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
- Engineered for super accurate reproduction of all music, it won't editorialize, instead, it will give you the music how it was meant to sound
- Features dual ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC chips for its DAC
- Simple to use and set up, attach your source, play it, adjust your volume, and enjoy
- High-end DAC built in
- Can bring your attention to detail without overdoing it, and this applies to its soundstaging, too
- Flexible, transparent phono stage
- Excellent musical qualities
- Plays well when paired with other top products
- Excellent engineering and execution
- Excellent bass response
- Natural rhythm and pace qualities
- Very musical and not at all sterile
- Measures well on the bench
- Uses dual toroidal transformers to isolate digital and analog power supply feeds to reduce noise and distortion
- Has impeccable bench test results
- Soundstage was solid throughout the track, as you could hear all of the small details that are in this dense piece of digital music with a wide, open presentation
- Rotel is a blue-chip audiophile brand and, with Michi representing their flagship products, it is hard to imagine that this product wouldn't hold its value well in the used market
- Very flexible hook-up and usage options
Product Considerations
- The size and weight of the preamplifier could be an issue for people with smaller equipment racks
- The volume could be more granular in terms of its increments, both up and down
- There is no HDMI connectivity
- Does not stream digital music (except for the Bluetooth capability)
- The only "problem" was that these functions were menu-based and not accessible directly from hard buttons and/or knobs on the front panel or remote control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sonically, Rotel Michi P5 Series 2 and Anthem STR are very similar and it was difficult at times to tell them apart, however, Anthem allows the consumer to personalize their sound with things like ARC room correction, and being able to personalize each input, while the Rotel Michi P5 Series 2 takes the more straightforward and traditional route, and focuses on the sound more directly
Takeaway: The Rotel Michi P5 Series 2 is a very flexible and excellent preamplifier that produces the best possible sound and does not editorialize anything you hear. It is easy to set up and use and is designed to deliver an even higher level of performance.
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
P5 Series 2
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
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 485 × 150 × 452mm (19" × 6" × 17.75")
- Front Panel Height: 132mm (5.25")
- Power Consumption: 40W
- Standby Power Consumption: Normal: <0.5W, Network Wakeup: <2W
- Net Weight: 22.9kg (50.5lbs)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.002% (20Hz-20kHz)
- Frequency Response: Line Level Inputs: 10Hz - 100kHz (±0.3dB), Digital Inputs: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.3dB)
- S/N Ratio: Line Level Inputs: 116dB, Digital Inputs: 100dB
- Output Level: Unbalanced (RCA): 1V, Balanced (XLR): 2V
- Digital Input Support: LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz), USB Audio Class 2 (up to 32-bit/384kHz)
Description
Immerse yourself in performance with the Michi P5 Series 2 Preamplifier rendering digital audio with dual 8-channel high precision ESS SABRE ES9028PRO Digital to Analog converters specially configured in MONO mode. Redundant processing by 8 DAC circuits per channel extracts rich details from the music with an ultra-quiet noise floor on an exceptionally wide sound stage.
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:
- Rotel manufactures its own toroidal transformers, allowing precise control over power delivery and contributing to the robust build quality of their products.
- They frequently incorporate a fully functional moving magnet phono stage into their amplifiers, catering to vinyl enthusiasts with a high signal-to-noise ratio.
- Rotel products offer a "straightforward" design philosophy that prioritizes excellent sound quality and ease of use, rather than extensive customization options.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Rotel S14
- Positioning: An integrated network streamer, offering an all-in-one solution for music streaming.
- Description: Provides convenient access to a vast catalog of online music, delivering 150 Watts of Class AB power. Features a 32-bit ESS DAC for high-resolution audio. Compared to other Rotel products, the integration of streaming services and Roon Ready certification provides a seamless experience for those prioritizing ease of use and modern connectivity.
Rotel RAS-5000
- Positioning: A high-performance integrated streaming amplifier designed to enhance home entertainment systems.
