Stax Sr 207 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$540
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Stax Sr 207 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.2

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%

3.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.2

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%

3.4

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.5

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.2

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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

  • 0.2
    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%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    2.2

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    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

  • 1.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.2

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £400

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Stax SR-207 is an entry-level open-back electrostatic 'earspeaker' featuring a 2-micron thick diaphragm and a push-pull driver system that delivers a frequency response of 7 Hz to 41 kHz with a sensitivity of 101 dB. Weighing 340g and utilising a 580V DC bias voltage, it is primarily celebrated for its exceptional transparency, lifelike detail retrieval, and fast transient response that outpaces most dynamic and planar magnetic alternatives. Key strengths include a wide soundstage, lightweight comfort for long sessions, and high-quality genuine sheep leather earpads. However, its performance is limited by a requirement for a dedicated electrostatic energizer (amp), a roll-off in sub-bass weight, and occasional sibilance in the higher frequencies.

Technical Specifications of Stax Sr 207

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.2
Stax Sr 207 has a technical score of 3.2 points, which is lower than that of 97.5% 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
Stax Sr 207 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%

3.2

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

4.8
Stax Sr 207 has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.8 points, which is lower than 96.1% 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
Stax Sr 207 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

electrostatic
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

100 mm
Stax Sr 207 uses a driver size of 100 mm, larger driver size than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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
Stax Sr 207 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

7 Hz
Stax Sr 207 reaches a lowest frequency of 7 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 83.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% 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

N/A
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

no
Stax Sr 207 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

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

N/A
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: HIGH

wired
Stax Sr 207 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% 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: 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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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
Stax Sr 207 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

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

no
Stax Sr 207 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

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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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

Stax
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

340 g
Stax Sr 207 weighs 340 g, heavier than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1% 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

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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Stax Sr 207 vs the average headphone

  • 60 mm larger driver size
    Stax Sr 207 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 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

    Stax Sr 207 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.100 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    Stax Sr 207 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 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

    Stax Sr 207 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 21,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Stax Sr 207 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (41,000 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

    Stax Sr 207 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (41,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.41000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Stax Sr 207 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % 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%

    Stax Sr 207 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.01 % vs 0.3 %
  • Open-back design
    Stax Sr 207 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 207 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 1.3 m more useful cable length
    Stax Sr 207 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 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

    Stax Sr 207 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    Stax Sr 207 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 1.3 m more useful cable length
    Stax Sr 207 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    Stax Sr 207 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    Stax Sr 207 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 21,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Stax Sr 207 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (41,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Stax Sr 207 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 56% higher weight
    Stax Sr 207 is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Stax Sr 207 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
    Stax Sr 207 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Stax Sr 207 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Stax Sr 207 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    non-magnetic driver design.
  • Not headset-ready
    Stax Sr 207 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Stax Sr 207 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Stax Sr 207 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

    Stax Sr 207 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 56% higher weight
    Stax Sr 207 is heavier than the average headphone (340 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

    Stax Sr 207 is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.340 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Stax Sr 207 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

    Stax Sr 207 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Stax Sr 207 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

    Stax Sr 207 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 41.5% worse value for money
    Stax Sr 207 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.76 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.
    Stax Sr 207 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.76 vs 6.736).4.76 vs 6.74
  • 4.44x more expensive
    Stax Sr 207 is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).
    Stax Sr 207 is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).£400 vs £90
  • 4.65x less popular
    Stax Sr 207 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.
    Stax Sr 207 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Stax Sr 207 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

    Stax Sr 207 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 Stax Sr 207 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Stax Sr 207?

  • Exceptional clarity and transparency for the price
  • Lightning-fast transient response and high detail retrieval
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Excellent value for an entry-level electrostatic system
  • Sturdier build quality compared to some newer Lambda models like the L300
  • Accurate sound imaging and a wide, airy soundstage
  • Often considered more balanced and even-sounding than the SR-507

What customers dislike about Stax Sr 207?

