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Philips SHP9600 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£60
Avg. price in US: ~$70
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips SHP9600 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Poor

3.8

Poor

9.0

Exceptional

1.4
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.4
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
3.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.1
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.4
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Philips SHP9600 is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone featuring 50mm neodymium dynamic drivers that offer a broad frequency response of 6Hz to 35,000Hz, 32-ohm impedance, and 102dB sensitivity. Its primary characteristics include a spacious soundstage, a steel-reinforced adjustable headband, and breathable fabric ear cushions designed for long-term comfort. Key pros include a balanced sound profile with a slight bass boost over its predecessor, extreme ease of use without needing a dedicated amplifier, and a versatile 3-metre detachable cable. However, notable cons include poor noise isolation and high sound leakage due to the open-back design, a somewhat plasticky build quality, and a long cable that may be cumbersome for mobile use.

Technical Specifications of Philips SHP9600

Overall score

4.8

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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

4.1

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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

4.0

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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

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

1.0

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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

6.3

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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

Philips

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

open-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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Philips SHP9600 vs the average headphone

Why is Philips SHP9600 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips SHP9600 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
Philips SHP9600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Philips SHP9600 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
Philips SHP9600 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
Clear call microphone
Philips SHP9600 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Philips SHP9600 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
15,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips SHP9600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 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
Philips SHP9600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
6 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHP9600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 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
Philips SHP9600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
0.2 % lower distortion
Philips SHP9600 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % 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%
Philips SHP9600 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
13 mm more spacious earcup height
Philips SHP9600 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips SHP9600 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.73 mm vs 60 mm
Quick mic mute
Philips SHP9600 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Philips SHP9600 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
13 mm more spacious earcup height
Philips SHP9600 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Philips SHP9600 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.
7 mm more spacious earcup width
Philips SHP9600 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips SHP9600 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Philips SHP9600 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
15,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips SHP9600 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHP9600 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Philips SHP9600 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
16 dB higher max SPL
Philips SHP9600 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Clear call microphone
Philips SHP9600 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Quick mic mute
Philips SHP9600 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Philips SHP9600 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips SHP9600 worse than the average headphone?

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33.9% higher weight
Philips SHP9600 is heavier than the average headphone (292 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHP9600 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Philips SHP9600 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Philips SHP9600 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
Not headset-ready
Philips SHP9600 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Philips SHP9600 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Philips SHP9600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Philips SHP9600 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips SHP9600 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Philips SHP9600 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
Philips SHP9600 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
33.9% higher weight
Philips SHP9600 is heavier than the average headphone (292 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
Philips SHP9600 is heavier than the average headphone (292 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.292 g vs 218 g
Not headset-ready
Philips SHP9600 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Philips SHP9600 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Philips SHP9600 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (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
Philips SHP9600 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHP9600 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
Philips SHP9600 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Philips SHP9600 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Philips SHP9600 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
5.8% worse value for money
Philips SHP9600 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.37 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.
Philips SHP9600 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.37 vs 6.736).6.37 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Philips SHP9600 and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips SHP9600?

Exceptional long-term comfort due to lightweight design (330g) and breathable fabric earpads
Spacious soundstage and accurate imaging, making them excellent for casual gaming and music
Easily driven by most devices (32 Ohm impedance) without needing a dedicated amplifier
Balanced sound profile with improved bass punch compared to the previous SHP9500 model
Detachable 3.5mm cable and included 1/4 inch adapter offer versatility and easy replacement
Sleeker, modern all-black aesthetic compared to its predecessor

What customers dislike about Philips SHP9600?

Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and poor noise isolation
The included 3-meter cable is often cited as being cumbersomely long and prone to kinking
Tuning has a slight mid-bass emphasis that some find 'muddy' or bloated around 200-300Hz
Build is primarily plastic, leading to a 'plasticky' feel and occasional earcup rattle
Lacks a built-in microphone, requiring an external solution for voice chat or meetings
The fabric mesh on earpads may cause minor itching for some users, particularly those with facial hair

Expert reviews

mmorpg.com

20/10/2020

Philips SHP9600 Review - MMORPG.com

The Philips SHP9600Go open-back headphones, reviewed on MMORPG.com, are praised for exceptional comfort, featuring a 330-gram design with a flexible, pressure-relieving headband and breathable, fabric-trimmed ear pads. They deliver a wide, authentic soundstage that excels in gaming and music, providing highly realistic audio spatialization. MMORPG.comHowever, the headphones suffer...Read more

superbestaudiofriends.org

27/06/2021

Philips SHP9600 Review, Measurements, Mods Would you like to see a comparison table of how the SHP9600's sound performance measures against the older...

