I listened to the Lampizator Baltic 3 DAC
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- Lampizator Baltic 3 DAC starts from €4800/$6600. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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Try Roon:
00:00 Intro
01:00 About Baltic 3
04:07 Tubes
04:34 Build and looks
06:16 Sound
10:05 vs Gustard R26
13:22 vs Acoustic Invader Lancer
17:41 vs DIY Lampucera
22:12 Conclusion
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Test system:
Eversolo DMP-A6: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEh...
Gustard R26 DAC: bit.ly/3XLyNCF
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP (Fulcrum version): acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
Head-Fi:
Topping A90D: bit.ly/3Mrk0KY
Verum 1: www.verum-audio.com/store
Goldplanar GL2000: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkW...
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo 
Наука
As always you do an amazing job of describing what a piece of audio gear does that makes it unique and you do a wonderful job of comparing it to other options. You’re quickly becoming the best reviewer around. Keep up the good work!
Yeah, very detailed reviews , never vague ( audiophiliac). He’s gonna grow big time.
@@dougg1075 100% agree
Your ability to communicate nuance is impressive. I really enjoy your reviews.
He’s really good, the best I’ve seen actually
Thank you so much I enjoy this very much.Really managed to understand the differences between the others DAC’s .That is really an big achievement😊😊 .
Such a great comparison. Deeply informative and true to offerings as always! Man, your reviews should be considered "giant killer" in their own rite. Balanced, real world and entertaining. Was SO curious about your own DAC build. Glad you'll be sharing more about it later. New respect for Lampizator. Big time 🙏
Real pleasure to watch such review. Thanks a lot!
Was very much impressed with your candor overall with the Baltic 3 review, comparisons, and conclusion.
Well done, great review. Respect for speaking out regarding the DIY build and mods. I can tell you about my experience making my own version of Tube DACs using Russian tubes and Coupling caps...Chinese dac boards...i love the sound :). The best way to test is always to use A-B testing. I will take this opportunity to thanks Lukasz Fikus for kick start our interest in tubes, dac's and enjoying the music.
THANKS FOR THE MUSIC! "Pulse" is awesome and shows off all the time I have put into my system….
Smiles all around!😊😊😊
You are fortunate to have gained even more Perspective. I was going to comment more extensively, but in summary....Excellent! Again!!
I am very interested to see and hear about how you built your DAC.
Brilliant review. I always enjoy your style of delivery - It comes across a 100% honest, passionate and I find it very refreshing compared to others. On the subject of this DAC, I almost started typing this comment too soon, before you mentioned that you had compared it to another DAC (your own DIY made DAC) also using a tube output stage - I’m glad I waited as most of what I wanted to say was how almost all of what you were describing about the sound when comparing the Lampizator to the Gustard (for example) reminded me of the first time I listened to a tube/valve based headphone DAC (and got into ‘tube rolling’). As I understand it, a lot of what we get in terms of timbre and tonal richness from sound (any sound for that matter) comes from the harmonic overtones. Hence why for example the note ‘middle C’ on a piano does not sound the same as the same note on a guitar, or an oboe etc - It’s the harmonic overtones which give the timbre specific to that instrument. This is also why guitarists (like myself) usually prefer the sound of a tube/valve based guitar amp for the tone it gives. As you no doubt already know, tubes/valves (whilst all sound slightly different to each other) are extremely good at representing those harmonic overtones and even add mostly 2nd and other ‘even order’ harmonics to some extent - what people refer to as ‘that tube like sound’ - which many find pleasing to the ear. However it’s the harmonic content and subtleties within this which note only help us recognise the ‘texture’ of each instrument, but they help our brains interpret the sound to place objects in a 3D context - i.e. width, depth and size of soundstage. So it comes as little surprise to me to hear that you find DAC’s using tube/valve output stages out perform others in this respect.
People get too obsessed with DAC chips or R2R technology, when without an excellent power supply and equally excellent output stage, the core DAC stage technology on it’s own is almost meaningless. It’s only 1 part in the chain.
