well for both movies and music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dali
Rubikore
2500
2500
/
3
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Nice bass extension down to about 40, 45 Hertz in the room
  • Very low distortion and good dynamic range
  • Excellent resolution throughout the frequency range
  • Hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage
  • Well-constructed and well-engineered

Product Considerations

  • The speaker sounds a little too laid back in the mid-range
  • High frequency has a lot of sizzle or pop, the level of the tweeter stands out more above the mid-range
  • Without some equalization or some sidewall absorption, it is a tough sell
  • SMC material reduces third harmonic distortion, and some people may feel that it is too polite
  • May need a cooler and livelier amplifier to get the best sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Neat Elite Classics are only just a little less capable at shifting air at low frequencies and are a little more balanced tonally, whereas the Dali's are a little recessed in the upper mid-range

Takeaway: The Dali Rubicon 6s are well-engineered speakers that offer excellent resolution throughout the frequency range. The hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Axiom
M60 (On-wall)
2437
2437
/
3
Reviews
Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Great sound and is considered one of the greatest audio bargains
  • Even tonal balance, very neutral, and offers a balance of detail and exceptional musicality
  • Creates a credible soundstage and reveals detail in well-recorded material, with a wide stage extending beyond the speakers and conveying depth
  • Can play loudly with minimal effort due to its 89dB sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance
  • Superb imaging, especially with two-channel listening

Product Considerations

  • High-end finishes increase the price significantly
  • Some reviewers find the grills flimsy
  • Some reviewers found the speaker install difficult
  • The height of the tweeter was a bit low for one reviewer, causing the soundstage to feel low at times
  • Some reviewers find Axiom speakers as a whole as unforgiving or too bright

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to PSB Platinum M2 and Usher X-718, the Axiom M60 v2 could play much louder and go far lower in the bass
  • Compared to Onix Rocket RS450s, there's a considerably increased size of the soundstage

Takeaway: The Axiom M60 v2 speakers are a great value for their excellent performance and ability to draw one into their music. With a seemingly boundless dynamic range, they bring music to life and can be a solid choice if space allows.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (In-wall)
1099
1099
/
3
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
  • Excellent build and finish quality
  • Slim design allows it to be hung on the wall like a picture
  • Employs true 3-way full range drivers with pivoting Inverted Dual Concentric mid-range/tweeter modules, and C-CAM bass drivers
  • Clever drive unit arrangement ensures that imaging is excellent

Product Considerations

  • Midrange colouration can harm timing, potentially leading to a slightly congested presentation with complex rhythms
  • Bass presence is limited due to the sealed-box design
  • Without the grilles, the speakers have a stark, industrial look

Takeaway: The SoundFrame offers both stylish design and impressive sound quality, making it a good choice for those who want their speakers to blend seamlessly with their home decor. Its innovative features and well-built construction make it a worthwhile investment.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Focal
Theva Surround
649
/
Released
2023
Theva Surround is the wall-mount speaker from the Theva range. It completes your Home Cinema system and can be easily installed in different spots to enjoy total sound immersion. Boasting a TNF tweeter and a Slatefiber cone speaker driver – both exclusive Focal technologies –, it spatialises every listening session for an uncompromising sound experience.
Check Amazon
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Sweet and detailed audio performance with clear instrumental separation and expansive dimensionality
  • Warm and full-bodied bass and midrange
  • Clear yet 'mellow' treble, creating a pleasing sound signature
  • Accurate sound that doesn't do much to color the recording, so listeners get a balanced presentation of the source content
  • Good level of dynamic range for reasonably sized bookshelf speakers, and they can get louder than expected for their size/price class

Product Considerations

  • The laid-back sound may occasionally obscure some definition
  • The speakers run on the cooler side of things, never becoming too indulgent in any aspect and instead providing a sound that is accurate and slightly pulled back, but never muted or lifeless
  • Asymmetry of the phase coherence of their vertical lobe can be a slight problem for anyone listening under the tweeter axis
  • Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Vestia No. 1: Theva offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but is not as immediately striking in detail or treble extension
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Theva is more compact and easier to place, but doesn't look as premium
  • Vs Polk Legend Series L100: Theva has a more laid-back sound profile, making it a better listen in most cases, while the L100 presents a more precise center image

