Description

Audio Nirvana has arrived. Being involved in this hobby for the past 40 years proves that this is a journey and not a destination. Over these years I have had countless iterations of too many systems to mention. Over the past 15 years I have become a loyal fan of Wilson Audio speakers and have steadily moved up their production line. Four years ago I never thought it could get any better than my Wilson X-2 Alexandria series l until I heard the X-2 series ll this year. Suffice it to say the X-2 Series ll speakers were added in October of this year in Black Almondine and now occupy the center of my sound syatem. For the past 3 years I have been seriously considering a return to vinyl and was ready to make the move until I began reading about the resurgence of reel to reel tape recorders and The Tape Project. Recently I found a fully restored Studer A810 tape recorder and added it to my system as well as becoming a Charter Subscriber to The Tape Project. Needless to say I was smitten. Recently I also swapped out my much beloved Meitner digital gear for the newer Playback Designs PDS MP-S5 and have been more than happpy with that decision. Earlier this year the video side of my room underwent a complete change and installed the Sim2 C3X1080 triple chip DLP with an Isco lll anamorphic lens. This allows me to enjoy either 16 X 9 format as well as 2.35 on a CIH Stewart Firehawk G3 132 inch curved screen. When I did this I upgraded the subwoofer(s) in my room by swapping the Wilson XS for two JL Audio Gotham subs. It took the better part of four months to get these subs dialed in for my room but once done they are simply better than I could have ever imagined. As far as what the future holds in the hobby, I am in a holding pattern but I never say never.
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    • Wilson Audio X-2 Alexandria Series ll
    I am in awe of this speaker both from the way it sounds as well as the way it looks. After 3 months of anxiously awaiting, the speaker finally arrived. Color is Black Almondine with Parchment Gray grill covers. The speakers weigh in at a cool 720 lbs each and stand 2 inches taller than the X-1's I had. Simply put, I have never heard a speaker as real as this. The soundstage is huge, more open than even the X-2 series l. The ease of setup as well was amazing. It took us only 2 hours to get the speakers operational. The wonderful thing about the X-2 is that the upper modules can now be meticulously set to image at ear level. The X-1's were always imaging just a bit high. These speakers are truly Dave Wilson at the pinnacle of his game. Just when I thought my X-2 series l's put me at audio nirvana, along comes the X-2 Series ll. The best way to compare this speaker to anything else is with a big smile rather than with hyperbole. IMO this speaker has brought me to Audio Nirvana.
    • Lamm Industries ML 3 Signature
    The ML3 is a single-ended (SE) tube amplifier utilizing a very powerful direct-heated triode GM-70 (125W plate dissipation) and a separate power supply. Combining the most sophisticated technologies and electronic design with graceful looks reminiscent of the classic era of tubes, the ML3 is our top-of-the-line, no-compromise product. It is a 32-watt amplifier that operates in pure class A and utilizes no overall feedback. The topology is absolutely unique and incorporates one of the most advanced power supplies ever featured in an audio device. These factors, along with the designer’s unique vision and understanding of the underlying principles of audio electronics, make the ML3 an amplifier without peer. With the ML3 as the centerpiece of a high-end system, the recorded event is recreated in one’s listening room with astonishing verisimilitude. The listener is able to experience an ephemeral yet tangible connection to the essence of the music. These are not empty claims. Those who have listened to the ML3 firsthand have unanimously acknowledged this phenomenon and have reported it to be utterly unique in their collective experience. IMO this amp rises above all others and is the the new king of the hill. Audio Nirvana has arrived
    • Lamm Industries LL1 Signature Dual Mono Line Level
