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Fostex Th 600 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£680
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Fostex Th 600 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

5.0

Good

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £680

Best rankings

Verdict

The Fostex TH600 is a premium closed-back dynamic headphone featuring 50mm 'Biodyna' diaphragm drivers paired with a powerful 1-tesla magnetic circuit, housed in a lightweight magnesium die-cast shell. It offers a technical specification of 25 ohms impedance, 94 dB/mW sensitivity, and a wide frequency response of 5 Hz to 45,000 Hz, making it relatively easy to drive. Main characteristics include a V-shaped sound signature with authoritative, well-controlled bass, crisp and energetic treble, and an uncharacteristically expansive soundstage for a closed design. Pros include its exceptional comfort, high-quality braided 3m Y-type cable, and detailed transparency. Notable cons are its recessed midrange, which can sound pushed back, a non-detachable cable, and isolation levels that do not fully meet typical closed-back expectations.

Technical Specifications of Fostex Th 600

Overall score

5.0

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?

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.

Sound

6.2

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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

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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

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

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

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Calls & Controls

2.9

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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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

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

N/A

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

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

2.9

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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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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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

N/A

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

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

N/A

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: LOW

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

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Battery

7.8

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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: MEDIUM

N/A

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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

4.2

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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: MEDIUM

Fostex

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: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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Fostex Th 600 vs the average headphone

Why is Fostex Th 600 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Fostex Th 600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% 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: LOW
Fostex Th 600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Fostex Th 600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 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: MEDIUM
Fostex Th 600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
13 Hz lower bass extension
Fostex Th 600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (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
Fostex Th 600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
25,000 Hz higher treble extension
Fostex Th 600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 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: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Fostex Th 600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.45000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
USB-C charging
Fostex Th 600 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.
Importance: LOW
Fostex Th 600 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Fostex Th 600 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (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
Fostex Th 600 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
18x higher input power handling
Fostex Th 600 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,800 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
Fostex Th 600 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,800 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1800 mW vs 100 mW
1.8 m more useful cable length
Fostex Th 600 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Fostex Th 600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Fostex Th 600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Fostex Th 600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
25,000 Hz higher treble extension
Fostex Th 600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
18x higher input power handling
Fostex Th 600 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,800 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
USB-C charging
Fostex Th 600 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.

Why is Fostex Th 600 worse than the average headphone?

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69.7% higher weight
Fostex Th 600 is heavier than the average headphone (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Fixed cable
Fostex Th 600 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Fostex Th 600 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Fostex Th 600 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Fostex Th 600 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Fostex Th 600 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No voice assistant support
Fostex Th 600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Fostex Th 600 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
March 2012
69.7% higher weight
Fostex Th 600 is heavier than the average headphone (370 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: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Fostex Th 600 is heavier than the average headphone (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.370 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Fostex Th 600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone 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
Fostex Th 600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Fostex Th 600 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone 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: MEDIUM
Fostex Th 600 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Fostex Th 600 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Fostex Th 600 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
7.56x more expensive
Fostex Th 600 is more expensive than the average headphone (£680 vs £90).
Fostex Th 600 is more expensive than the average headphone (£680 vs £90).£680 vs £90
4.65x less popular
Fostex Th 600 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Fostex Th 600 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
20.8% worse value for money
Fostex Th 600 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.57 vs 6.736).
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.
Fostex Th 600 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.57 vs 6.736).5.57 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Fostex Th 600 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Fostex Th 600 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Fostex Th 600 and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Fostex Th 600?

Powerful and well-controlled sub-bass with deep impact
Expansive soundstage and imaging for a closed-back design
High level of technical detail and resolution
Incredibly comfortable for long listening sessions due to lightweight magnesium build and soft pads
Easy to drive even with modest amplification
Durable and premium build quality with magnesium cups and braided cable

What customers dislike about Fostex Th 600?

Recessed midrange that can make vocals feel thin or lacking body
High-end treble can be slightly sibilant or sharp (often requiring burn-in)
Non-detachable cable makes maintenance and replacement difficult
Poor isolation for a closed-back headphone; significant sound leakage
Pleather pads can cause ears to heat up over extended periods
Lower clamping force may lead to an insecure fit for some users

Expert reviews

ohm-image.net

23/04/2013

ohmage to the Fostex TH600

The Fostex TH600 is a closed-back dynamic headphone with 50mm biodynamic drivers that delivers a crisp, fast, and highly detailed sound signature. It features a slightly V-shaped sound curve with strong, deep bass and detailed treble, making it excellent for trance music, studio work, and classical recordings. The headphones stand out for their wide instrument placement and fast...Read more

superbestaudiofriends.org

08/10/2016

Fostex TH600 Measurements and Impressions - Super Best Audio Friends

The Super Best Audio Friends review highlights the Fostex TH600 as a fun, U-shaped headphone with high-quality, controlled bass and a surprisingly expansive, airy soundstage for a closed-back model. Despite low distortion, performance is marred by a recessed midrange and a sharp, 10kHz treble peak, alongside a non-detachable, heavy cable. While deemed superior to older alternatives,...Read more