If you have time, what would be super interesting as a comparison is if you could compare your DAC or the Lampizator to the Gustard when played directly through a tube/valve preamp, to see if with the benefit of the tonal and spacial richness that a tube/valve preamp could add to the Gustard if it can sound more like your DAC or the Lampizator. I know you’ve already put a lot of hard work into this, but would be great to hear your thoughts on this if you can find the time. Look forward to hearing more about your DAC - might be interested in making one of my own 👍
Looking forward to the diy video. Building my own dac to replace my Tradutto. Interesting. Excellent vid. Cool runnings
Thank you for a great review
You're the best hifi reviewer. Thanks for describing so well.
Great review. I too follow Lukas and built stuff based on his teachings. Amazing value and quality.
Where I can buy diy of lampizator dac? Any cheap version.
thank you very much. excellent review. I have Gustard R26 and if I have more money, I want to buy Baltic 3 and yes that is the life 😊
Another terrific in-depth review. I loved the passion you had talking about turntables. I find when you spend that kind of doh rae me you should try to match the components that are similarly priced. If you don’t, you may not be taking advantage of the quality provided by the device. So, if you follow that rule you’ll end up with $25k spent or more.
YOU ARE THE BEST REVIEWER THANK YOU
Srboljub. Just thought I’d counterbalance that “I” comment. You humbly put yourself out there with your extensive knowledge, and I enjoy your passion as a fellow audiophile.
Hey Srboljub Stojanovic ! Thanks Much !.......
It seems to be the first review where you don't hear: " a little bit...". Just a pure appreciation and no doubts about it.
Great review. So refreshing to hear the testimony of an intelligent audiophile. I've come across such stupidity and narrow-mindedness on this platform (and others) with regards to people saying a dac is a dac; high-end cable is snake oil, all tubes sound the same, etc
I have the Amber MKII. It has a Baltic tube board. I was very happy with my Meridian 206 CD player and could not imagine anything that could sound better. (Perhaps I live in a small world). Then I got my Lampizator. What I can say about Lampizator, is that it is an absolute game changer. If you buy one and stay away from showrooms, you may never pine for another dac again. Getting one was like taking a second red pill.
Lukaz is a maverick in his game. He is a game changer. Huge respect.
Conveying sound quality is the most difficult part of reviewing. It really helps if the viewer has some experience with hearing high end equipment. It’s almost like an on off switch once one gets to experience the level of emotion and nuance that really good equipment can convey.
Hi. Great channel. Keep it up.
Be your own esoteric I say built my own R-2R with RCA,Tube RCA, Coax , optical & integrated streamer pick your adventure no noise power supply= some of the best sound.
Great review!!!! One doesn't have to spend a lot of money to sound if you leave it to someone else they will charge what the market will pay
Hi, if you love Lampizator than you would fall totally in love with the Abbas Audio DAC 3.2 SE, better than Lampi (at least you would need to go up to Pacific) and SW1x. Thanks a lot
Thanks for recommending Hadouk Trio, Baldamore. Reference live recording!
Yes, both great music and great recording.
I bought the Baltic 3 and have had it upgraded to 4 status. I had a Terminator II and the Baltic is similar sonically, but in terms of resolution and tonal accuracy, the Baltic is superior. I think the build quality is nothing special, Lampizator is a small operation and they build bespoke units one by one, so I suppose it is understandable that QC is also sometimes an issue.
Get an Audio Music DAC/1, it will blow away those DACs.
I agree with the “resolution” cause it uses a top delta-sigma, but I’m afraid what you suppose to be a “tonal balance” is rather “pleasant” tube distortions. No d/s can provide a real tonal balance a same to r2r
Another great review!
I think, however, in order to really answer the question "Is it worth it?" you need to compare the Lampizator Baltic 3 tube DAC to other less expensive tube DACs, e.g., Tubadour IV SE R2R NOS Tube DAC at about $3.5k, PrimaLuna Evo 100 Tube DAC at about $3k, Doge 7 Mk 2 Tube DAC at about $2k, The Black Ice Glass FX DAC DSD Wi-Fi at about $900, Aune Flamingo Tube DAC at about $250, and Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC at about $170.
From that list I have only Aune Flamingo, and there is no comparing them really. Imagine that soundstage is cut in in half and everything became much less clear, dynamic, and vibrant. Rough analogy would be like coming from an 65" 4K HDR OLED to 32" 720p LCD. You still see the content just fine but the difference between these experiences is quite big.
