September 2023

Floorstanding Speakers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of floorstanding speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 91 speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

62 speakers were endorsed in total, only 19 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 2 Sep 2023, Sony SSCS3 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed speakers with 5 expert endorsements.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking floorstanding speakers start at $39.99 (KEF Q550) and go up to $1999 (Wharfedale Evo 4.4). Median speakers costs $441.85 (Jamo S 809).
$39.99
$1999

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Speakers
Popular Mechanics
KBonet
Gadget Review
The Master Switch
Old Time Music
Music Critic
The Sound Junky
What Hi-Fi
ZD Net
BestReviews
1
- $228
Sony SSCS3
The Sony SSCS3 floor-standing speakers offer decent sound quality, strong imaging, and respectable bass for a small tower speaker, making them a great budget-friendly option for music and movie enthusiasts.
-
8
5
2
-
-
-
-
5
3
2
- $160
Dayton Audio T652
The Dayton Audio T652 tower speakers are a budget-friendly and versatile option for those looking for clear and dynamic audio reproduction with a sleek and modern design.
-
10
7
8
-
4
-
-
-
2
3
- $1798
SVS Prime Pinnacle
The SVS Prime Pinnacle speakers are versatile, well-balanced, and powerful, making them a great choice for audiophiles who demand high-quality sound in any setting.
-
3
-
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
4
- $429
Klipsch RP-8000F
-
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
5
- $1299
SVS Ultra Tower
The SVS Ultra Tower speakers offer exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and compatibility with various audio systems, making them a top choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
6
+1 $249
Polk Audio T50
The Polk Audio T50 floor-standing tower speakers offer high-quality sound, a sleek design, and versatile connectivity options, making them a great choice for small to medium-sized spaces.
-
-
2
-
-
-
8
-
-
4
7
+1 Check price
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers offer exceptional sound quality and modern design, making them a top-of-the-line option for audiophiles.
5
-
-
14
-
-
-
-
2
-
8
+1 $998
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 speakers offer balanced and versatile sound quality, a sleek design, and are suitable for medium to large-sized rooms, making them a solid choice for music listening, home theater, and gaming.
-
-
-
17
-
-
-
1
-
-
9
-3 $424
Q Acoustics 3050i
The Q Acoustics 3050i speakers offer a well-balanced sound with a punchy bass, midrange presence, and high-quality materials, making them suitable for a variety of settings and compatible with a range of amplifiers.
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9
-
4
7
-
-
-
-
-
10
- $349
Polk Signature Elite ES50
2
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
11
- $549
Triangle Borea BR08
The Triangle Borea BR08 speakers are highly praised for their sound quality, sleek design, and versatile power handling capability, making them ideal for audiophiles who prioritize high-quality audio playback and integration into a home theater system.
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
2
-
-
12
- Check price
Pioneer SP-FS52
The Pioneer SP-FS52 floor-standing speakers are a compact and affordable option with a three-way design, providing clear and sharp sounds across mid-range and trebles, with excellent bass and minimal distortion, making them suitable for use in a variety of settings.
-
-
6
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
17
- $800
Fluance Signature Hi-Fi
The Fluance Signature Hi-Fi speakers are highly praised for their well-balanced sound quality, powerful bass performance, and clear high frequencies, making them ideal for use in a home theater system or for 2-channel stereo listening.
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6
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
18
- Check price
Onkyo SKF-4800
The Onkyo SKF-4800 2-Way Floor-standing Speakers offer high-quality sound, a sleek design, and compatibility with various amplifiers and receivers, making them a versatile and reliable option for any home theater setup.
-
-
3
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
19
- $530
Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2
The Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2 speakers are highly praised for their balanced sound, sleek design, and compatibility with a variety of amplifiers and receivers.
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5
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
20
- $700
MartinLogan Motion 40
The MartinLogan Motion 40 speakers offer clear, dynamic, and precise sound with minimal distortion, making them ideal for audiophiles and home theater setups.
-
-
-
-
-
7
5
-
-
-
21
- $299
Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II
The Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II speakers are highly praised for their powerful and immersive sound quality, making them ideal for use in home theaters, music studios, and large living spaces.
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-
-
-
-
10
4
-
-
-
22
- $1499
Dali Oberon 5
The Dali Oberon 5 Floorstanding Speaker is a versatile and reliable speaker that provides a well-balanced sound with a slightly generous bass, making it an excellent choice for music and movie lovers.
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-
-
12
-
-
-
6
-
-
23
- $500
KLH Kendall
The KLH Kendall speakers are a well-balanced 3-way passive bass reflex floor-standing speaker that delivers accurate and balanced sound in small to medium-sized listening rooms, with a frequency range of 25-23k Hz, sensitivity of 96 dB, and power handling capability of up to 250 watts, making them suitable for diverse musical environments and highly compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers.
-
-
-
15
5
-
-
-
-
-