The Philips SHP9600Go is described as a pleasant, full-sized open-back headphone offering excellent value with a warm, spacious sound and improved treble compared to its predecessor. Community analysis highlights its comfortable, breathable mesh ear pads and a design that keeps the ears from touching the driver baffle, similar to high-end Sennheiser models. Super Best Audio...Read more

head-fi.org

15/03/2021

Philips SHP9600 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Philips SHP9600 open-back headphonesGo are positioned as a budget-friendly, high-fidelity option featuring comfortable, breathable dual-layer padding and an expansive, airy soundstage driven by 50mm dynamic drivers. With a low 32-ohm impedance and a lightweight, durable construction featuring a, they are easy to drive directly from portable devices and offer a stylish all-black...Read more

xander51.medium.com

10/09/2020

Philips SHP9600 Headphones Review - Alex Rowe - Medium

The Philips SHP9600, reviewed by Alex Rowe on Medium, offers a superior, more balanced sound compared to the SHP9500, featuring enhanced bass, a smoother midrange, and a refined aesthetic with larger, more comfortable ear cups. The open-back headphones also boast tighter headband sliders and a premium-feeling cable, aiming for a more comfortable and durable user experience. Medium·...Read more

homestudiobasics.com

18/06/2024

Philips SHP9600 Review: A Waste Of Time And Money?

The Philips SHP9600 is an open-back, dynamic over-ear headphone that excels in physical design but falters in sound tuning. On the positive side, it is incredibly well-built with a robust plastic chassis and a metal-reinforced headband that handles drops effortlessly. Comfort is a major strength, featuring a secure yet gentle clamp, shallow oval cups lined with cloth memory foam,...Read more

aphnetworks.com

06/11/2020

Philips SHP9600 Review - APH Networks

The Philips SHP9600 is evaluated as a highly competent, entry-level pair of open-back headphones that delivers an accurate, immersive, and clean sound profile relative to its price tier. Its primary pros include an exceptionally wide, spacious soundstage with excellent depth and directional width, making it particularly enjoyable for live recordings. Driven by large 50mm neodymium...Read more

techradar.com

05/10/2020

Philips SHP9600 Open-Back Headphones review - TechRadar

The Philips SHP9600 are affordable open-back over-ear headphones that retail at an accessible $129.99 launch price, making them a great gateway for beginner audiophiles. They feature 50mm Neodymium dynamic drivers and a low 32-ohm impedance, allowing users to comfortably power them using standard laptops and digital audio players. In terms of performance, they deliver a highly...Read more

rtings.com

25/09/2020

Philips SHP9600 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Philips SHP9600 are comfortable, budget-friendly open-back headphones suitable for casual listening and gaming, featuring a well-balanced sound profile with punchy bass and low harmonic distortion. Key pros include a lightweight design with excellent frequency response consistency and a stable stereo image. RTINGS.comConversely, their open-back design results in poor noise...Read more

audiokeys.net

08/05/2024

Philips SHP9600 (Open-back studio headphones, good idea or not?)

The user "Inno" provided a comparative review of the Philips SHP 9600 (32 Ohms) after testing it with a smartphone and a Yamaha MOXF6 synthesizer against the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (32 Ohms) and the ultra-budget Superlux HD 681B (32 Ohms). Overall, the reviewer found the Philips SHP 9600 to be a high-quality product for its promotional price of €75–€76, noting that it represents a...Read more

chifi.fr

02/05/2023

Philips SHP9600 Review: An effective open-back headphone

The Philips SHP9600 is an open-back, over-ear dynamic headphone that offers a rare and compelling entry-level option for budget-conscious audiophiles. Boasting a lightweight plastic structure and deep, rigid foam ear pads, the headphone provides exceptional comfort and a loose clamp force that makes it easy to wear for hours. Its open-back design allows for excellent acoustic...Read more

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