    The monaural line level preamplifier model LL1 Signature is the ultimate statement of perfection in High-End audio. Just like ML3 Signature is the best creation of its designer's professional career among the LAMM amplifiers, so is the LL1 Signature among the line level LAMM preamplifiers. The LL1 Signature has been designed to complement the ML3 Signature amplifier, and this combination in a system represents a "match made in heaven". However, the LL1 Signature will perform magic with any other appropriate power amplifier. The LL1 Signature features a topology that brings out the most natural sound performance in the audio path. In principle, it is a single-stage unit that basically represents the shortest possible signal path. The preamplifier contains four very linear low impedance triodes paralleled into a single inverting gain stage. The LL1 Signature employs a pure single-ended class A operation, with no overall feedback applied. Also featured are specially selected high-transconductance dual triodes 6N30P-DR/ 6Н30П-ДР (original) in the signal path and TKD stepped potentiometers for volume control - the best available on today's market. The preamplifier's audibly neutral power supply features a full-wave vacuum rectifier. This rectifier, together with a choke-containing filter, allows to practically get rid of the hum and buzz and, in the end, to ensure the verity of dynamic range without coloration. Two solid-state analog voltage regulators supply dc voltage to the tube filaments (heaters). Other features include 3 inputs, one tape/HT processor loop, attenuator (-12 dB) switch, output 1/output 2 switches, protection circuitry designed to enable manual muting of the output signal, and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers. The main distinction of the LL1 Signature from any other comparable type of preamplifiers is its practically inaudible sonic signature. When connected to an appropriate type of power amplifiers, especially LAMM power amplifiers, it assures the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound and recreation of a three-dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc., without boundaries and limitations. Each preamplifier is handcrafted of the finest materials and top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, PRC wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers, CORNELL DUBILIER and UNITED CHEMI-CON electrolytic capacitors, ELECTROCUBE, ELCON and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; HAMMOND chokes, gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors, and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes. A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction. The LL1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer. The LL1 Signature works on all world AC line voltages (100/120/220/230/240V).
    • JL Audio Gotham/g213
    Gotham® Your first look will tell you that you are looking at something special… your first listen will confirm it beyond a shadow of a doubt. The beauty of the Gotham® extends well beyond its exotic design and exceptional craftsmanship, aiming right at the emotional core of musical and cinematic enjoyment. This is a subwoofer system with limits well beyond the needs of the typical home theater application, delivering a weight and integrity of reproduction that can only come from a system that is always in control. Its allure lies as much in its ability to convey subtleties as in its prodigious output capabilities. It is simply devastating. A luxurious, handcrafted gloss-black finish is complemented by machined aluminum and stainless steel accents for a look and feel that fits perfectly with the finest home furnishings. More importantly, the beautiful cabinet houses a pair of JL Audio’s highest-technology subwoofer drivers. When demanded by program material, the Gotham’s amplifier can deliver voltage equivalent to 3,800 watts of RMS power to take full advantage of the twin drivers’ four inches of peak-to-peak excursion capability. This ensures that the Gotham™ can breeze through material that makes other subwoofers go into clipping, limiting or distress. Listening to a Gotham® reveals an entirely new dimension of subwoofer performance... a dimension so satisfying that listening to lesser subwoofers will forever become an act of compromise. Available Models: g213 (click for specs and feature list) Model: g213-GLOSS SKU: 96237 Cabinet Finish: High-Gloss Black
    • Playback Designs System MS5
    I just never thought that I would sell my Meitner gear because for years IMO it was the leader of the pack. Not so fast any more as along came the PDS MS-5 which creates music as close to vinyl as the real thing
    • Studer Reel To Reel A-810
    A fully refurbished state of the art Studio reel to reel
    • Krell Theater Amplifier Standard
    This is used to drive my center channel, surround channels and rear channel. I use it only for home theater however when Krell releases their SACD standard in May, I will delve into multichannel audio. I continue to use a Krell FPB-750 mcX for my Wilson XS subwoofer. I use 6.1 and not 7.1 in my room
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Center Channel
    I have used many center channel speakers but have found this one to outperform anything that I have previously owned. I use it with its accompanying speaker stand centered right under my screen. Recently upgraded this center channel to Black Almondine to match my new X-2 series ll speakers
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Surround (left and right)
    A perfect compliment for my Wilson X-1/XS speakers.
    • Nordost Valhalla