; ; ;
#2 $159.98 Dayton Audio T652
#1 $228 Sony SSCS3
#6 $249 Polk Audio T50
#21 $299 Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II
#10 $349 Polk Signature Elite ES50
#9 $424.15 Q Acoustics 3050i
#4 $429 Klipsch RP-8000F
#23 $500 KLH Kendall
#19 $529.98 Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2
#11 $549 Triangle Borea BR08
#20 $699.99 MartinLogan Motion 40
#17 $799.99 Fluance Signature Hi-Fi
#8 $998 Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
#5 $1299 SVS Ultra Tower
#22 $1499 Dali Oberon 5
#3 $1798 SVS Prime Pinnacle

We ranked Sony SSCS3 #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Cheapest Option

Value for money
High clarity at the top frequency
Intelligent shape for reducing distortion

Weak bass

Go to ranking

Gadget Review

Best for Crisp-Clear Sound

Up to 50 kHz is the highest frequency on this list
3cm soft dome tweeter to support high-frequency tones
145 wattage to play loud music

Not confident at low frequency tones
Feet aren’t cushioned, so can scratch floors
Not suitable for small rooms

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The Master Switch

Best Budget Floorstanding Speakers

Clean and clear sound at a hugely attractive price.

The treble can be a little harsh when watching movies.

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ZD Net

Best floor standing speaker for audiophiles

Affordable
Excellent quality
Bold sound

Mediocre bass
Limited volume

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Wide Soundstage

This 3-way, 4-driver speaker setup is designed to produce an expanded soundstage.
Tapered faceplate edges minimize sound diffraction.
Offers 145 watts of power.

Slightly skewed towards the lows and highs.
Sold separately.

Go to ranking

We ranked Dayton Audio T652 #2 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Best for Easy Installation

Unbelievably budget-friendly
Surround sounds

Basic Bass

Go to ranking

Gadget Review

Best for Small Space

Features polycarbonate dome tweeter
Frequency range between 45 Hz and 20 kHz
Lightweight for both speakers

Second shortest speaker on this list
No feet to protect flooring
Frequency range isn’t as diverse as others on this list

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Perfect for those on a budget

Distortion at high volumes, and there are annoying spring clips on the rear.

Go to ranking

Music Critic

2-way class + dual bass woofers.
Incredibly present bass.
Bass reflex port.
Affordably priced.

Go to ranking

BestReviews

Best Bang for the Buck

Tall and slim speakers provide ample sound without taking up a lot of space.
Excellent highs and midrange with punchy bass.
Equipped with dual 6-1/2" woofers and 5/8" tweeters.
Each speaker is 90 watts with an impedance of 6 ohms for a loud sound with good clarity.

The sound gets harsh at very high volumes.

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend floorstanding speakers.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of floorstanding speakers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking

We ranked SVS Prime Pinnacle #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked SVS Prime Pinnacle as #1.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Impressive sound
Structurally built
Value for money

Non magnetic front grilles

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Best Overall Floorstanding Speakers

Genuinely brilliant sound
terrific design

You’ll need a good amp to get the best out of them.

Go to ranking

Old Time Music

Great build and some innovative design features.
An impressive sound.

Front grilles are not magnetic.

Go to ranking

We ranked Klipsch RP-8000F #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Klipsch RP-8000F as #1.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Best Sound Quality

Fantastic sound
Clever designing
Extremely competitively priced

Large in size

Go to ranking

Old Time Music

Great sound and impressive design.
Some innovative built-in features
Very competitive price.

Quite big and heavy.

Go to ranking

We ranked SVS Ultra Tower #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked SVS Ultra Tower as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Sound Junky

Best Overall

The sound produced by these speakers is not just great. It is simply mind-blowing.
Features three-way speakers that perform perfectly when it comes to the bass. It delivers just as well regarding the midrange and higher frequencies.
Though not the most affordable tower speakers, they compete with models at nearly twice their cost.
The SVS speakers create a soundstage with a unique combination of expansiveness and precision.

