After the excellent IO-4 and IO-6 models, the Danish manufacturer returns with a pair of hi-fi headphones named Dali IO-12.
The Dali IO-12 headphones are the first model to feature the patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology that ensures distortion-free sound. These hybrid headphones promise optimal sound quality both at home and on the go thanks to their active noise cancelling system, aptX HD Bluetooth module and impressive battery life. Available for €999, can they compete with market leaders such as the Focal Bathys and Mark Levinson N°5909?
Included accessories
The Dali IO-12 Bluetooth headphones come with an elegant rigid carrying case that has brown leather accents to match their finish. Inside are various cable accessories: a 1.2m USB-C cable for charging and USB audio, 1.2m and 3m mini-jack cables, a 3.5mm mini-jack to 6.35mm jack adapter and an airplane adapter.
Presentation
Comfortable neo-retro headphones
The Dali IO-12 noise-cancelling headphones have a luxurious design and flawless build quality. The large rectangular ear pads have a vintage look, while the round iridescent metal ear cups and gold details add a modern touch. The replaceable, generously padded, leather-covered earpieces rotate up and down and left and right (180°) for an ideal fit.
The headband, featuring soft leather and rubber, provides a snug fit, effectively distributing the headphones’ weight or 370 grams across the top of the head. The entire device is adorned with an attractive Dark Chocolate finish.
Audio design
The Dali IO-12 wireless headphones use an exclusive 1.9” transducer with an SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) motor, derived from the technology used in many of the brand’s loudspeakers (Epicon, Oberon, Opticon, Epikore). Combined with paper fiber cones, this innovative configuration reduces hysteresis and harmonic distortion. This results in a crystal-clear sound with ultra-low distortion. This unique design promises exceptional sonic depth, providing an immersive musical experience that’s rich in details.
► Learn more about SMC technology
SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) is a coated granular magnetic material that provides a highly unusual combination of very high magnetic permeability and very low electrical conductivity. SMC removes a lot of the common braking effects that iron introduces to the free movement of the voice-coil – effects such as hysteresis, eddy currents, and frequency nonlinearity, which result in unwanted distortion and coloration of the sound you hear.
Headphones that work on their own
In recent years, manufacturers have made a habit of launching a dedicated app alongside new headphone models. Dali has chosen to place its trust in the acoustics of its headphones, making them easy to use without the need to download battery-draining applications. In the event of a firmware update, a Service app will be deployed.
As a result, the earcups of the Dali IO-12 feature several buttons offering complete control of the headphones. The center of the right earcup can be pressed, allowing you to control playback (play/pause, next/previous track), while the extremities of the outer ring (top and bottom) let you adjust the volume.
In addition to the power button, two others allow you to switch between the different noise cancelling modes (ANC On, Off or Transparency) and apply two sound adjustments. This allows you to switch between Bass and HiFi modes, tailoring the sound signature to your personal preferences or the style of music you’re listening to.
Helpful voice prompts allow you to do without an app. In addition to being displayed on the phone, the battery percentage is announced when the headphones are switched on. The connection to a Bluetooth module and the switch from one mode to another (ANC or HiFi/Bass) are also signaled. We regret, however, the absence of an app to provide access to a customizable equalizer and step-by-step adjustment of the ANC.
Wired and wireless connectivity
You have three options when using the Dali Io-12 headphones. Firstly, you can connect them to various sources using a cable. The 3.5mm connector on the left earpiece lets you connect one of the included mini-jack cables (1.2m or 3m). The 6.35mm jack adapter further increases the number of compatible sources.
Note that these headphones can be used passively, meaning that they work like classic hi-fi headphones when they’re turned off and connected to a source via mini-jack. The internal passive filter ensures the same sound quality and performance as when using DSP filtering in active mode.
The integrated USB-C port is necessary to charge the headphones, but it also provides a USB DAC function. This way, you can listen to music in Hi-Res quality up to 24-bit/96kHz (superior to CD quality).
Lastly, the Dali IO-12 headphones feature a Bluetooth 5.2 module that supports the aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC codecs. The wireless connection is very stable. It is also Multipoint compatible, allowing you to pair two devices simultaneously. The headphones’ battery reached 35 hours, allowing you to listen to music all day long, with complete peace of mind on long journeys.
