Iball Soundstar BT9 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£9
  • Avg. price in US: ~$10
  • Audio output power: 6.00 W
  • Battery life: 5 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 680 g

Iball Soundstar BT9 review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.3

Audio

20.0%

4.8

Battery

18.0%

8.0

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

5.3

Controls

3.0%

8.9

Design

3.0%

5.5

Smart features

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.7
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.5

    Weight

    15.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

  • 2.9
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.4

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.5

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 5.7
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    1.4

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.5

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £9

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The iBall Soundstar BT9 is a 680-gram tabletop portable speaker featuring dual 4 cm drivers and a passive bass radiator that deliver a 6W RMS stereo output across a frequency response of 80Hz to 20kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio over 90dB. Encased in a piano shiny finish, its key strengths include a highly versatile range of input options (Bluetooth, USB, MicroSD, built-in FM radio, and a 3.5mm AUX jack), a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and a quick 3-hour recharge cycle. However, it is limited by a modest 5-hour battery playback life, a legacy Bluetooth 4.0 connection, and a complete lack of water or sweat resistance.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Iball Soundstar BT9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

6.2
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a technical score of 6.2 points, which is lower than 82.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

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 products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.3
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 83.1% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

6.00 W
Iball Soundstar BT9 has an audio output power of 6.00 W which is lower than that of 77% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.9% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 6.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

40.00 mm
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a driver unit size of 40.00 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
Iball Soundstar BT9 has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

80.00 Hz
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a lowest frequency of 80.00 Hz which is higher than that of 68.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.4% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 80.00 Hz.
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Iball Soundstar BT9 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

5 hours
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a battery life of 5 hours which is shorter than that of 91.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 5.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

1,200 mAh
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a battery capacity of 1,200 mAh which is smaller than that of 81.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Iball Soundstar BT9 is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

?
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Iball Soundstar BT9 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Iball Soundstar BT9 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Iball Soundstar BT9 includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

680 g
Iball Soundstar BT9 weighs 680 g which is lighter than that of 54% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

6.6 cm
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a height of 6.6 cm which is shorter than that of 83.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

16.1 cm
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a width of 16.1 cm which is narrower than that of 57% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

7.4 cm
Iball Soundstar BT9 has a depth of 7.4 cm which is shallower than that of 59.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

?
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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Iball Soundstar BT9 vs the average portable speaker

  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 90.00 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
    When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 80 dB

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).90.00 dB vs 80 dB
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an external memory card slot
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has an external memory card slot, while the average portable speaker does not have an external memory card slot.
    Has a removable memory-card slot for playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether removable memory cards can be inserted for playback.
    When it matters: When playing files directly from removable storage matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has an external memory card slot, while the average portable speaker does not have an external memory card slot.
  • Includes a remote control
    Iball Soundstar BT9 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
    A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
    When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker includes an FM radio receiver.
    When it matters: When listening to broadcast radio without a separate source matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 10x cheaper
    Iball Soundstar BT9 is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£9 vs £90).
    Iball Soundstar BT9 is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£9 vs £90).£9 vs £90
  • 5.8 cm shorter
    Iball Soundstar BT9 is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.6 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
    When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 20 cm

    Iball Soundstar BT9 is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.6 cm vs 12.4 cm).6.6 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an external memory card slot
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has an external memory card slot, while the average portable speaker does not have an external memory card slot.
  • Includes a remote control
    Iball Soundstar BT9 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 5.8 cm shorter
    Iball Soundstar BT9 is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.6 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 14 W less audio output power
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (6 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 6.00 W.
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 80.00 Hz.
  • 7 hours shorter battery life
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 1,400 mAh less battery capacity
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Is not water resistant
    Iball Soundstar BT9 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Is not water resistant
    Iball Soundstar BT9 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 7 hours shorter battery life
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).
    What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
    When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 h

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).5 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1,400 mAh less battery capacity
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).1200 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 14 W less audio output power
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (6 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 6.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (6 W vs 20.00 W).6.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).40.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Iball Soundstar BT9 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    Iball Soundstar BT9 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 80.00 Hz.
    What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <= 60 Hz

    Iball Soundstar BT9 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).80.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz

Graphic comparison of Iball Soundstar BT9 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Iball Soundstar BT9?

  • Affordable pricing offering excellent value for money
  • Clear vocals and sharp treble output
  • Elegant design with a premium shiny finish and clean edges
  • Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth, AUX, SD card, and USB inputs
  • Decent, distortion-free maximum volume levels
  • Lightweight and highly portable design
  • Includes a functional battery level indicator

What customers dislike about Iball Soundstar BT9?

  • Average bass response lacking deep low-end punch
  • Poor FM radio reception with no automatic channel search or digital display to locate stations
  • Long battery charging times taking up to 7-8 hours for a full charge according to some users
  • Tricky and non-tactile volume adjustment buttons
  • Long-term durability issues reported with the power switches and input jacks

Video reviews

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