@@iiWiReviews That's not unexpected, but still good to know - Thanks!
Because of the law of diminishing returns, it would be good to know how close the sound quality of the tube DACs in the $2-3.5k price range come to that of the Lampizator. Here's hoping that someday you'll have the opportunity to review those tube DACs.
Thanks for all of your great audio reviews.
I have the Tubadour IV and love it.
@@iiWiReviews Nice analogy. You could maybe make it thing and give a TV screen analogy as standard for all your DACs. Really looking forward to the DIY thing BTW -- hope it's something I could actually do. 🙂
I am really looking forward to your video on the DIY Lampucera DAC. I am trying to search for information on this, and things are a bit vague. On the Lampizator site, it says it uses an Analog Devices 1865 DAC - is this an R2R? The eBay links I am finding for the base DIY DAC board are old/broken, unfortunately.
Thanks!!!.
I suspect that many of these higher end DAC manufacturers initially set a price to cover their lower production assuming there will only be moderate sales volumes but later when they realize they have a hit they never lower their price.
I'm cheap so I just put s 40 dollar tube pre-amp between my dac and my amp
Me too. It helped.
Are you able to track down and review any old vintage THETA DAC's in your country....would love you see your thoughts on that! Great review and this DAC looks sooooo good!
Lovely review mate. The Lampizator's bass slam could be improved with tube rolling and replacing a pair of output capacitors with Duelund Copper or Jupiter Copper wax caps.
Great review, holo spring 3 seems to be a great dac in 2k usd price range, hope you can have a chance to check it out
5:00 thank you for keeping it real and tearing into that paint/ build situation bc that genuinly is horseshit (for the price being paid)
I have to disagree, this is a small company with no economy of scale, they probably buy in milled aluminium metal sheets in black. If a customer wants a specific colour they probably have to send it to a paint shop, who probably have to key the surface, apply undercoat and then at least two top coats. If you take your car to a paint shop they will charge a lot more than 200 euros/dollars just to touch up a small area. Effectively if you want a non-standard colour you are getting a customised product, 200 euros seems inexpensive. (I own the next up in the Lampizator range, in plain black - in my opinion the strength of this DAC is the complete lack of listening fatigue, whatever the colour!).
Hi, is there a thread for your Lampucera build, or more pictures?
Thanks, but I prefer a factory made Holo Audio May to this garage build esoteric device. And will save few grands meanwhile.
Hello, i found lampizator lampucera on hifishark and sold through ebay from the eastern countries. They are without casing. The first i found is the lampucera 1.0 and has tubes and 2 transformers from 110v to 220v. The 2nd one has no tubes and no transformers. Still they mention with the 2nd one, just put in a casing?? Are there variants that work without tube and transformer??? The first is 140$ and the 2nd 84$.
I like how you described this...i just would not want to reach to the back panel to change inputs....
did you ever try
Aqua La Scala MKII
Optologic Dac
or
MSB Discrete ?
I do want to know more about your DAC!
I just bought a s/hand Skoda. It's amazing, it's got 16 valves. Eight in the engine and eight in the radio, ha.
Hey, I used to drive Škoda Fabia bought secondhand for half the price of this DAC. I loved it, it's reliable and cheap to maintain. 👍
Waiting for your own dac video!!! Maybe its a possible build here for a poor brazilian audiophile.
hi...thanks for the informative review!...
question-
there are a lot of reviews on RUclips about the new Lynn upgrades but all talk...I haven't seen any side by side actual musical comparisons between the linn katalyst / Dynamic versus the newer
Utopik /Organik upgrades...I just hear people say there is a big difference...the older Klimax Kontrol with katalyst/ dynamic analog pre amp has very good sound...have you seen any RUclips or any review videos actually comparing the two musically or can you do one❓
Great 🥰
I had Baltic3.
I have Atlantic Golden 3 and Pacific ...
I started the Headphones madness :)
I have Toping G5 and Aune 9...
Plan to build a system with Lampizator.,
Which amp do you suggest?
