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JBL Bar 5.1 Surround vs Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The Box
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support: ARC/eARCAudio Format Support: HDMI InAudio Format Support: OpticalAudio Latency: ARCAudio Latency: HDMI InAudio Latency: OpticalVideo Passthrough To TVWireless Playback
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants Support
    Comments

Products

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Jul 24, 2024 01:41 PM

SEE PRICE
Walmart.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Jul 24, 2024 01:38 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Picture
Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround or the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The JBL is better built, and it comes with a room correction feature and a better surrounds performance. It also supports more wireless playback options. That said, the Polk Audio has a better soundstage and a unique adjustable dialogue enhancement feature.

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Variants

  • Bar 5.1 Surround (Black)
  • MagniFi MAX SR (Black)

Review

See JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Review
See Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Review
0 
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Check Price

Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEARCH
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Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEARCH
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Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

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Mixed Usage 

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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Mounting Holes  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Mountable Bar 
 

Locked
Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked
Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Raw Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response Small  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

N/A
N/A

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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H Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

N/A
N/A

Std. Err. 
 

N/A
N/A

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

Locked
Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

ARC Latency Video  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

HDMI Latency Video  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Latency Video  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A

ARC 
 

Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Optical Latency Video  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Bar 5.1 Surround
SEARCH
B&H
Black
MagniFi MAX SR
SEARCH
B&H
Back to Top

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround vs Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR: Main Discussion

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