Key specifications
- Transducers: 1.9” paper fiber cone, SMC magnets
- Frequency response (passive mode): 10Hz to 48kHz
- Impedance (passive mode): 25 ohms
- Bluetooth codecs (5.2): SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Connectivity: 3.5mm mini-jack, USB-C
- Autonomy: 35 hours
- Weight: 370g
Listening conditions
To test the Dali IO-12 headphones in the best possible conditions, we paired them with a smartphone, using a cable and via Bluetooth aptX, as well as with the FiiO R7 desktop headphone amplifier. We listened to Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz.
Listening impressions
Audio quality
The Dali IO-12 headphones are characterized by the breadth of their soundstage. The revealed a remarkable amount of detail and provided an energetic sound reproduction. Every instrument was perfectly positioned, and we simply had to close our eyes to imagine the artists performing on stage in front of us.
With the track Only the Lonely, Tierney Sutton’s voice was realistic and pleasantly highlighted. Each instrument was naturally separated, offering a very pleasant feeling of depth. The soundstage extended far beyond the ear cups, allowing the orchestra to fill the entire breadth.
On Billie Eilish’s track Bad Guy, the bass was perfectly reproduced. The “Bass” mode provided extra punch, especially at low volume. The lows became fuller, while remaining natural. The singer’s voice was beautifully clear.
The effects of Pink Floyd’s Breathe (In the Air) were also well controlled. The detail and clarity delivered by the Dali IO-12 headphones in the highs was impressive. Connected via USB-C, the headphones revealed an additional level of precision, clarity and spaciousness. However, we found the overall balance better in Bluetooth mode, with better bass control.
ANC quality
The active noise cancellation was very effective. The noise of an open-plan office (keyboards, mice, surrounding chatter) was properly muted. Although the ANC let some exterior noise through, it was powerful enough so that we could clearly hear our music and podcasts without affecting quality.
Dali IO-12 vs Focal Bathys
Both headphones demonstrate impressive clarity and an ability to reveal subtle details during playback. The French model boasts more impactful bass, while the Dali presents a warmer sound signature with rounder bass. Thanks to their equalizer, the Focal Bathys offer greater sound customization than the Bass or HiFi functions of the Dali IO-12. Also noteworthy is Focal’s USB DAC function, which promises not only greater clarity, but also greater definition and dynamics. Finally, as well as being more comfortable to wear, the Dali IO-12 can be used even when the battery is flat, a feature that is absent on the Focal Bathys.
- Read the Focal Bathys review by François
Dali IO-12 vs Mark Levinson N° 5909
The Mark Levinson N° 5909 headphones stand out with their support for the LDAC codec as well as aptX Adaptive, providing more wireless connectivity options. Acoustically, the two headphones exhibit good clarity, offering a similar level of detail and spatialization. The Mark Levinson N° 5909 are more analytical and neutral, while the Dali IO-12 demonstrate a little more warmth and personality. What’s more, the American model benefits from a control app, complete with an equalizer, a clear advantage for those seeking precise audio settings.
Who are the Dali IO-12 headphones for?
The Dali IO-12 headphones are designed for Hi-Res music listeners looking for excellent sound quality, even when on the move. Their effective noise cancelling, long battery life and comfortable design make them perfect for travelers. Moreover, the lack of app makes them very intuitive to use.
Conclusion
The Dali IO-12 stand out as one of the best pairs of wireless headphones we’ve had the opportunity to listen to, offering sound quality more akin to high-end hi-fi headphones. Despite the lack of a dedicated app with adjustable EQ and ANC, they shine with a strong sonic personality that can hold its own without an app. With extensive connectivity and high-performance active noise cancelling, the Dali IO-12 headphones can be used from the comfort of your sofa, on the street or on public transport.
While their price may seem high, it’s essential to consider them not only as outstanding Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones, but also as an excellent hi-fi model from one of Europe’s leading manufacturers.
We liked
- The rich and balanced sound
- How comfortable they were
- The passive mode
- The ease of use
We would have liked
- An app (EQ, ANC control)
- Better bass in USB DAC mode
