Welcome to ‘First look’, kind of a cross-over between an unboxing and a review. Today we’ll look at the DALI IO-12 headphones.
Kind of product?
The DALI IO-12 is a premium wireless/wired over-ear Hi-Fi headphone designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality. Featuring DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology and 50mm paper fiber cone drivers, it delivers crystal-clear, low-distortion audio with rich detail.
Brand?
DALI, or Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, was founded in 1983 in Denmark. Known for crafting high-fidelity loudspeakers and headphones, DALI emphasizes authentic sound reproduction, blending innovative technology with Scandinavian design. DALI’s philosophy, “In Admiration of Music,” drives their focus on delivering natural, detailed soundscapes for audiophiles.
Current price?
The DALI IO-12 comes with a premium price tag of 999 EUR and is available in mocha and dark chocolate.
What’s in the box?
The DALI IO-12 headphones, a high-quality travel case for protection, a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and digital audio, a 1.2m 3.5mm audio cable, a 3m 3.5mm audio cable, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, and a two-prong airplane adapter. These accessories ensure versatile connectivity and convenience for both wired and wireless use, while the sturdy case safeguards the headphones during travel.
Features?
The IO-12’s include DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology and 50mm paper fiber cone drivers for exceptional clarity and low distortion. They support versatile connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX Adaptive) and wired options (3.5mm/USB-C) for up to 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio. Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with three modes (ANC On, Transparency, ANC Off) ensures immersive listening. Dual sound modes (Hi-Fi and Bass) cater to varied preferences. With a 35-hour battery life, luxurious leather design, and ergonomic comfort, they deliver durability and style. Additional features include touch controls, a premium travel case, and multiple cables for flexible use.
Connection modes?
The DALI IO-12’ offer 4 different connection modes: wireless active, wired active USB, analog wired active mode and analog wired passive mode. The following table shows the different features per connection mode.
| Feature | Wireless Active Mode | Wired Active USB Mode | Analogue Wired Active Mode | Analogue Wired Passive Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Amplification | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Digital Signal Processing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| D to A Conversion | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Control Buttons | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Voice Assistance | Yes | No | No | No |
| Sound Modes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hands-free Telephony | Yes | No | No | No |
Touch controls and connections?
The different touch controls are located on the right ear side. At the top of the outer ring you turn the volume up, at the bottom you turn it down. Tap the centre of the outer ring once to take a call or start a track. Twice skips to the next track, three time to the previous one.
From right to left, the inner ring features the sound mode button to choose between the hifi and bass mode. Next up is the power button. Pressing the power button for 1 second when the headphones are on will engage the bluetooth pairing mode. The Bluetooth indicator will pulse blue to indicate the pairing mode. It will illuminate continuously when connected to a bluetooth device. The power indicator will lit green when turned on. When switched on and disconnected from a battery charger, the remaining battery level will be displayed. Next is the USB type C input connector. To finish off there’s the ANC button to switch between the 3 different levels of active noise cancellation. A sweet male voice supports every change.
The left ear side features the 3.5mm or mini jack headphone cable input
For whom is this product?
The DALI IO-12 headphones are designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking premium, high-fidelity audio with versatile connectivity and luxurious comfort.
Conclusion?
While the DALI IO-8 offers a more general pleasing “pop” sound, the IO-12 stands out with it’s true-to-life high-end sound profile and more wearing comfort due to bigger ear pads. The headphones are extremely well built, feel sturdy and reliable. The ANC modes work excellent. The hifi mode offers such a natural sound balance that switching to bass mode is often unnecessary. Connecting to Bluetooth is a breeze and stable. Listening via Bluetooth, USB-C or 3.5mm mini jack coming out of a AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt all presented extremely high audio quality. To sum it up: the DALI IO-12 offers the complete package: supreme audio quality, easy connectivity and operation, premium build quality, a luxury travel case and all necessary accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How does the IO-12 compare to the DALI IO-8?
Where the IO-8 offers a more generally pleasing “pop” sound, the IO-12 has a true-to-life high-end sound profile and more wearing comfort thanks to its bigger ear pads.
What battery life can you expect from the IO-12?
Up to 35 hours.
What audio quality does the IO-12 support, wired and wireless?
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive for wireless, and wired via 3.5mm or USB-C for up to 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio.
What sound modes does the IO-12 have?
Two — Hi-Fi and Bass — switched with a dedicated button on the inner ring of the right earcup. The review found the Hi-Fi mode so naturally balanced that switching to Bass mode is often unnecessary.
How can you check the IO-12’s remaining battery level without a phone?
The same power indicator that lights green when the IO-12 is switched on does double duty: disconnect the headphones from a charger while they’re powered on, and that indicator switches to showing the remaining battery level instead.
