Lstn Troubadours Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.3

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%

5.2

Technical Score

20.0%

5.9

User score

Good
5.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

5.9

Connectivity

6.0%

5.3

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

Good
5.9

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 5.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

  • 3.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.8
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 6.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • lstn-troubadours
  • lstn-troubadours
lstn-troubadours
lstn-troubadours

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The LSTN Troubadours are handcrafted on-ear headphones featuring real reclaimed wood ear cups—available in varieties like Zebra, Beech, and Cherry—and 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver a warm, natural sound profile with a frequency response of 18Hz to 22kHz. Key characteristics include a 32-ohm impedance for easy driving by mobile devices, 101dB sensitivity, and a durable 1.2m nylon-wrapped detachable cable with an integrated microphone and remote. Their main advantages lie in their unique eco-friendly aesthetic, surprisingly lightweight 195g build, and social mission where sales support hearing restoration. However, they are often noted for having inconsistent long-term comfort due to an unpadded metal headband, a lack of a protective hard case, and a sound signature that can occasionally lack deep sub-bass or experience distortion at very high volumes.

Technical Specifications of Lstn Troubadours

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

5.9

Connectivity

6.0%

5.3

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

5.2
Lstn Troubadours has a technical score of 5.15 points, which is higher than that of 58.3% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

5.9
Lstn Troubadours has a user score of 5.9 points, which is lower than that of 94.5% of products in this category.
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
Lstn Troubadours has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.7
Lstn Troubadours has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% 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
Lstn Troubadours does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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: 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

40 mm
Lstn Troubadours uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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
Lstn Troubadours uses 1 drivers, 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

18 Hz
Lstn Troubadours reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% 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: MEDIUM

no
Lstn Troubadours does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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: MEDIUM

yes
Lstn Troubadours is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

1
Lstn Troubadours has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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
Lstn Troubadours does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% 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

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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

wireless
Lstn Troubadours supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.1
Lstn Troubadours uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.2% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
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

9 m
Lstn Troubadours offers a Bluetooth range of 9 m, lower Bluetooth range than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
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

?
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

yes
Lstn Troubadours supports multipoint. 35% 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

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

no
Lstn Troubadours does not support EQ customization. 23.3% 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
Lstn Troubadours does not work with a companion app. 44.4% 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: 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

yes
Lstn Troubadours supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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

8 hours
Lstn Troubadours offers battery life of 8 hours, lower battery life than 93.8% of headphones and equal to 3.9% of headphones.
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

2.5 hours
Lstn Troubadours needs 2.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 52.4% of headphones and equal to 12.9% of headphones.
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

yes
Lstn Troubadours supports quick charge. 31% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

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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

Lstn
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

195 g
Lstn Troubadours weighs 195 g, lighter than 57.5% 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: 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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Lstn Troubadours vs the average headphone

  • More flexible connectivity
    Lstn Troubadours offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Lstn Troubadours offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • In-line controls
    Lstn Troubadours includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Lstn Troubadours includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Lstn Troubadours has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
    Charging time 2.5 h. Wireless model with charging support indicates a rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
    When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Lstn Troubadours has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 10.6% lower weight
    Lstn Troubadours is lighter than the average headphone (195 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

    Lstn Troubadours is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.195 g vs 218 g
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Lstn Troubadours has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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

    Lstn Troubadours has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 10.6% lower weight
    Lstn Troubadours is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Lstn Troubadours has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Lstn Troubadours has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Lstn Troubadours offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • In-line controls
    Lstn Troubadours includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 4.7 % higher distortion
    Lstn Troubadours has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 22 hours shorter battery life
    Lstn Troubadours has a lower battery life than the average headphone (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Lstn Troubadours has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 4 years older release date
    Lstn Troubadours was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2013
  • 4.7 % higher distortion
    Lstn Troubadours has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Lstn Troubadours has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 22 hours shorter battery life
    Lstn Troubadours has a lower battery life than the average headphone (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Lstn Troubadours has a lower battery life than the average headphone (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.8 hours vs 30 hours
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    Lstn Troubadours has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Lstn Troubadours has a higher charging time than the average headphone (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 35.6% lower user score
    Lstn Troubadours has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.90 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Lstn Troubadours has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.90 vs 8.000).5.9 vs 8
  • 4.65x less popular
    Lstn Troubadours 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.
    Lstn Troubadours is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 4 years older release date
    Lstn Troubadours was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2013
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Lstn Troubadours was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Lstn Troubadours and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Lstn Troubadours?