    I use this in my front end. An unbelievably transparent interconnect. I was using Tara Labs The Zero which was magnificent but I feel the Valhalla is a notch above even though The Zero was priced at $12,500 for a 2 meter pair of balanced cables
    • Wilson Audio WATCH rear
    I decided on only 6.1 rather than 7.1 and am very impressed with this speaker in my home theater
    • Sim2 Triple Chip DLP Projector C3X 1080
    For those following the buzz on the internet this is the latest triple chip DLP from Sim that has a picture unequaled for projectors of this price and size
    • Isco 2.35 Anamorphic Lens Model lll
    Anamorphic 2.35 lens for Sim 2 projector
    • Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk G3 CineV 130
    A CIH screen with native 2.35 aspect ratio and 120 inch width. Masks to 16 x 9 as well
    • Sony BDP-S2000ES
    Sony's flagship Blu-ray Disc™ player, with astounding audio enhancements and vibration-reduction that deliver phenomenal results in a rock-solid design
    • Lexicon MC12B-HD v 1.2
    Most impressive about the MC-12 HD is its extensive custom processing capabilities. Four 32-bit floating-point DSP engines provide vast resources for such proprietary features as Logic 7, Auto Azimuth correction, five-speaker enhancement, bass enhancement, and dialog enhancement. Lexicon?s bass management system, digital crossovers and tone controls are also powered by these DSP engines. This processing is performed at sample rates up to 96kHz with 24-bit resolution to retain top performance from all input sources. A fifth DSP engine is dedicated to decoding Dolby Digital and DTS sources. Inside and out, the MC-12 HD is designed to accommodate potential hardware and software advancements with internal expansion, a removable rear panel access plate, and two RS-232 connectors.
    • Nordost Valhalla AES/EBU
    A digital cable with XLR (balanced)terminations. Used to connect the Krell kps25sc to the EMM Labs DAC 6
    • Nordost Valhalla
    Simply the best and most transparent cable I have ever used. I sold my Tara Labs The Omega for these cables. As great as the Omega was, I find there is no comparison with the Valhalla
    • Nordost Valhalla
    20 amp IEC power cables (one pair) used for my Audio Research Refernce 600 Mark lll mono amps. This resulted in immediate improvement in bass as well as producing a somewhat more dynamic sound.
    • Tara Labs RSC Gen 2
    Used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs RSC Air One
    5 pair of balanced cables used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs The One
    I have 2 of these in my front end. They made a big difference
    • Absolute Power Line Purifier
    Used in my home theater side. A very solid work horse
    • Aurios Pro MIb
    Decouplers. An absolute must in any system. I use these under my Krell kps25sc and Audio Research Reference ll Mark ll. I have also found dramatic improvement in my bass when used under my Wilson X-1 Grand Slamm speakers. These are sold exclusively at http://www.audionut.com Ask for Bob Williams. he will give you all of the theory behind this tweak.You can reach him at 1-877-944-5505
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Tube Traps
    The single best tweak to my room was to have ASC design room modifications (tube traps)according to the size of my room with the type of gear used. I have a total of 38 tube traps in the room in all sizes, varying from Super trap 20's, Super trap 16's and trap 13's, 11's and 9's. I did this in stages according to the plans provided by ASC and once finished I had a true 2C3D room. The walls are virtually invisible.
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Sound Planks
    Also part of the design rendered for my room by ASC. These sit at the front wall and have vastly improved the sound in the room.
    • Billy Bags AV Pro
    This is used for my home theater equiment
    • Billy Bags CD/DVD Stand
    Designrd specifically for my room I am able to store over 1000 CD's and/or DVD's
    • Zoethecus component stands Z.2/R (2 in all)
    Great looking, good support and excellent isolation
    • Zoethecus amp stands (3 in all) Z.block/1d
    Great looking with super isolation
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer X-10v3
    high input impedance allowing me to drive my new JL Gotham subs without compromising my Audio Research Reference 3 preamp
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer Power Supply
    Optional separate power supply for tube buffer which helps bass response from Gotham Subs
    • Transparent Reference (RSE) Interconnect
    20 foot pair from Tube Buffer Output to Gotham subs and one meter pair from ARC Ref3 to Tube Output Buffer
    • See Other Web site For More Details And Pictures
    [URL]http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?10535-Doctor-s-Orders-Part-Two-The-New-Listening-Room-Of-Steve-Williams&p=191656&viewfull=1#post191656[/URL]