- Description: Offers 220 Watts of Class AB power. Includes advanced features like HDMI ARC and aptX HD Bluetooth, distinguishing it from other Rotel models by providing superior connectivity options for home theater setups.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
476
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
4
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
35
Founding Year
1957
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our interview with the brand
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Used
Rotel
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is achieved with precise and accurate reproduction, enhanced clarity and depth
- Versatile input options include S/PDIF, TOSLink, AES/EBU, BNC, USB, and optional HDMI, offering compatibility with various digital devices
- Excellent build quality is exhibited in its solid, retro-German appearance with high-quality materials
- Separate PCM and DSD processing use path separation technology with independent converters optimized for each media type
- Effective de-jittering employs T+A's De-Jitter Masterclock to minimize timing errors from connected digital components
Product Considerations
- A network audio input is absent, limiting standalone use without the MP200 music player
- Limited analog connectivity means the desired balanced analog input could enhance the preamplifier section's capabilities
- Remote control is reported to be far from intuitive, despite its solid build
- Output voltage in fixed mode may be lower than expected, requiring the use of the variable output setting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to iFi Pro iDSD, the DAC 200 outperforms as a reference
- Compared to Linn Organik series DACs and MSB Premier DAC, the lush playback recalls more expensive options
Takeaway: The T+A DAC 200 is a versatile and high-performing DAC with many inputs that delivers great sound quality. Its robust build quality and comprehensive features make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a top-tier digital-to-analog converter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with detail and an expansive soundstage
- Functions as a preamplifier with both digital and analogue inputs and analogue volume control
- Features Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology using a memory buffer to reclock audio data
- Has a dual-chassis design with copper shielding for electrical isolation
- Gains greater clarity and clout with everything from driving rock to complex classical music
Product Considerations
- The AURALiC control app (Lightning DS) is only compatible with Apple iOS devices and not Android
- Has only one analogue input, which might be limiting for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega G2.2 preferred to a DAC that cost 5x more
Takeaway: The Vega G2.2 is a great streaming DAC and preamplifier that is easy to use. It can be slotted into a system to immediately bring more clarity, soundstage, and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
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AURALiC
Aries G2.2
6099
6099
/
7
Reviews
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
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Aavik
Aavik D-180
7200
7200
/
6
Reviews
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Praised for ultra-transparent sound, accurately converting digital signals into music with no digital signature, resulting in a natural and authentic sound
- Built with extensive noise-suppressing technology to boost clarity and performance
- Provides a very detailed sound without sounding etched or overly detailed
- Delivers a sound geared for well-developed tone, round edges, softness, moisture, hefty bass, density, and a pitch-black background
Product Considerations
- Uses a generic Apple remote, which is functional, but not custom-designed
- Sounds a little on the dark side of neutral
- The analog output only comes with RCA connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a naturally weightier, rounder disposition, while the Lampizator Pacific is quicker, more open, and energetic
Takeaway: The Aavik D-180 is a DAC that focuses on delivering a transparent and natural sound by minimizing noise and accurately converting digital signals. This DAC can hold its ground against competitors if you like the Aavik sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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What competes at this price?
Ferrum
Wandla
2933
/
Released
2023
With WANDLA, we are making a statement to the current and next generation of music lovers. WANDLA represents tomorrow's standard of high end digital-to-analog conversion.
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique features and impressive performance in a compact form factor
- Exceptional build quality
- Larger, responsive, and intuitive touchscreen UI
- Considered by one reviewer to be the best sounding DAC they have heard under $3,000
- Genuinely neutral and lifelike sound signature, without compromising resolving capability
Product Considerations
- Expensive, at $2,800 or 2,800 euros, which is a significant investment
- Limited display viewing angles, due to using a TN panel instead of an IPS, VA, or OLED
- Hypsos power supply is a subtle upgrade, not necessarily worth the extra cost unless already owning other Ferrum products
- Stock power supply is not as good as the Hypsos
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Gustard X18, Wandla lacks the sterile presentation, offering a more genuine neutral sound
- Compared to EverSolo DAC Z8, Wandla is closer to a true neutral sound signature and overall more realistic sounding
- Compared to Holo May KTE, Wandla was happily trading blows on outright soundstage size, and resolution was pretty much on par
- Compared to Chord Dave, Wandla provides similar sound and performance at a more attractive price
- Compared to Rockna Wavedream Signature, Wandla has similar liquidity and refinement but at a fraction of the price
Takeaway: The Wandla is an impressive DAC focused on sound quality, offering a number of unique features and customizability options. It is a great option for those looking for high end sound in a small package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Product Page
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Weiss
DAC204
3495
/
Released
2024
Dare we call the DAC204 a Swiss army knife? It is certainly the most versatile digital-to-analogue converter in Weiss Engineering's product offering. Use the DAC204 for easy switching between multiple units with digital outputs — including a computer or mobile with USB out — and enjoy the pristine and low-jitter conversion to analogue audio from the unit's outputs. The DAC204 can also convert DSD audio to PCM and offers a digital output in the AES/EBU format.
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Precise, accurate, and musical sound, delivering what the disc or file was created to sound like
- Excellent jitter suppression, getting the most out of digital sources
- Versatile, it can be used as a digital format converter
- Weighty, full-bodied—tape or vinyl-like—sound
Product Considerations
- The stock power supply can be improved with a higher quality 6 to 9 volt supply or the Weiss PSU-102
- High-resolution sampling frequencies via USB of 352.8 and 384 are down sampled to half their value at 176.4 and 192
- May be a bit too harsh, even for some systems
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Some reviewers preferred the Weiss DAC204 to the Chord Dave due to impressive detail and holographic 3D imaging, although the Weiss is not as sharp or dynamic
- The DAC204 is considered to be on the same level of sound quality as the Chord Hugo 2 and Chord Cutest
- The DAC204 sounds just like the 501, despite being significantly less expensive and lacking the DSP, preamp, display, and remote control features
- The Weiss DAC204 is more open, dynamic, and punchy, while the Meitner is all about the midrange with beautiful and rich vocals
- The Weiss DAC204 brought more of everything making music sound more present, more physical, and more engaging in comparison to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC
- The main difference noted between the Weiss and the Totaldac d1-unity was one of body and weight
Takeaway: The Weiss DAC204 is a compact and versatile DAC that delivers high-end sound quality. A good fit for those who want a DAC that provides natural, realistic reproduction and accuracy without extra features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
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Laiv
Harmony DAC
2700
/
Released
2023
We're pushing the technology and design limits to bring you outstanding audio experiences. Meet our newest creation: the Precision Crafted DAC. With cutting-edge machining techniques, like CNC (Computer Numerical Control), our DAC raises the bar for audio quality, style, and toughness.