Thanks
Hi, I live in the Caribbean on the island of Trinidad and I am trying to put a system together blindly without been able to audition any equipment as there are no HiFI shops locally. I have my sights set on a pair of Revival Atalante 5 speakers with Fezz Audio Titania tube (KT88) Integrated amplifier and Fezz Equinox DAC. Could you kindly help in advising if this tube amplifier and Equinox are a good pairing for these A5 speakers. The other option I am thinking about is Line Magnetic LM 150IA (KT150) tubes and Fezz Equinox DAC. Can you help by throwing some light on the options I suggested. Thanks in advance. By chance do you sell DAC?
So where do they get that price from? Am I missing something .
If you get the chance I would recommend to try a Doge 7 Tube DAC, that is very affordable, and is extremely good. Some reviews have placed it close in performance to Lampizator DACs.
ANY DAC which uses sampling , i.e. entering digital info not part of organic analogue signal, will contain an element if digital "glare" that leads to that fatiguing listening experience while using digital sources AND why audiophiles ho for tube sound eventually often with a turntable. This us what i read on Mark Levinson website.
It uses an AKM chip. Topping E70 velvet sounds almost the same and is only 500 bucks. Very good review, by the way!
Oh. I commented that the chips were unknown and a secret. I hope that you're right and I'm wrong.
It would be interesting to compare it with APL sigma delta, the cheapest version of the 3 and comparable in price to this one. I think it is a Bulgarian DAC
I need an answer from iiwi- is there a big sound difference between topping e70v and smsl su-10? I love e70v but not sure if su-10 can offer even better sound. Posted this Q on several videos and sent an email but did not get any answer. Thanks.
Hi, I answered to your comment on the SU-10 video yesterday but I'll say something here too. SU-10 is better/slightly bigger and lusher sounding but the difference is not huge. I would personally wait for the next big thing to make an even bigger difference if you already have E70V. Quick upgrades burst budget easily for small gains.
Also I don't read e-mails asking for advice, it's nothing personal but too many people send e-mails and personal messages and it would take too much time to answer all of them one by one. Here at least several people can see us talking about something so they don't have to ask the same question for themselves again.
I am really looking forward to your video about the Lampucera DAC. I bought the DAC module and now pondering if better to use a tube I/V output stage or maybe use a pair of SOWTER 1465 transformers....what tubes are you using for the buffer stage? What guide jave you folkowed? Thanks
I am using one simple 6N6P dual triode for single-ended out. It's this instruction with Anode follower variant lampizator.eu/lampizator/LAMPUCERA/CD%20DAC%20Lampucera%20lampizator.html
The "secret sauce" is using three separate power supplies and really high quality output capacitors. Those two done well can make the sound of this design truly fantastic and hard to beat no matter the price.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks a lot, I am using the board V3 that uses a PCM1798 instead of the CS4397. The PCM1798 has current output instead of voltage outputs (as the cirrus logic). This needs an I/V converter, for me it will be either tube (cascode) or transformer based. Thanks again
That's great. 👍 I opted for this first version because I heard it personally before making it and was so amazed by the sound that I wanted to replicate that exact build. Maybe I'll give a shot to some other versions too at some point.
Great review! How does Ladder Schumann compare to the Lampizator?
Ladder Schuman is in line with Gustard R26, just slightly less precise but richer in tone timbre. Baltic 3 is better than both with even richer tone timbre, wider
and taller soundstage. However, the rest of the system really needs to be on pair to show these differences.
Have you done any Weiss Products? New 204 MSRP $2,800.
Hi Srboljub,
Any experience with two Serbian DACs - Audial S5 and Acoustic Invader. If yes how do they compare to your DAC?
I don't have any experience with Audial, I do with Acoustic Invader Lancer DAC and there's a section in this video talking about how it compared to Baltic 3.
Thanks for the reply. Please consider reviewing Audial and Merason DACs
You can definitely hear the dynamic range and channel separation gap between vinyl and digital. And it's awesome. If you can't, there's something wrong with your system, especially speakers struggling with distortion at high SPLs. Vinyl can sound more equipment-friendly and ear-friendly, because of its natural compression at 65-70dB of dynamic range and poor 20dB channel separation. That is, in order to hear all the tiny details AND separation of the furthermost smoothly playing strings or flutes in the orchestra with digital, your room would have to shutter at crescendos and your amps/speakers would be unable to deliver properly. It's not irrelevant that no loudspeaker is measured in terms of dynamic range and distortion (although we get a taste from freq-response charts, which, again, are only given at sensitivity level and not higher- do wonder why).