Comments 1014

Makshack, don't worry, I won't tell the white-coats, but things are not that obscure. Music does affect our production and consumption of neurotransmitters. . . hence the way you may feel with different music and different equipment.

guidocorona

I'm going to go way out on a limb here. Please don't tell those white-coated people where I live. What I heard at Alphifi's house didn't have to do with the notes being played, or the presentation of the song. It had to do with how it affected you after listening to his system. I can't explain what I don't understand.

mmakshak

Owner
Guido

Precisely my point

All too often we are caught up in the magic of our own system when suddenly we hear something totally different, whether it be a component, a cable, speakers or a different room. Our ears stand up and take notice. Then I always ask myself, (especially if it is something I am considering buying), did I hear something better or did I merely hear something different. At some point all of us need to just put our feet up and sit back and enjoy the music with the system that we have. Otherwise we will all be chasing rainbows---dare say I am just as guilty as the next guy, BUT I feel that where I am now is for me at least audio nirvana. I am still mesmerized as to how the sound changed for the better with some vintage NOS 12AX7 Telefunken ECC83's with rib plates in my Lamm ML 2.1's

oneobgyn

Doc, wise words. . . another way I sometimes put it is. . . was the experience a truly exciting 'one night stand', or am I ready to take 'her' home to mom?

guidocorona

Owner
To me the interesting thing about this hobby is how different components, speakers etc can affect the overall synergy of a system. Sometimes this effect can be jaw dropping good.

One question I always ask of myself after an event like this has occurred is "Did I hear something better OR did I just hear something different?"

oneobgyn

Doc, I had a very confusing audition this last Saturday. I went to Aplhifi's home to listen to his system, among other things. I was totally analog, and although I heard some digital artifacts such as hearing that one guy's voice was mostly coming from the left side of his throat, and Eric Clapton cd's dynamics seemed unnatural, it didn't seem to matter. When I left his place, I was unusually high from listening to music. If I were to rate the high a 15, I would rate my system's high at 1 or less. I don't understand it, although I'm starting to inquire. It almost seemed like the notes being played didn't matter. Anyhow, he lives even closer to you than Ori, I believe. He also sells what I heard, among other things. If you get a chance , I' de be interested in your thoughts about it. Maybe not in hi-fi terms, but how it makes you feel afterwards.

mmakshak

Owner
Ken

All I can say is that if you enjoy the ML 2.1 in 1/2 the manner in which I do, I guaranty that you too will be in audio nirvana

oneobgyn

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful response. I especially appreciate the Lamm news. I have a hard time imagining $125K, but the L3 has my interest. I've never heard a negative remark about the ML2.1's. There is a pair on Audiogon for $16K that I'm thinking about...

Here's to musical bliss,

Ken

kmillette

Owner
Hi Ken

I have owned countless amps over the years be it solid state amp, push-pull tube amp and most recently the Lamm ML 2.1 18 wpc SET. I know there remain an infinite number in the market but, for me I really feel that I have found the ultimate amplifier for my system. Each time I listen, these ML 2.1's bring a smile to my face. I know that they will do the same for you and I believe that your Avantgarde duos should respond just fine to this amp.

As for the Audio Research Ref 3 I just wouldn't have any other preamp in "my" system. There is something about the sonic signature of this Audio Research preamp that lights up my auditory nerves. Prior to the Ref 3 I owned the Audio Research Ref 2 Mk ll preamp which I also felt was excellent. Comparing these two however it is just no contest as the Ref 3 is in a league of its own. I did have occasion several months ago to hear the Lamm L2 preamp in my system. A fellow Audiogoner brought his over to my house to compare his L2 to my Ref 3. I must admit that I was hoping to name the L2 as the clear winner assuming there would be some synergy between the L2 and my ML 2.1's. While I felt the L2 to be an excellent preamp it just seemed all to cold for me and my ears when used in my system. It lacked the warmth of the Ref 3. It just did nothing for me. The other shortcoming of the L2 was the lack of a remote control and the dual mono which for me was a pain in the butt to have to get up each track in order to adjust the volume. Perhaps I am just getting too old but I do feel the use of a remote control from the sitting position just makes listening easy and that for me is what it is all about.

