Vincent SP-T700 Monaural Class A Tube Power Amplifier Instruction Manual

German Brand since 1995
Instructions for use

SP-T700
Monaural Class A Tube Power Amplifier

SAFETY GUIDELINES

This appliance was produced under strict quality controls.
It complies with all established international safety standards.
Nonetheless, the following instructions should be fully read and observed in order to prevent any hazard:

| Do not open the appliance! Risk of electric shock!
There are no parts in the appliance that requires maintenance by the user.|
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Maintenance/Alterations All equipment that is connected to the domestic mains voltage can be dangerous to the user if not handled properly. Leave maintenance work to qualified professionals. The product is only permitted for connection to AC 230Volt/50Hz, for earthed sockets, and use in enclosed areas. Altering the product or manipulating its serial number voids the warranty. After a fault, leave the appliance’s fuse to be replaced only by a professional with one of the same kind.

Power Cable Connection
Always pull the plug and never the power cable if you want to disconnect the appliance from the mains power. Make sure when setting up the appliance that the power cable is not squashed, severely bent, or damaged by sharp edges. Do not touch the power lead with wet or damp hands. Use the power cable supplied or another one from Vincent.

Switching Off Switch the appliance off every time before you connect or remove other components or loudspeakers, disconnect or connect it to the mains power, leave it unused for a longer period or want to clean its outside. On all amplifiers and receivers, wait approx. 1 minute after this before disconnecting or reconnecting the cable.

Moisture/Heat/Vibration Contact of electrically operated equipment with liquids, moisture, rain, or water vapor is dangerous for such equipment and the user and must be avoided without fail. Take care that no liquids or objects get inside the appliance (ventilation slots etc.). It must be disconnected from the main power immediately and examined by a professional if this happens. Never expose the appliance to high temperatures (direct sunshine) or strong vibration.

Heat Build-up
All amplifiers generate heat as part of their design. Make sure that a gap of 5 cm remains around the appliance and that the surrounding air can circulate (do not install in enclosed cupboards). Vents must not be covered up.

Volume The maximum tolerable volume is always reached well below the maximum possible setting on the amplifier. Be careful with the volume setting, therefore, in order to prevent damage to hearing. So that you do not expose yourself to high volumes unintentionally, always set it to a low level before changing the input channel.

Cleaning Pull out the plug before cleaning the outside of the product. Whenever possible, use a soft, lint-free cloth that has been dampened. Do not use abrasives, solvents, thinners, flammable chemicals, polishes, and other cleaning products that leave marks.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Setting up the appliance

****How the system is set up has an effect on the sound quality. Therefore only place it on a suitable, stable surface. To make the most of your system’s sound quality, we recommend placing the equipment on Vincent racks and not putting them on top of each other.

Old electronic equipment
This appliance is subject to the conditions set out in the European Directive 2012/19/EC. This is identified by the symbol of a crossed-out waste bin on the appliance.
What this means for you as a consumer: All old electrical and electronic equipment that is no longer used must be disposed of separately from domestic waste using places provided by the authorities. By doing so you can prevent damage to the environment and help to encourage manufacturers to produce more durable or reusable products. For further information about disposing of your old appliance, please consult your local authority, waste disposal agency, or the shop where you bought the product.

CE sign
This appliance complies with the current EU directives about attaining the CE mark and thus meets the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment (EMC regulations,  regulations, and regulations for low voltage equipment).

Declarations
This document is a product of Sintron Distribution GmbH, 76473 Iffezheim, and may not be copied or distributed partly or in full without express, written consent.
Vincent is a  registered trademark of Sintron Distribution GmbH Iffezheim.
Vincent is a registered trademark of Sintron Distribution GmbH, 76473 Iffezheim.
Vincent works continually to improve and develop its products. Therefore, the appearance and technical design of the appliance are subject to changes, as long as they are in the interest of progress.
The content of these instructions is for information purposes only. It can be changed at any time without prior notice and does not constitute any obligation on the part of the trademark’s owner. The latter assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies, which may be included in these operating instructions.
Storage of the packaging
We strongly recommend that you keep the original packaging in case you need to transport the equipment again at a later date. Transport damages are mainly caused by proper packaging of the HiFidevices. Because the original packaging fits the equipment accurately it will reduce the risk of damage if the transport is necessary.