There are many technical differences, channel separation included...but regarding the dynamic range specifically - I don't remember ever seeing a recording with more than 25 dB dynamic range, and that was classical music. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop are more often around 5 to 15 dB.
In fact, the exact same album is more often than not mastered with a greater dynamic range on vinyl than it is for a digital format release (that is mastered with Bluetooth speakers, pc speakers, apple earphones... in mind).
So no, on the 99.99% of the music we're listening, there is no dynamic range compression happening because of the turntable limited dynamic range.
Try listening a good Sheffield Lab recording on a really good turntable and then play that same album as a digital release on an avarage DAC.
Don't get me wrong I am all for digital, for so many reasons, but bragging about 121 dB of dynamic range and complaining about 65 dB compressing music... With music recordings themselves having no more than 25dB is pure theory used to win arguments, not something that can be heard in reality.
Great DAC is better than the avarage turntable, but great turntable is better than the avarage DAC no matter its modest dynamic range and crosstalk. Those numbers are only misleading us from the more important and more sound-impactfull parts of the design.
@@iiWiReviews I measured SPL levels while listening at my spot and it ranged from 40dB to 86 dB with classical music with digital ( not including silent moments ) I wish I could make this 60 to 106 but my system/ room would play at unacceptable levels of distortion. Now I'm sure, live at concert hall it would be 40or50 to 106dB and that's what recordings do, they compress. Perhaps having our audio equipment limitations in mind. I have some recordings both in digital and in digitized form, from vinyl playback (pink floyd's wellcome to the machine, one of them). Digital is way more open and precise and dynamic and with way better separation of sounds. It's tonally more accurate too. I'll make a measurement of SPL range sometime and see if there is a difference between the two versions.
If I'm getting what you're saying, that's still around 45dB of dynamic range, and I belive that is the highest dynamic range we'll ever encounter, only found on the best classical recordings. That can still fit into vinyl's range.
BTW, I don't negate technical superiority of digital formats. It's just that I get annoyed when people with avarage, or below avarage, digital sources claim superiority over any analog source ever. Spec numbers don't necessarily translate into a better sound and many younger audiophiles never heard what great spinners are really capable of but are absolutely sure that their budget well-measured DACs sounds better. I find that odd and funny, and that's the angle I was coming from.
T+A dac 200 or Lampizator baltic 3-4 ?
THANKS SRBJ GREAT FOR SOME ??
Luckily my wallet is not big enough for this beautiful piece of kit. I will stay content with my denafrips ares 2 . Latest Firmware update version 1.3. great review as always.
Thanks for the review! Maybe it's for another video's topic but what was the final cost of your DIY DAC?
It was around €1100 in parts or something like that.
@@iiWiReviews can't wait to see your video review about your diy dac!
@@iiWiReviews That's a significant difference. The power of DIY! 🍸
Indeed it is but I have to be real and say that it lacks USB input, balanced outputs, and mute circuit. I wanted to channel more of my budget to build quality and components quality.
If I added all of those missing features and count in my labour, this commercial price starts to make sense.
I would be very interested too in seeing more about your diy build. Thanks for the great review…
Very interesting video, thank you. Obviously you are an experienced audio enthusiast (i intentionally don't use word audiophile which could be somehow negatively loaded). Anyway, good comparison that rises some questions. First - what kind of a DAC is Baltic - R2R or sigma/delta? Second - don't you think that all the difference you hear is due to vacuum tubes' specific sounding? My opinion is that if you replace the solid state circuitry of the Gustard with tubes you won't be able to make any difference in blind audition. And finally related to previous two sentences - the difference of which component or specification of sound reproduction is the thing that human ear is most likely to perceive? I think it is not the frequency linearity, neither one decimal part of percent distortion, nor SNR above 100 db. My opinion is that these components are dynamics and the tembr of instruments. So my conclusion from this review is that the perfect DAC would be a hybrid combining the dynamic and punch of Gustard and the delicate harmonic nuances of Baltic.😊
It's a bit confusing going to your website and not seeing all the reviews you make videos on. Could you mention which reviews are/are going to get written reviews ?