  • Eco-friendly construction using reclaimed wood
  • Attractive, unique retro-inspired design
  • Portion of proceeds supports the Starkey Hearing Foundation
  • Lightweight and surprisingly portable for their look
  • Detachable nylon-covered cable increases durability and value
  • Sound signature is warm and generally pleasant for older recordings like classic rock
  • Effective passive noise isolation for daily commuting

What customers dislike about Lstn Troubadours?

  • Uncomfortable headband with little to no padding
  • Awkward fit; triangular ear cups may sit poorly on some ear shapes
  • Bass can become 'soupy' or distorted at higher volumes
  • Limited inline remote lacks volume control
  • Fragile feel despite the use of metal and wood
  • Included carrying pouch offers minimal protection against drops or pressure
  • Priced higher than competitors with similar or better audio performance

Expert reviews

D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019

In the Digital Trends review, Ryan Waniata evaluates the LSTN TroubadourGo, a $150 over-ear headphone model built by a California-based company committed to donating proceeds to the hearing impaired. On the positive side, the headphones feature a highly original design aesthetic utilizing reclaimed wooden ear cups and thin metal accents, which look excellent in marketing images....Read more

N
newatlas.com
22/07/2013

The lstn Troubadour headphones ($150) feature a unique aesthetic crafted from reclaimed, dye-free beech wood sourced from furniture companies, giving them an "old ham radio" look. A notable benefit is their strong charity element, where a portion of proceeds goes to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to restore hearing. Despite having thin headband padding, they are exceptionally...Read more

S
soundguys.com
27/02/2015

The LSTN Troubadour headphones, as reviewed on SoundGuys, deliver an engaging audio performance with a decent soundstage, well-represented high frequencies, and no distortion at high volumes. They are suitable for pure music enjoyment and offer effective passive noise isolation that effectively blocks out nearby conversations. However, the headphones suffer from significant comfort...Read more

P
pcmag.com
02/07/2013

The $150 LSTN Troubadours, featured on PCMag, are handcrafted, vintage-style headphones praised for delivering rich, distortion-free audio with deep lows, crisp highs, and effective passive noise isolation. They feature a durable, detachable braided cable, a useful inline microphone, and support a charitable cause. However, the review highlights significant comfort issues,...Read more

T
the-gadgeteer.com
07/01/2014

The LSTN Troubadours are stylish, retro-aviator-themed headphones constructed from brushed aluminum, chrome, and protective lacquered reclaimed wood, ensuring an environmentally guilt-free manufacturing process. Available in beech, cherry, or ebony, the reviewer praised the beech model for its exceptional comfort and lightweight design, noting that the plush faux-leather ear pads...Read more

P
pursuit.ca
09/03/2016

LSTN Troubadours The LSTN Troubadours are a highly recommended pair of headphones ($150) distinguished by their sustainable construction using reclaimed wood scraps from flooring and furniture companies. The reviewer praises the product's exceptional acoustic performance, highlighting its thunderous bass, crisp strings, high-frequency sharpness, and an overall sound warmth that...Read more

M
mensstylepro.com
02/01/2015

This product review highlights the Zebra Wood Troubadour Headphones by LSTN, an audio brand recognized for combining stylish craftsmanship with a philanthropic mission. The reviewer gives the headphones a rare, perfect "A+" grade, praising their exceptional balance of crisp, full sound and clear surround capabilities that avoid overwhelming bass or treble. Visually, the reclaimed...Read more

W
wanderingeducators.com
17/03/2015

This review highlights the LSTN "Troubadour" cherry wood headphones as an exceptional product that balances premium performance with a powerful social mission. The author praises the headphones for their clear, lifelike sound and a wide soundstage that creates an immersive, 3D-like listening experience. The design features sustainably sourced, reclaimed wood chambers that enrich the...Read more

H
head-fi.org
12/06/2013

The Head-Fi review of the LSTN Troubadours highlights a decent, smooth, and well-blended sound profile that improves with EQ adjustments, with the reviewer finding the audio performance comparable to Denon AH-D1100s. The wood-finished aesthetic is praised, and the bass is described as creamy, though the overall design is considered stylish. However, the headphones are marred by a...Read more

H
headphone.guru
29/04/2015

The LSTN Troubadour on-ear headphones ($149.99) blend sustainable wood craft with a philanthropic mission, partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to restore hearing to a person for every pair sold. Visually, they combine post-modern and retro aesthetics, featuring wooden earcups crafted from reclaimed exotic furniture scraps alongside a sharp, industrial metal headband,....Read more

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