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum and high-quality components.
- Delivers a large soundstage with very good imaging and detail.
- Produces a harmonically rich presentation that R2R enthusiasts seek.
- The unboxing experience is premium, with a metal certificate of authenticity and a remote control made from solid metal.
Product Considerations
- The high output impedance (1200 ohms on XLR) might cause issues when pairing with amplifiers that have unusually low input impedance.
- Optical and coaxial inputs might not deliver the same performance as USB and I2S inputs.
- It is DAC-only unit, so it does not have preamp functionality or volume control.
- Spiked feet could scratch surfaces.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Ares II: The Harmony DAC has more instrument separation and a little bit more detail through USB or I2S.
- Vs Gustard R26: The Harmony DAC is fuller in the bass and lower mid-range with a warmer presentation and wider soundstage through USB or I2S.
- Vs Denafrips Venus II: The Venus sounds bigger with more tangibility to where performers reside and more space between them.
- Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Harmony DAC shares similarities but is slightly more resolving and realistic.
- Vs SMSL Raw Pro: The Harmony DAC is more enjoyable to listen to overall, although the Raw Pro is more detailed.
- Vs HIFIMAN EF400 and EF500: The Harmony DAC is an upgrade in detail retrieval, staging, and treble quality.
Takeaway: The Harmony DAC stands out with its build, engaging sound, and focus on providing a high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Its ability to create a large soundstage and deliver rich detail makes it a solid option for audiophiles looking for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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Matrix Audio
X-Sabre 3
2999
/
Released
2021
With four years of technological expertise and research, Matrix Audio is now ready to announce the X-SABRE 3 and ignite a new generation in the X-SABRE line-up. Housed in a brand-new chassis, with a new user interface and sonic capabilities, the X-SABRE 3 DAC is now transformed to function fully as a network capable streaming host.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully detailed sound signature and plenty of clarity create a rediscovering of your music
- Impressive flagship-level hardware delivers flagship-level results due to the ES9038 Pro chip
- The chassis is well-built with a premium feel due to the use of metal and tempered glass
- A low noise floor exists due to the isolation of power, digital, and analog circuitry in separate compartments inside the chassis
- Versatile streaming capabilities are available, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready certification
Product Considerations
- The screen is small and may not be useful unless you are sitting right next to the unit
- The tempered glass top is a fingerprint magnet
- Menu navigation is not the most intuitive, and there is a bit of a learning curve
- The touch-sensitive buttons have a short lag before the screen displays the change
- Some reviewers feel it does not support a few streaming services natively
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the McIntosh C2600 II preamp with a built-in DAC, the Matrix offers more clarity and transparency
- Compared to the Matrix Element I, the difference is night and day
Takeaway: The X-Sabre 3 is a well-built DAC streamer that provides detailed and clear sound. It is a versatile device that can enhance the listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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MOON
280D
3900
/
Released
2021
Imagine a world of music right at your fingertips. The MOON 280D makes this a reality. Simply launch your favorite music services app on your smart device and pair it to the MOON 280D using Bluetooth technology. Then sit back and enjoy the music.
MOON by Simaudio is known for their warm and natural "MOON sound," achieved through their proprietary Lynx circuit that eliminates global-feedback loop in their amplifiers. Their products feature fully balanced circuitry and customizable interfaces, with designs that minimize noise and distortion while revealing intricate audio details without harshness.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide variety of digital input sources and balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs
- The MiND 2 streaming platform and app offer a reliable user experience
- Delivers clean and subtle sound with good dynamic performance
Product Considerations
- Lacks a front panel display for detailed information
- Does not have a headphone output
- The remote is limited, requiring the MiND Controller app for full functionality
- There's no USB-A input
- Bluetooth connection may drop out occasionally
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 280D sounds almost identical to Cambridge Audio's Edge NQ
- Compared to Leema's Stream IV, vocals, especially female artists, came through with a luxuriant, more refined sense
- Compared to the Meitner MA-1, the Moon Neo's soundstages were somewhat more broad and deep, and was warmer and richer
Takeaway: The Simaudio Moon 280D is a high-performing streaming DAC that offers a wide range of digital input sources and outputs. The MiND 2 streaming platform and app provide a reliable and enjoyable user experience, making it worth considering for those wanting a DAC with great sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MOON by Simaudio is known for their warm and natural "MOON sound," achieved through their proprietary Lynx circuit that eliminates global-feedback loop in their amplifiers. Their products feature fully balanced circuitry and customizable interfaces, with designs that minimize noise and distortion while revealing intricate audio details without harshness.
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