Explanation of the symbols
The lightning bolt tells you that dangerous voltages are present in the appliance, which can cause an electric shock.
This symbol brings your attention to particularly important information regarding operation and maintenance.
This symbol identifies useful information and advice about how to handle the appliance.

INCLUDED IN DELIVERY

Please check the contents of the packaging, which in addition to the appliance should contain the following accessories:

• 1 power cable
• 1 cable for the POWER CONTROL
• this manual

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLIANCE

Although Vincent also manufactures long-lasting and high-class components for multi-channel audio units and home cinemas, Vincent’s developers feel especially dedicated to the stereo tradition. In this segment, in particular, the progress in sound that a separation into preamplifiers and main amplifiers brings is apparent. We think that it is precisely the use of all-too price- conscious design in preamplifiers and main amplifiers that undermines these efforts with lower sound quality resulting from compromises. For this reason, Vincent does not manufacture “entry-level models” for stereo preamplifiers and stereo main amplifiers. This also makes sense because irrespective of any development in the audio market and irrespective of what kind of audio system is to be built, there is one category of devices whose components can continue to be used in any system put together in the future: the main amplifiers! That is because it doesn’t matter what the data media or data formats of the future are, the sound will always have to find its way to the loudspeaker. SP-T700 is a mono power amplifier for one or two loudspeakers. With its hybrid construction of valves and transistors, the SP-T700 combines the advantages of transistor amplification and valve amplification. The transistor stage works in Class A mode. The result of much development work and a critical choice of components is the main amplifier which has little competition in terms of sound and which never loses control even in the most varied connection situations in combination with all loudspeakers. The highest manufacturing quality and excellent value for money can be taken for granted.

FRONT VIEW

1. Display window for the tube

2. SPEAKER A/B: loudspeaker switches
   If suitable speakers are used, a second loudspeaker can be operated at the same time. This button allows each of the speakers (designated A and B) to be individually switched on and off. The LED located above each of the buttons shows which of the speakers is activated.

3. POWER: Mains switch
   This is the main power switch for turning on and off the device. When switched off, the device is disconnected from the mains.

REAR VIEW

4. LINE IN: Input for preamplified mono audio signal
This input must be connected with the output connector of the preamplifier for the desired channel.
For example, with “PRE OUT R”, the SP-T700 is to be used for the loudspeaker of the right-hand stereo channel. Do not connect any line-level sources!

5. DIMMER:
Dimmer for the tube illumination
The setting of this switch affects the brightness of the illumination of the tube display window (1).
6. POWER CONTROL (12V) OUTPUT
These jack connectors (3,5 mm) send the signals for the standby control (12V Trigger).
7. SPEAKER A/B: Loudspeaker terminals
At these output sockets with threaded terminals, one or two loudspeakers can be connected. A Speaker cable with 4 mm banana plugs can be used. Please take note of the information given in the section “Installation”, if two loudspeakers will be connected to the amplifier.
8. Voltage Selector:
The voltage selector behind the pane allows switching the voltage from 230 V to 110V. Refer to safety instructions for further information (p. 26, “Switching the Voltage”)
9. AC power connector and fuse holder
To establish the power supply, connect the plugs of the power cable to the device and to the AC wall outlet. The small plastic housing beneath the plug opening holds the fuse.  Refer to the security precautions.

INSTALLATION

Set up the cable links in a sequence as follows. Connect the power cable between the device and power supply only after all other connections have been made.

| DURING INSTALLATION PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:|
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Protective caps
Prior to the first installation, the protective plastic caps must be removed from all the connections used at the rear of the unit.
RCA connections
Contacting the middle pin of the RCA plugs with the outer ring of the RCA chassis jack may lead to damage to the main amplifier if it is switched on! To avoid this hazard,  connect or disconnect only in a switched-off state and more than one minute after deactivating!