I agree. It's unfortunately like that because I didn't have enough time. I plan to catch up with the site. I will do most of these reviews there too, skipping only IEMs and maybe DAPs, everything else should eventually come to the site.
Which streamer did you use?
Eversolo DMP-A6. The rest of the system is in the description too.
I modded my Lampizator baltic 2 dac with V-Caps now it has punchier bass. new baltic 4 has more bass balls too
izašao je SMSL AL200 neki review uskoro?!
U putu. Ne znam koliko uskoro review jer ide naša spora carina prvo...pa onda kad stignem da odradim.
Would you recommend buying a Lampizator Amber 4 or Baltic 4 if I am looking for more analog sound signature?
I never tested Amber but a friend that compared both told me that Baltic has more resolution and clarity. Amber was a bit veiled in his opinion.
Thank you. Keep up your no-nonsense reviews and recommendations. Much appreciated.
What other DACs can you suggest in the same price range of the Baltic 4 that is more emotional? I am willing to lose some clarity and dynamics for "midrange Magic"! Thanks
I don't know any to be perfectly honest. Few DACs that I heard at that price were all more modern-analytical sounding. Lampizator had the most midrange magic.
One great thing with Lampizators, or any tube gear for that matter, is that you can alter the sound signature with tubes significantly.
Thank you for replying
Koliko uF si stavio na izlazu iz Lampucere?
2.7u
What about Mola Mola?
I don't know anyone who has it so I never heard it.
I heard it , it was too noisy for me , typical valve tube problem!
wow Lampizator 🤤 It's so expensive bc we audiophiles are fools and we drool over expensive esoteric stuff
True. I want it:)
@@dougg1075 me too, but I'm poor
Just visited this Baltic recording v=PjnFRJ00Cvw that has Taiko as well and have a feeling it is very fatiguing DAC.Painfully fatiguing. Comparing it to this APL AR v=Vw1q-hgPAyY I regret not plunging $4000 for it used. It is really dCS kind rich DAC and not dark-rich like those Chinese brands. I didn't buy it because it too has cheap enclosure like Baltic, maybe a bit more advanced as Baltic is almost like DIY. If I am plunging 1000s of dollars I do not want to see cut corners.
6:15 peasants 😂
Idk, I’m thinking that a dac is the last place where I’d want to use tubes.
Distortion Machine
What is your preamp and amp you have used ?
Both are produced by local small manufacturer called Acoustic Invader. Preamp is his flagship model called Fulcrum that sells at ~$6000, and power amp is based on IcePower 1200as2 but with great wiring, connectors, and build quality. Sells for some $1850.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks, I see that Acoustic Invader also make DAC....are you going to test these a day ?
Yes, its Lancer DAC was mentioned in the comparisons. I'm not sure really, maybe someday we arrange for that when I have more free time. But I'm first going to cover the Fulcrum preamp which I found more interesting, and purchased it after a short audition.
I bought a DAC recently which supposedly bests Chord Dave, Lampizator and Terminator, even DCS, but you won’t get one to review. It’s the Audio Music DAC/1, and costs £13,000. It’s a high level r2r. Beats many £40k DACs. Made in China.
Congratulations, enjoy your new DAC!
Are you Slovak?
Yesss, let the rich pay more so that #peasants like me can pays less.
Always a good idea.
I'm a "peasent" forever kind of buyer too.😁👍
The Dac is really not that important, what you are describing is the tubes and the power supply and getting that to work well needs know how and that cost more than mass produced China stuff.
1st!
close the shop, get the Horizon DAC EU282,000...no need for Topping, SMSL, Gustard, Musician, etc...get a new hobby..end of the line
It's so expensive because people will pay it.
You're too funny man, intentionally or otherwise...loke the way you spelled "peasants"
Just my opinion but putting a tube in a DAC is cheating.
HaHa, have fun 🤩
Who is cheated?