These speakers are costly, possibly exceeding the budget for some customers.
While some find the shape of these speakers exciting and different, others find it odd and inconvenient.

Go to ranking

ZD Net

Best floor-standing speaker overall

Incredible bass
Excellent clarity
Powerful audio

Mediocre treble
On the larger side

Go to ranking

We ranked Polk Audio T50 #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Gadget Review

Honorable Mention

Only 7 inches wide, making it great for limited space
Features two sub-bass radiators for improved bass
Dynamic Balance technology reduces distortion

Not the widest frequency range compared to other speakers
Five-year warranty isn’t as long as some speakers on this list
Minimum 90dB sensitivity

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The Sound Junky

Best Dolby Tower Speakers

Тhе рrісе роіnt іѕ аffоrdаblе аnd аlmоѕt unbеаtаblе аnd саn ѕuіt еvеn thоѕе оf уоu whо dоn’t wаnt tо ѕреnd tоо muсh оn а tоwеr ѕреаkеr.
Тhе рrоduсt іѕ dеѕіgnеd ѕіmрlу ѕо thаt іt dоеѕn’t tаkе аwау frоm аnу оf thе оthеr hіghlіghtѕ оf thе rооm. Іt іѕ аlѕо nоt vеrу hеаvу.
Тhе bаѕѕ gіvеn оut bу thе Роlk tоwеr ѕреаkеrѕ іѕ tіght аnd сlеаn.
Тhе mіdrаngе реrfоrmаnсе оf thеѕе ѕреаkеrѕ іѕ vеrу іmрrеѕѕіvе dеѕріtе thе рrісе.

Тhе quаlіtу оf thеѕе tоwеr ѕреаkеrѕ wіll nоt іmрrеѕѕ уоu, аѕ thе соnѕtruсtіоnѕ gіvеѕ аwау thе сhеареr рrісе tаg tо ѕоmе dеgrее.
Тhіѕ расkаgіng іnсludеѕ оnlу оnе ѕреаkеr, ѕо іf уоu аrе lооkіng fоr а раіr, уоu mау hаvе tо lооk аt уоur budgеt оnсе аgаіn.

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BestReviews

Shines at Movies

Sound production is warm, clean, and clear.
Furniture-grade MDF cabinets are designed to be acoustically inert.
Particularly good for home theater setups.

Speakers require the rest of the sound system for the best audio results.

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We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Mechanics

Best 3-way Tower Speakers

3-way speaker for rich audio
Upgraded features
Great for large rooms

Large body might not fit everywhere

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The Master Switch

Gorgeous sound quality that represents a genuine upgrade.

Struggles against huge competition in this price range.

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ZD Net

Best floor-standing speaker performance

Powerful bass
Impressive clarity
Streamlined design

Must purchase a pair
On the pricier end

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We ranked Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Wonderful midrange, and vocals are a treat.

Conservative sound, fussy with positioning.

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Refined,entertaining and affordable floorstanders.

Superbly balanced presentation
Expressive and revealing midrange
Pleasing build and finish

Perform best if given a little room to breathe

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We ranked Q Acoustics 3050i #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Best Design & Build

Innovative design
Good mid-frequency sounds

Poor bass at lower volumes

Go to ranking

The Master Switch

Best Floorstanding Speakers for Small Spaces

Superb in a surround sound setup.

Weak bass
not great for music.

Go to ranking

Old Time Music

Well-made with innovative designs and good features.
A very good mid and high-frequency sound and great at volume.

Quality of sound, especially the bass, diminishes at lower volumes.

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We ranked Polk Signature Elite ES50 #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Mechanics

Best Value

Relatively inexpensive
High frequencies are amazing

Probably need an additional subwoofer for more bass

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The Sound Junky

Best Tower Speakers for Music Listening

Produces deeper and more impactful bass compared to conventional ported speakers.
It gives a true-to-life music listening experience, especially when using Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology.
Stylish and elegant design
Comes with dual gold-plated binding posts for efficient connections and rubber feet for improved stability on different types of flooring.

Higher price point compared to entry-level options.
It may not support all formats or codecs available on the market.
Requires a powerful amplifier or receiver to utilize its potential fully

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We ranked Triangle Borea BR08 #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Musical Speakers That Are Great for Vinyl

Hugely energetic, with great rhythm and drive.

Best in bigger rooms.