  • Lack of 'visceral' bass impact or 'slam' compared to dynamic or planar headphones
  • Pronounced 1.5kHz midrange 'shout' or 'bump' that some find intrusive
  • Sub-bass roll-off is more sudden than higher-end Stax models
  • Earpads can be difficult to get a perfect seal with due to being somewhat stiff
  • Open-back design leaks sound and provides zero isolation from room noise
  • Proprietary 5-pin 'Pro-bias' connector limits compatibility with standard audio gear

Expert reviews

S
superbestaudiofriends.org
27/12/2016

The SuperBestAudioFriends review of the STAX SRS-2170 system, comprising SR-207 earspeakers and the SRM-252S amplifier, presents an affordable entry into electrostatic performance with notable advantages in mid-bass definition (60Hz–160Hz) and overall speed compared to dynamic drivers. However, the system exhibits significant sub-bass roll-off below 60Hz and presents an excessively...Read more

C
cnet.com
27/12/2014

Here is a specific summary of the Stax SR-207 review: Review Summary The Stax SR-207 electrostatic headphones, sold as part of the SRS-2170 basic system, deliver exceptional, unmatched sound transparency and open-backed clarity that easily competes with far more expensive dynamic reference models. Reviewer Steve Guttenberg highlights their open, unforced audio presentation, which...Read more

P
prof-x.de
25/05/2017

The Audioquest Nighthawk headphones deliver exceptional technical performance but suffer from a highly flawed and colorated factory sound signature. Reviewers noted that the original ear pads produce a muddy, "underwater" sound due to a massive, problematic 5dB peak in the lower treble region. However, the headphone features an outstanding ultra-low distortion driver—even...Read more

C
connect.de
01/2014

This document is a comprehensive buyer's guide ("Bestenliste") from the German audio magazine stereoplay (September 2021 edition), which ranks, rates, and prices a vast array of high-fidelity audio equipment. It evaluates consumer and audiophile hardware across multiple distinct categories, including floorstanding and compact loudspeakers (both passive and active), headphones...Read more

H
homecinema-fr.com
20/02/2017

about purchasing this audio setup or exploring alternative audiophile gear, I can help you look up current pricing, find alternative open-back options, or pull up technical comparison specs against newer headphone systems. Let me know what you would like to explore next! Copy

A
auriculares.org
04/05/2020

Based on the forum thread from Auriculares.org, the review discussion centers around the evolution and performance of the flagship Stax SR-007 electrostatic earspeaker series, highlighting its exceptional technical capabilities and specific generation differences. The pros emphasized by the community include a highly balanced, refined, and "round" sound profile in the most recent...Read more

M
misauriculares.com
19/04/2026

Based on the provided review tag page from misauriculares.com, here is a two-paragraph summary of the Stax SR-009S evaluation: The Stax SR-009S is an open-back, circumaural electrostatic headphone featuring a massive 106 mm driver size. On the technical side, it operates with a high impedance of 145 kOhmios (at 10 kHz) and a sensitivity rating of 101 dB/100 V r.m.s. (at 1 kHz)....Read more

M
misauriculares.com
03/10/2018

Review Summary The Stax SRS-2170 is an entry-level electrostatic headphone combo priced around €900, consisting of the retro-designed, plastic SR-207 "Earspeakers" and the compact, lightweight SRM-252S amplifier. Despite an initial impression of feeling like a toy, the combo delivers an impressive price-to-performance ratio. Its main strengths lie in its extreme articulation speed,...Read more

H
head-fi.org
06/06/2012

The Stax SR-207 is regarded as a high-clarity, entry-level electrostatic earspeaker, lauded for its exceptional sound transparency, micro-detail retrieval, and rapid transient response. It features a lightweight, open-back design with soft earpads for long-term comfort and delivers an expansive, accurate soundstage. However, the model lacks physical bass impact below 50Hz, possesses...Read more

O
opusklassiek.nl
n.v.t.

The review evaluates the Stax Lambda-Nova series (Basic and Classic models) and the ultra-portable SR-001 mini-system. The reviewer praises the Lambda-Nova series for its exceptional comfort, lightweight design (around 300 grams), and structural audio enhancements that reveal microscopic musical details even at whisper-quiet volumes. Powered by the robust, solid-state SRM-3...Read more

Video reviews

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