headphone.guru

16/09/2015

Fostex TH-600: Luxury In Stealth - Headphone Guru

The Fostex TH-600 is a premium, closed-back headphone that features a stealthy matte-black design utilizing lightweight Idemitsu Grancuir eggshell protein leather and fingerprint-resistant magnesium cups. Delivering a powerful, V-shaped sound signature, it excels with an uncharacteristically large, circular soundstage and incredible sub-bass authority that reaches down to the 20Hz...Read more

headfonics.com

09/04/2015

Lawton Fostex TH600 Review - Headfonics

The Headfonics review of the Lawton-modified Fostex TH600 highlights a comfortable, high-quality build featuring premium Lawton Angle Pads and a supple headband. Sonically, it is described as a "basshead" dream with immense, punchy low-end and a massive, airy soundstage rarely found in closed-back designs. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a heavily...Read more

soundonsound.com

15/02/2015

Fostex TH600 - Sound on Sound

The Fostex TH600 is a premium, luxury pair of closed-back headphones designed to compete at the high end of the market, featuring deep earcups with comfortable protein-based earpads and a durable, lightweight metal frame. In terms of audio performance, the "bio-dynamic" 50mm drivers deliver a detailed, articulate sound with a prominent but controlled bass and crisp, non-fatiguing...Read more

cnet.com

12/05/2013

Take it to the limit: Fostex TH600 headphones - CNET

The Fostex TH600 ($1,299) is a premium, closed-back headphone featuring large 50mm drivers and a powerful 1-tesla magnetic circuit. Weighing 370 grams, it is built with high-end materials including die-cast magnesium earcups and luxurious Idemitsu Grancuir leather-covered earpads and headband. It stands out for its exceptional comfort, speed, and transparency, digging incredibly...Read more

headfonia.com

21/03/2013

Fostex: TH600 and TH900 Review - Headfonia

The Headfonia review of the Fostex TH600 and TH900 identifies both as standout closed-back headphones, with the TH900 flagship significantly outperforming the TH600 in technical capabilities while offering a more V-shaped sound. The TH900 is highlighted for its addictive, controlled bass, immense soundstage, and stunning Bordeaux lacquer cups, though it features a heavily recessed...Read more

connect.de

03/07/2013

Fostex TH-600 Review - connect

The Fostex TH-600 is a high-end headphone designed as a streamlined, more affordable alternative to the brand's flagship TH-900 reference model, targeting a retail price of around €1,000. To reduce costs while keeping build standards high, Fostex swapped out the TH-900’s handcrafted, Urushi-lacquered cherry wood ear cups for a more understated, matte-black magnesium housing lined...Read more

modernhifi.de

28/07/2015

Fostex TH-600 Review: Over-Ear Headphones | MODERNHIFI

The Fostex TH-600 is a premium, open-back over-ear headphone that balances top-tier performance with a lightweight magnesium die-cast design. Weighing 370 grams, it features comfortable, protein-based vegan leather ear pads that completely enclose the ears. Inside, it utilizes 50mm Biodyna drivers made from pressed natural fibers, powered by a 1 Tesla neodymium magnet system. This...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

[No date provided]

Fostex TH-600 review at kopfhoerer.de

The Fostex TH-600 is a closed-back, over-ear reference headphone that stands out for its high-quality magnesium housing, excellent build quality, and surprisingly lightweight design. It provides high wearing comfort with minimal, non-fatiguing clamping pressure, making it suitable for long listening sessions. The ear cups are made of soft protein leather and offer a generous fit...Read more

maplatine.com

Date non spécifiée

Fostex TH-600 Hi-Fi Headphones - maPlatine.com

The review highlights the Fostex TH-600 as a premium, high-performance hi-fi headphone from the established Japanese audio brand. According to the expert evaluation, its core strengths lie in an expansive dynamic range, exceptionally low distortion, and a highly balanced sound profile. Equipped with 50 mm bio-dynamic membranes powered by a 1-Tesla neodymium magnetic circuit, it...Read more

radioclassique.fr

19/05/2014

Fostex TH-600 Headphones - Radio Classique

The Fostex TH-600 headphones offer a premium audio experience by combining the immersive spaciousness of high-end speakers with the meticulous detail retrieval of a closed-back headphone. Priced at 795 €, this Japanese-made model features massive 5-centimeter dynamic drivers housed in a generous, matte black coque structure that completely envelopes the ears. Technically designed...Read more

audio-creative.nl

28/02/2014

A DIY super tweeter for the Klonwall (Discusses Fostex testing/comparisons)

In this DIY audio review, Marco Bouwer explores the benefits of adding a high-end supertweeter, specifically the Fostex T900A, to the custom "Klonwall" horn loudspeaker system. Although the Klonwall's built-in Stage Line MHD-190 tweeter already covers a standard 4 to 20 kHz frequency range, Bouwer argues that a dedicated supertweeter enhances the overall presentation by generating...Read more

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