I understand that later this year Vladimir will be releasing his much awaited new SET mono amp which I think will be dubbed the "ML 3" at 30 wpc and selling at the MSRP of $125K USD !!! I have also heard rumor that Vladimir is aware of some of the shortcomings of his L2 preamp and is working on an L3. Stay tuned.

oneobgyn

My speakers are Avantgarde Duos, and I am considering replacing my Hovland HP100 pre and Art Audio PX25 amps with Lamm amplifiers. The ML2.1 is clearly the amp of choice, but what pre? Did you listen to the Lamm L2 Ref or LL2 before going with AR? If so, what were your impressions relative to your Acoustic Research Reference 3?

Many thanks,

Ken

kmillette

Please let me know when he will bringing his 3W amp, and if it's OK that I come then for a listen.
Thank you,
Howard

boa2

Owner
Hi Howard

When Ori brought his X-1 and X-2 cables for audition 2 weeks ago I found the former to be borderline at best in my system. However when we switched to his X-2 interconnects I was blown away as to how good they really sounded compared to my Valhalla. Now, if you ask me am I prepared to sell my Valhalla for his X-2 cables I would merely say several more listening sessions are in order before I pass judgement.

We will also be auditioning his 3 wpc as well as his 40 wpc amps that he has made. he swears to me that the 3 wpc amp will drive my X-2 Alexandrias with ease.

oneobgyn

Congrats on your NOS tube discoveries. I've yet to find a piece of tube gear that didn't benefit greatly from them. I've written you privately, as I'd love to come for a listening session, preferably to hear both your system and Ori's amp at the same time. I listened to the X-1 cables the other day, and while I'm not ready to exchange our Purist IC's for them, I was very impressed with their performance, especially considering their meager cost. I look forward to hearing the X-2's: the Oriteks AND the Wilsons!
Regards,
Howard

boa2

Where the heck have I been the past 33 years in this hobby?
Exactly were the rest of us are, hopefully learning day by day :^)

We're defeated only when we close our eyes to the possibility of something new. This week I discovered 18 watts of Lamm sounds great on Kharma (which you already knew). You discovered my favorite Telefunken tube.

If I were you I would not worry about the 803S. I'm sure it's wonderful but likely not seven to ten times more wonderful than the ribbed plate ECC83 Telefunken. Maybe not even an audible difference. The 803S claim to fame is signal to noise ratio, not transconductance.

You might plug them in and wonder what all the fuss is about, particularly if you already have a quiet set. It's happened to me. I got a set of genuine Genelex KT77 in original boxes with hand entered spec sheet (in ink pen ink!)

Cost was $2000.00 and sound is maybe 2% better than the $75.00 apiece Mullard XF2 Blackburn's I already had.

Go figure.

albertporter

Owner
Hi Albert

"If you want me to find the 803S, I have a list of about two dozen tube dealers around the world and can email them for a quote."

I would be very much interested however not at $700/tube.

In the meanwhile the NOS Telefunken ECC83 with rib plates is truly enlightening for me. Where the heck have I been the past 33 years in this hobby?

oneobgyn

Any ideas where I might find a pair of Telefunken 803S ? Have you ever used those?

I have never tried them, I can't justify their high price when I have perfect Telefunken 12AX7 I've purchased for anywhere from $6.00 to $90.00 depending on when I bought them.

If you want me to find the 803S, I have a list of about two dozen tube dealers around the world and can email them for a quote.

albertporter

Hello- The Tube Depot has a bulk pack of them for $700 per tube (0uch!) Thought I would give you a heads up. If I had your system I wouldn't give it a second thought. Best-Gary...
http://www.tubedepot.com/pa-ecc803s-tele.html

gmele

Owner
Hi Albert

Using the new 12AX7 tubes was for me as if I bought a whole new sound system. I agree that the Telefunken rib plate tubes are indeed magic. When used with the Lamm ML 2.1 I am simply amazed how what I considered previously to be great sound has become in fact so much better still.

