At the hi-fi convention in Munich last week, Dali unveiled a new headphone model in their IO line that features the same driver technology as their high end speakers.
Yes, this is another article about a new product released at High End Munich 2023. No, it's not going to be the last. And no, we're not sorry. With more than 800 companies vying for attention, there were endless surprises and sneak peeks to be seen the convention. Today's focus is the new headphone release by Dali, the IO-12.
These headphones sit among the most refined mobile audio options, retailing at over $2000. As far as headphones go, these are truly high end. The IO-12s claim to deliver a proper hi-fi sound anywhere you go.
Dali is a renowned Danish speaker manufacturer that is often thought of as an industry leader when it comes to hi-fi audio technology. They're well known for their advanced Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology that is featured in all their front-line speaker models. SMC technology reduces distortion and sound colouration, resulting in an impressively clear audio image.
Why am I telling you this? Well, because the IO-12 is the first pair of headphones to feature the same SMC technology. Dali is pushing to get their proper hi-fi experience inside these wireless headphones with this unique feature in addition to the large 50mm paper fibre cone drivers, as well as the same damping material used in some of their loudspeakers. They claim that these headphones deliver the same sound quality and dynamic abilities as any of their speakers, calling them "true hi-fi speakers for your head".
To help the listener stay fully immersed and retain the hi-fi experience in any environment, the IO-12s also feature active noise cancelling (ANC) tech. The company reports that it's the same technology used in Sony's latest noise-cancelling headphones, so it's safe to assume that it's up to par with competing headphone models.
The headphones boast a 35-hour battery life before needing a charge, wired or wireless listening, and dual sound modes, so listeners can switch between the traditional 'Hi-Fi' and 'Bass' audio profiles. When the headphones die, you can still use them passively via a wired connection.
As for connectivity, they've got aptX Adaptive support, a standard 3.5 mm, as well as a USB-C to connect them straight to your computer and bypass the built-in DAC for the IO-12's. You can listen to audio files with sample rates up to 24-bit/96kHz before any downsampling occurs.
The leather square earpads on the IO-12 offer premium comfort for all-day use and the headphones conveniently fold flat to be stored in the included case. These headphones seem to be the ultimate combination of comfort, convenience, and audio quality. If you're a Dali fan, this release is sure to deliver.
Image Credit: DALI