Speaker cable connections
The use of ready-made loudspeaker cables is recommended instead of connecting the cable’s central wire (strand) directly to the terminals. Banana plugs or cable lugs ensure high security from short-circuits and damage to loudspeakers or amplifiers.
Ensure that bare loudspeaker wires are never able to come into contact with each other or with the metal on the back of the housing.
Make sure that the positive and negative loudspeaker wires are connected correctly. You will notice a reduced sound quality if the connections are the wrong way round.
Only use loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of at least 4Ω.

Cable connections
Make sure that all plugs fit tightly. Inadequate connections can cause noise interference, failures, and malfunctions.

To make the most of the components’ sound potential, only high-quality loudspeakers and connecting cables, for example, Vincent cables, should be used. Your local stockist will be glad to advise you about this.

CONNECTING THE PREAMPLIFIER

This main amplifier is equipped with a mono audio input (“LINE IN”) on which the unit awaits the preamplified signal of an audio channel. This is the audio information that the SP-T700 provides for one or two loudspeakers.

No source with a standard line level signal (“LINE OUT”) must be connected to this input. It is only intended for preamplified signals (e.g. “PRE OUT”).
This audio input connector must be interconnected to the output connector (“PRE OUTPUT” or “OUTPUT”) of a preamplifier. If the SP-T700 is to supply one channel of a  stereo system, connect the input connector of the SP-T700 with a preamplifier output socket that is usually labeled “PRE OUT R” or “PRE OUT L”.

If the SP-T700 is used in a multi-channel system, then the connection socket of the desired channel (e. g.“FRONT R”) in the connection field of the decoder preamplifier usually marked with “AUDIO OUTPUT” is to be connected to the input of this main amplifier.

CONNECTION OF THE POWER CABLE

Check that the electricity supply to your home is appropriate to the device. The required voltage and frequency can be read on the back of the device beside the socket for the mains. If the electricity supply is appropriate, push the inlet connector of the supplied mains cable firmly into the socket for the mains on the back of the device (9). Connect the other end of the mains cable to a mains socket.

SWITCHING THE VOLTAGE
This device is equipped with a switch (8) that can be used to change the country-specific voltage from 230 V to 110 V.

Please never actuate the switch during operation! The voltage must only be switched by a technician since the device fuse must also be replaced after the actuation of the switch! Information about the device fuse can be found on the back of the device.
Unauthorized actuation of the switch will void any warranty claim!

CONNECTION OF THE LOUDSPEAKERS

Either a single speaker (A) or two speakers (A+B) can be connected to this amplifier. Both outputs are identically provided with the input mono signal. For each loudspeaker, you will find two connector screws (positive + and negative -) at the amplifier’s backside. One side of the speaker cable must be attached here. At the loudspeaker connection terminal, there are similar connector screws or connectors. There, the polarity of each screw (+ or -) can be identified as well and the other side of the speaker cable associated with this speaker must be attached. Make sure only connector screws of the same polarity will be connected by each speaker cable wire: a knob marked “+” in the amplifier’s terminal must be connected with a speaker’s connector screw marked “+” as well.

If every speaker is connected in a conventional way (a two-core speaker cable for each loudspeaker) and you own loudspeakers that are equipped with Bi- Wiring terminals (four connector screws) you have to make sure that the metal brackets (contact pieces consisting of small metal plates or short pieces of cable which are supplied with the speakers) are applied to the terminal and that each one connects the two knobs of the same polarity (e.g. both connectors marked “+”). The connector screw labeled “+” and “A” at the amplifier’s backside must be connected to one of the bridged, labeled “+” connectors of the loudspeaker. Accordingly, the connector screw labeled “–” and “A” at the amplifier’s backside must be connected to one of the bridged, labeled “–” connectors of the loudspeaker. Additionally, the speaker connector “A” must be activated at the front panel button “SPEAKER A” (2). If none of the loudspeakers outputs A and B has been activated (2), both indicator LEDs located above the switches will be continuously blinking. This indicates that every loudspeaker connected to the SP-T700 is muted.
If a second loudspeaker is to be connected, then the clamps of the output “B” are connected in a similar fashion to the additional loudspeaker. However, this is only permitted if both loudspeakers have a nominal impedance of at least 8Ω! This loudspeaker is activated by actuating the button “SPEAKER B” (2) on the front of the unit.

