Audio-Technica ATH W1000x Review | 93 Data compared

Audio-Technica ATH W1000x Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£600
  • Avg. price in US: ~$700
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH W1000x review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

7.2

Sound

20.0%

4.0

Features

10.0%

5.0

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    4.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    18.0%

    ?

    Weight

    16.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    4.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.1
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    14.0%

    4.0

    Companion app

  • 7.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    ?

    Weight

    24.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • audio-technica-ath-w1000x
audio-technica-ath-w1000x

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £600

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-W1000X Grandioso is a high-fidelity, closed-back dynamic headphone featuring large 53mm drivers with a 2-part magnetic circuit, a broad frequency response of 5Hz–42,000Hz, 42-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 100 dB/mW. Characterised by its elegant American black cherry wood housings and a lightweight 350g build, it utilizes a 3D Wing Support system for comfort and a 3-metre PC-OCC cable ending in a gold-plated 6.3mm wooden-sleeve plug. Main pros include its refined, warm, and airy sound signature that excels in female vocals and jazz, exceptional organic tonality, and a surprisingly spacious soundstage for a closed model. However, notable cons include a lack of deep bass impact, occasional sibilance due to a treble peak near 10kHz, and a non-detachable cable.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audio-Technica ATH W1000x

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.8
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a technical score of 5.79 points, which is lower than that of 56.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 73.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

7.4

Price

6.3
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 92.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: HIGH

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: HIGH

53 mm
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x uses a driver size of 53 mm, larger driver size than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: LOW

yes
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: LOW

wired
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: LOW

no
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Audio-Technica
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: LOW

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

350 g
Audio-Technica ATH W1000x weighs 350 g, heavier than 91.1% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: LOW

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: LOW

?
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Audio-Technica ATH W1000x vs the average pair of headphones

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: HIGH

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.53 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 22,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.42000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.55 mm vs 44 mm
  • 20x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (2000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (2000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.2000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 23.01 dB higher max SPL
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (133 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (133 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.133.01 dB vs 110 dB
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 11 mm more spacious earcup width
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 mm larger driver size
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 22,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 20x higher input power handling
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (2000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • 23.01 dB higher max SPL
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (133 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 60.6% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is heavier than the average pair of headphones (350 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • No battery indicator
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 older release date
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    January 2010
  • 60.6% higher weight
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is heavier than the average pair of headphones (350 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <150 g

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is heavier than the average pair of headphones (350 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.350 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 6.67x more expensive
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£600 vs £90).
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£600 vs £90).£600 vs £90
  • No battery indicator
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
    When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.

    Importance: LOW

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 16.4% worse value for money
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.26 vs 7.279).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.26 vs 7.279).6.26 vs 7.28
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Audio-Technica ATH W1000x is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH W1000x and other products in the Headphones category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH W1000x?

  • Beautiful design featuring premium high-gloss American black cherry wood earcups
  • Very easy to drive even with low-power portable sources due to low impedance and high sensitivity
  • Warm, musical, and engaging sound signature that is highly enjoyable for relaxed or low-volume listening
  • Excellent midrange performance that makes vocals, acoustic instruments, and jazz sound intimate and detailed
  • Wide, expansive soundstage with decent spatial depth for a closed-back headphone design
  • Lightweight build and comfortable ear pads that prevent hotspots during long sessions

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH W1000x?

  • The 3D Wing Support headband system provides a loose or light clamping force that slips easily during movement
  • Bass lacks sub-bass extension, showing a noticeable roll-off in the lowest frequencies
  • Noticeable upper-midrange coloration that can occasionally sound honky, nasal, or unnatural with certain tracks
  • Limited genre versatility, performing poorly with fast, aggressive music like rock, metal, or electronic
  • Frequent use of plastic components on the structural joints despite the high-end price tag
  • The stock 3-meter cable is fixed (non-detachable) and can feel cheap or retain memory kinks

Video reviews

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