Any ideas where I might find a pair of Telefunken 803S ? Have you ever used those?

oneobgyn

Hi, Doc,

http://hktubeaudio.homestead.com/files/12AX7.html

Interesting comments on many of the esteemed 12ax7 type tubes.

cjfrbw

Doc, I am pleased you found those tubes. The Telefunkens you're using are my favorites. The Mullards are good but the Tele's are absolutely magic.

A buddy in my audio group just purchased a pair of Lamm ML2.1 mono blocks for his Kharma Exquisite 1De. He also has VTL 750's (big and powerful like your ARC 600's were) and also owns AirTight ATM3.

I just returned from listening at his home this evening and must say, I now understand what you love about the Lamm's. They are wonderful on the Kharma's and the plan is to buy a second pair and bi-amp.

I am promised an audition in my home after he purchases the second pair, (required) to power my Dali Megalines. I am really looking forward to that audition to see how my system reacts to the change.

albertporter

Owner
System Edit

Well here I am after all of these years with an all tube system and have been completely satisfied with the sound I have been getting from the tubes supplied by the manufacturer. The great thing about Audiogon and other sites of this nature is to befriend similar audiophiles who have dared me to take my system to the next level and do some tube rolling. Specifically I have been urged to try different 12AX7 tubes in my Lamm Ml 2.1's. After much research it seems that the Holy Grail of 12AX7 tubes has been the Telefunken 803S. Try as I could these seem to be totally unavailable. After further research I was able to find 2 pairs of NOS tubes. First I found a NOS pair of Telefunken rib plate tubes circa 1965 as well as an NOS pair of Mullard long rib plate with square getter halo circa 1955. I paid dearly for both pair of tubes and wondered before they arrived what all of the fuss was about until I installed the tubes in my Lamm ML 2.1's. All I can say is where have I been and how could I have been missing all of this fun. I am simply amazed as to how each pair of tubes creates a different sound with my system.

So my question to the readers here...how and where can I find a pair of Telefunken 803S 12AX7 tubes? If not to be found the two pair that I have found are simply amazing.

oneobgyn

Owner
Keep in touch by way of e-mail

Ori will be bringing over the new cables next week for an extended session. We will also be trying his amp prototypes in my system, one of which is 3 wpc and he assures me it will drive my speakers.

Right now I have been experimenting with some tube rolling on my Lamm ML 2.1's and am having a great time.

oneobgyn

I'de be very interested in a listening session.

mmakshak

Owner
"Oneobgyn, for taking time out to investigate the Oritek interconnects."

Turns out that Ori lives in the San Jose area. He contacted me by e-mail and I was very anxious to hear these cables based on your recommendations. Ori was kind enough to bring by both X-1 and X-2 cables. We listened for several hours. I wasn't terribly enamoured by the X-1. I thought for the money it performed very well. Not enough for me to vacate ownership of my Valhalla cables. However when he played the X-2's I was simply stunned by the accuracy and sound of these cables. IMO and as I told Ori, these are too good to be true and if anything are priced way below what the market will bear.

I am having Ori make me two sets of X-2's--one from my DAC to my ARC Ref3 and a second pair from my Ref 3 to my amps. The first will be with XLR terminations and the second with SE RCA terminations. Even though the Lamm ML 2.1 has XLR input, it is a pseudo XLR and as a result I decided to go with SE as this is what Vladimir believes in.

Ori returns next week for a second listen. He is also bringing with him prototypes of two amps that he is building, one of which is a mere 3 waatts per channel. He swears that they will drive my X-2 speakers with plenty of headroom. Stay tuned for full report.

BTW, Ori tells me that you also live in the SF Bay area. Let me know if you are also interested in a listening session.

oneobgyn

Where are my manners? Thank you, Oneobgyn, for taking time out to investigate the Oritek interconnects. I'de like to mention two things. One, my current theory is that his X-1's can interact negatively with other interconnects(something that doesn't apply to his X-2's, I believe). Second, you can get .4 meters or less for $329(as a X-1 owner, I paid $390 for .6 meters{25 inches, tip-to-tip}). This gives an idea of the price(Ori says that the X-2's tend to dominate a system. I agree, but this is a positive thing.).

mmakshak

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