If a loudspeaker is to be connected with “bi-wiring”, both pairs of loudspeaker clamps may be used at the same time for one loudspeaker. In contrast to the standard connection of the loudspeaker, with bi-wiring, a suitable loudspeaker is connected via two separate two-wire loudspeaker cables or one four-wire loudspeaker cable to two pairs of output clamps on the main amplifier. This doubles the cabling required but for many combinations of loudspeakers and amplifiers, this improves the sound quality.

Before changing the system to bi-wiring, the metal bridges fitted to the loudspeaker’s double connector in normal operation must be removed. Only loudspeakers with these bi- wiring terminals are suitable. Filtering of the entire frequency range occurs in the now separated loudspeaker crossover networks. One cable is to be connected to the loudspeaker’s sockets provided for the higher frequencies (treble) and the other with the ones for the lower frequencies (bass) for each loudspeaker. Make sure that the polarity is correct. Your specialist dealer will provide you with advice and assistance.
If you are using ready-made loudspeaker cables with 4 mm banana plugs, all you need to do is connect the two plugs on each loudspeaker cable end to the two associated speaker connectors. At first installation, after unpacking the main amplifier it is necessary to remove the small plastic security plugs from the speaker connector holes (completely remove the connector screw, remove the plug and refit the screw again). Turn all connector screws clockwise to fasten them.

If no connector is to be used, remove approximately 1 cm length of insulation from each end of the speaker wire. Twist the braid in order to avoid short circuits. Turn the fastener on the loudspeaker terminal counterclockwise to loosen it and introduce the bare wire end into the exposed connector hole. Then turn the fastener clockwise so that  the wire is firmly clamped. Make sure the connection is pretty tight.

All loudspeakers must have a nominal impedance of at least 4Ω.
Respect correct polarity, the positive contact is mostly marked red or with “+”. The side of the speaker cable that has to be connected with the positive socket has a marking.

CONNECTIONS FOR THE STANDBY CONTROL (POWER CONTROL)

Many AV-Systems consist of a multitude of individual components. To avoid the necessity of switching them on and off before and after every use, many manufacturers have equipped their devices with what is known as a “POWER CONTROL” circuit or “TRIGGER”. This kind of remote-controlled standby circuit is used primarily for preamplifiers and power amplifiers. To employ these functions, direct or indirect cable connections must be made between the preamplifier (or integrated amplifier) and all the devices which support this function. The “POWER CONTROL” function operates in such a way that each switching on or off of one device in the system (usually the preamplifier) automatically brings about the switching on or off of all the connected devices which support this function. Please keep in mind that all devices which respond to the power control are not disconnected from the mains network when switched off. They are set to a standby state instead. For connecting cables, two-core cables with 3.5 mm jack plugs (mono) are used. For each connection between two devices, one of those cables is needed.
If the SP-T700 main amplifier is to be switched on/off automatically with the preamplifier, then the cable connections for power control described below must be made correctly and the “POWER” switch (3) must be moved to the switched-off position. If you don’t wish to use this function or if the other components do not support it, all you have to do is leave out these cable connections.
The SP-T700 has two connectors for power control. One output on the transmitting device (integrated amplifier, preamplifier, or a device that passes on the power control signal), usually labeled “POWER CONTROL” or “TRIGGER”, must be connected to one of these two connectors. If the “POWER CONTROL” cable is connected to this device, the second jack connector serves to pass on the switch signal (for example to the main amplifier of the other channel) or it remains free. This main amplifier cannot generate the switching signal for other components on its own!
A theoretically infinite number of devices may be served with the switch impulses from a transmitting device. To this end, on most devices, one of the two “POWER CONTROL” connectors may be used as signal input and the other as signal output. This method of passing on the signal via the devices’ inputs and outputs and of thereby chaining them is also known as “daisy chaining”.

Many devices which can be controlled by a switching signal (not preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers) have two terminals that do not differentiate between input and output.  In this case, either of the two can be selected. Even some devices that transmit the switch signal (preamplifiers and integrated preamplifiers) lack this marking. In this case, it may be assumed that they both are signal outputs.
“POWER CONTROL” sockets of preamplifiers or into-grated amplifiers must not be interconnected! All receiving devices must not be connected to more than one preamplifier or integrated amplifier (directly or indirectly)!
If a “POWER CONTROL” cable is connected to the back of the main amplifier and the 12V switching signal is given, the main amplifier can no longer be switched off with the “POWER” button. If the power control function is not desired, the switch signal cable must therefore be removed!