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What Hi-Fi

Superb floorstanding speakers, capable of thrilling results

Excellent dynamics and punch
Impressive rhythmic drive
Terrific punch and agility

Requires care in partnering
Needs a larger room to shine

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We ranked Pioneer SP-FS52 #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Gadget Review

Best for Versatility

Features three 5-¼-inch woofers
Crossover system improves audio quality
Frequency ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz

Sound only travels in one direction, because of the curved cabinets
Only reaches 20kHz
Not as luxurious as others on this list

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Music Critic

Editor's Pick

Triple woofer + tweeter combo.
Sophisticated crossover.
Curved cabinet design.

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We ranked Fluance Signature Hi-Fi #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Best for Durability

Powerful 8-inch speakers
Ultra high-end Neodymium tweeters
Has two magnetic front grilles

Some of the promotion is overhyped

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The Sound Junky

Best Tower Speakers for Home Theater

This is a very stylish set of tower speakers, which can add that touch of elegance to any room that it is placed in.
These speakers & woofers give an exceptional performance and really delivers when it comes to the bass output.
The build is very sturdy and impressive, as the company lays great emphasis on cabinet engineering.
Features floor isolation spikes that you can install to get a vibration-free listening experience.

If you enjoy listening to music or watching movies at very high volumes, you may notice some distortion in the sound quality.
As the emphasis was on building a pretty sturdy product, these speakers are not lightweight and too easy to move around.

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We ranked Onkyo SKF-4800 #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Gadget Review

Best Value

2.5cm soft dome tweeter for high frequencies
Frequency range between 55 Hz and 35kHz
Receive two speakers for your money

Bulky cabinet design
Lowest frequency range on this list
130 wattage is one of the lowest on this list

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Old Time Music

Well-built with a nice understated aesthetic.
Quality balanced sound.
Very attractive price.

May need to add a subwoofer.

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We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2 #15 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
KBonet

Budget-Friendly Option

Significant high and mid frequencies
Sturdy built cabinet without resonance
Redesigned drivers

No real end bottom base

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Old Time Music

Attractive MDF design with internal bracing.
Well designed speakers that deliver a good sound.
An attractive price.

No cushioning feet for placing on a hard floor.

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We ranked MartinLogan Motion 40 #16 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Critic

High caliber components.
Exceptional engineering.
Advanced folding motion tweeter.
Audiophile level quality sound.

Go to ranking

The Sound Junky

Best Tower Speakers Under $2000

These floor standing speakers have one of the most impressively designed cabinets that are meant to perform bass-reflex functions.
The sound produced is so clear and crisp that you will not regret the purchase at any time along the line.
The speakers are built to minimize distortion across the board, which helps in delivering high-quality sound regardless of the frequencies.
The company gives you the option to choose between spiked or rubber dome feet, but most people prefer the latter for the safety of their floors.

Іf уоu аrе рlаnnіng tо uѕе thеѕе ѕреаkеrѕ іn lаrgе rооmѕ, уоu wіll bе rеquіrеd tо іnvеѕt іn аn аmрlіfіеr.
Тhе рrісе роіnt mау nоt bе ѕuіtаblе fоr реорlе whо аrе јuѕt trуіng оut ѕоmе tоwеr ѕреаkеrѕ fоr thе fіrѕt tіmе.

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We ranked Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II #17 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Critic

Affordably priced high performing option.
Refined second incarnation of a best-seller.
Profound bass presence.

Go to ranking

The Sound Junky

Best Tower Speakers for The Money

It features unbelievable sound quality and details for the price that you are paying.
This tower speaker can give you a full sound with adequate emphasis on all the different elements.
When it comes to the frequency response, it is imposing in the midrange and the highs, which come out clean and warm. The silk dome tweeters add a premium feel.
The sound distortion is minimized, which is impressive for this price range.

The design and packaging of the product are relatively commonplace, which takes away from an otherwise brilliant speaker.
The quality of construction cannot be compared to some of the more expensive and detailed speakers on this list.

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We ranked Dali Oberon 5 #18 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Forgiving and entertaining, with a big soundstage.

Stiff competition means they aren’t the first choice.

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What Hi-Fi

Superb Award-winning floorstanders, right up there with the best.

Entertaining and informative
Expressive dynamics
Unfussy nature

Tough competition at this price
-Rival Q Acoustics will suit bigger rooms

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We ranked KLH Kendall #19 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Master Switch

Stunning bass, gorgeous looks.

Probably a little too traditional.

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Old Time Music

Nice attractive build with good materials.
Well balanced sound.

Quite expensive for one speaker.

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