Takeaway: The Theva No. 1 is a great speaker for enjoying detailed and smooth sound without harshness. It's a good option for different types of content, from music to movies, and is especially suited for smaller spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dali
Alteco C-1
600
/
Released
The DALI ALTECO C-1 is a true multipurpose speaker. It adds Atmos, DTS-X and Auro-3D height information to an existing surround setup, and is a discreet on-wall solution for a stereo installation.
Check Amazon
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Designed to deliver delicate Atmos sounds and add height to the surround sound experience
  • Brilliantly built and seem built to last
  • Does an outstanding job in reproducing a cinematic feel
  • They are full-bodied and an easy and engaging listen
  • Can be used discreetly on your living room wall while providing an exceptional stereo listening experience when paired with a subwoofer

Product Considerations

  • With the vinyl wrap, it looks a little bit like Ikea furniture, so it may not be the best option for a classy looking system
  • Speaker terminals use a push fit spring clamp system for very thin wire, which can be annoying
  • When used on top of floor standers, they do not sound as good as when wall-mounted
  • Dolby Atmos content availability may be lacking

Takeaway: The Alteco C1 is a well-built speaker that adds a cinematic feel to a home theatre experience. It is a versatile speaker that can be used in different ways and is a good value for the price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (On-wall)
686
/
Released
The SoundFrame series consists of three sizes of speakers that complement any room. SoundFrame 1 On-Wall adopts the aspect of a typical portrait picture frame and is designed for music and film audio in a front left/right and surround configuration.
Check Amazon
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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
  • Excellent build and finish quality
  • Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
  • Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
  • Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high

Product Considerations

  • Midrange colouration can harm timing
  • Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
  • Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
  • Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
  • SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system

Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
M&K Sound
D95
790
/
Released
2022
M&K Sound, manufacturer of the finest loudspeakers and subwoofers and whose products are "The Choice of Professionals", has introduced the new discreet and design-conscious D Series of loudspeakers, comprising the D85 and D95 models. Optimized for placement on walls, on stands, inside bookshelves or flanking flat-panel TV´s.
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M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Engaging, fast, and accurate performance
  • Superbly made with good build and finish commensurate with the asking price
  • Genuinely flexible in terms of positioning, especially for wall mounting due to its slim profile
  • Impressive detail retrieval combined with a crisp and dynamic presentation

Product Considerations

  • Limited bass extension, likely requiring a subwoofer for most applications
  • Poor speaker terminals that won't happily accept 4mm plugs
  • Not inexpensive

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Spendor A1 outperforms the D95 on a stand or shelf, but the D95 has the edge when wall-mounted
  • D95 differs from ATC HTS series, since there is no center speaker version

Takeaway: The D95 is a great option for spaces where floorspace is limited, delivering a sparkling performance from an easy-to-place enclosure. It's a well-made, versatile speaker that shines when wall-mounted.

Video review

Our take on the brand

M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Magnat
Cinema Ultra RD 200-THX
996
/
Released
One of the 42 mm tweeter cones is located on each sloping side at the centre of the powerful 17 cm subwoofers: The Cinema Ultra RD 200-THX follows the ideal structure of classic dipole speakers. The two tweeters are – as stipulated by THX® – connected together with reversed polarity to produce a diffuse, very three-dimensional soundscape. Because our cone operates in an extremely wide band, the Cinema Ultra RD 200-THX creates this desired diffuse sound field from as low as 1500 hertz.
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Magnat stands out for its pioneering hybrid amplifier technology, particularly with the RV series combining tube preamps and solid-state power stages for precise, warm sound.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The system complies with the demanding THX Ultra 2 standard, requiring exceptional technical characteristics
  • It is designed to create a very immersive soundstage, which integrates the unique vertical dimension offered by Dolby Atmos
  • The LCR 100-THX speaker is a versatile model that can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, allowing it to be used as a left, center, or right speaker
  • The system offers a graceful and benevolent sound restitution, as well as a rise in intensity that is very progressive
  • The pair of subwoofers articulate sound well without being overwhelming

Product Considerations

  • The mids are slightly set back, and the sound signature can seem a bit shy at low listening levels
  • The volume needs to be turned up to get a feeling of natural authority and a soundstage that unfolds fully

Takeaway: The Magnat Cinema Ultra THX 5.2.4 system offers an immersive home cinema experience with a focus on sound quality and control. It is designed to deliver both subtle nuances and powerful audio, making it a great fit for a variety of listening conditions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Magnat stands out for its pioneering hybrid amplifier technology, particularly with the RV series combining tube preamps and solid-state power stages for precise, warm sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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