OPERATING THE APPLIANCE

using this button on the front panel. When switched off the device is internally separated from the AC power. Before switching on, you should reduce the Volume setting at the preamble- fire for safety reasons. After switching on, the LEDs located above the SPEAKER switches (2) flash for about 30 seconds while the main amplifier tubes warm up.
Individually activate or deactivate speaker out- puts A and B| SPEAKER A SPEAKER B (2)| To play back music at least one loudspeaker must be attached to the amplifier (a practical choice would be connectors “A”). The output you use must be activated using the corresponding button “SPEAKER” (3) (LED illuminated). Only if a second loudspeaker is used, it is necessary to activate the second speaker output “B”. If none of the loudspeakers outputs A and B has been activated at the SPEAKER switches, both indicator LEDs located above the switches will be continuously blinking. This indicates that every loudspeaker connected to the SP-T700 is muted.
Change the brightness of the tube window illumination| DIMMER (5)| The display window for the visible tube (1) can be illuminated with one of three brightness settings if that is desired. The switch described here allows one to select one of the brightness settings and to completely switch off the Illuminati- on. If the switch is set to “OFF”, no background light is used. Setting to “1” results in low light intensity, and set to “3” results in maximum light intensity. This function can only be operated from the back side of the amplifier.

TIPS

Burn in/ Warm-up
Your audio components need a certain time period until they reach maximum performance. The duration of this “warm-up” time is very different for the various elements of your audio system.
Higher and homogeneous sound quality is achieved while keeping the device switched on.
Your audio specialist dealer has enough experience to give you more information.

Net frequency noise
Some audio source devices may in combination with the amplifier cause a humming noise at power line frequency audible from your speakers. Usually, its volume varies with the volume setting of the amplifier. This is no sign of a defect or fault of your audio products but has to be eliminated. Generally, every wall-powered device connected to the ground wire of the power plug can cause this problem when connected to the amplifier.
Experience shows that this problem is mainly caused by antenna-connected components (such as TV sets or Tuners), personal computers, electrostatic loudspeakers, subwoofers,  record players, or headphone amplifiers that are connected to the audio inputs of the amplifier. Another possible reason for humming noise is electromagnetic interference of other components’ power supplies with pick-up systems of record players (change the place of the record player for a test).
In most electric devices the ground potentials of all signals are connected to each other at one central point, where they have one common connection. If the device uses the protective conductor of the wall outlet, the corresponding wire of the line cord is connected intractably to the metal housing of the device. This is mostly the point where the central grounding point is attached to. By doing this the housing is able to shield all signals from external radiated noise. Some main amplifiers are equipped with a “Ground Lift”-switch. If it is activated, the ground potential of the chassis and the protective ground wire is separated from the central signal ground point. The protective ground wire keeps its function. Sometimes this helps prevent noise caused by errors in grounding.
If the problem occurs and cannot be solved by yourself your audio specialist dealer will help you.

SEARCH FOR ERRORS

connected to a suitable main wall outlet.
The Mains cable has not been firmly inserted into a wall power socket and the device’s socket (9). Otherwise, it may be defective.
Unit fuse or amplifier is defective.| Connect to a functioning socket using a suitable- le mains voltage.
Check the power cable. If necessary, exchange it with a suitable mains cable and push its plug firmly into a wall socket and the device’s power connector.
Contact your dealer.
No sound although the unit is ready for use| The audio source currently selected at the preamplifier is giving no signal.
The output of the source device is not connected or is wrongly connected e.g. not connected to the selected input channel terminal of the preamplifier.
The wrong input channel has been selected at the preamplifier.
The volume setting of the preamplifier is set too low. The preamplifier is muted (MUTE-Function).
The output of the preamplifier is not connected or incorrectly connected to the input connector of the SP-T700.
The output of the speaker (A or B) you want to use has not been activated.
The speaker cables are not properly connected to the amplifier’s terminal. Otherwise, they may be defective.| Switch on the source unit and begin to play back.
Correct the connection of the signal source. Set the preamplifier to the input that your desired source is connected to.
Carefully increase the volume of the preamplifier.
Deactivate the MUTE function of the preamplifier after, as a precaution, reducing its Volume level.
Correct the connection to the preamplifier. After, as a precaution, reducing the volume level at the preamplifier, press the “SPEAKER A/B” button (3) associated with the speaker output used so that the LED next to the key is illuminated.
Check and tighten the speaker cables at the amplifier (7) and at the loudspeaker(s).
Poor sound quality| The cable connections are not tight, the connectors are dirty or the cable is defective.
A record player has been connected to a high-level input of the preamplifier without using a phono preamplifier.
An audio source with standard line level output (example: CD player) is connected to the power amplifier’s direct input “INPUT” (4).
A loudspeaker has been connected with bi- wiring and both of the loudspeaker connectors (SPEAKER A and B) on the front of the unit have not been activated.| Check the cables and cable connections.
Interconnect a phono preamplifier. Do not connect line-level audio sources at the “INPUT”. Switch on both loudspeaker outputs on (2).
Humming low-frequency noise is audible, even with no audio the source is playing back| See section “Net frequency noise” in the chapter “Tips”.| See section “Net frequency noise” in the chapter “Tips”.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency response:
Nominal Output Power in Class A at 80:
Nominal Output Power (RMS) at 40:
Nominal Output Power (RMS) at 80:
Input sensitivity:
Total Harmonic Distortion:
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Intermodulation ratio (DIN IEC268):
Input Impedance:
AC power connection type:
Inputs:
Outputs:
Dimensions (W x H x D):
Weight:
Colour:
Tubes:| 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB 10 W
300 W
150 W
1 V (fur 25 Wrms on 4 0)
< 01% (1 kHz, 1 W)
< 1 % (1 kHz, 25 W)

90 dB
90 dB (60 Hz / 7 kHz; 4:1, 1 W) 22 k0
230 V / 50 Hz
1 x RCA Main Input mono
2 x 2 loudspeaker clamps 210 x 263 x 400 mm
16 kg
silver / black
1 x 6S3P-EV; 1 x 6SCH9P, 1 x 6Z4
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FURTHER INFORMATION AS DEFINED BY THE

ECODESIGN REGULATION

Time without input signal until auto-standby: 15 min. (auto standby can be switched off).

GLOSSARY

dB level
This is a way of describing any physical quantity; it is a common measurement for signal voltages and volume. It is given in decibels (dB). Alternating signal voltages below  1V (RMS) are described as “line level” voltages, which are suitable as music signals for amplifier inputs. Inputs on amplifiers (mostly represented by RCA sockets), which are designed for signals on the CD player, tape recorder, DVD player, etc. are also referred to as “line level inputs” or “high-level inputs”. Those signal inputs must not be confused with inputs that accept preamplified signals.

Input sensitivity
Term for the smallest average (RMS) input voltage which causes the maximum output power at the maximum volume setting on the amplifier. Examples: 100 mV to 500 mV  (Millivolts) on high level inputs, 2 mV to 5 mV on the phono MM input or 0.1 mV to 0.5 mV on the phono MC input.

RCA
RCA is the American name for a type of coaxial connectors and sockets, originally the abbreviation for “Radio Corporation of America”, the name of a United States company.  Both the plug and cable consist of a rod-shaped inner lead and a cylindrical-shaped outer lead. This enables a mono audio signal or a video signal to be transmitted. Compared to the XLR plug connector, this type of connection is also called an “unbalanced signal connection”.

Please keep the receipt, and store it together with this manual. The receipt is your proof for the beginning of the warranty period. Note the serial number in the following box, you can read it from the rear side of the device.

Serial number:

www.vincent-highend.de
© August 2021
International Distributor: Sintron Distribution GmbH · Südring 14 · D-76473 Iffezheim

Documents / Resources

| Vincent SP-T700 Monaural Class A Tube Power Amplifier [pdf] Instruction Manual
SP-T700, Monaural Class A Tube Power Amplifier, SP-T700 Monaural Class A Tube Power Amplifier
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