After the excellent IO-12 released in September 2023 at a price of €999, Dali is back with its latest wireless headphones, the Dali IO-8. Designed to meet the expectations of music lovers, this new model promises sound quality in line with previous productions, advanced features and optimum comfort. Featuring paper-fiber transducers, active noise cancelling and versatile connectivity, the IO-8 is a must-have in the world of Bluetooth headphones.
Distraction-free high-end listening experience
Although its design is inspired by the more affordable Dali IO-4 and Dali IO-6 models, the new IO-8 incorporates the advanced technologies of the top-of-the-range Dali IO-12 model. In particular, these headphones are equipped with 50mm paper fiber dynamic transducers, offering powerful bass while maintaining a natural, precise sound reproduction. This material, both light and rigid, reduces distortion and enables richly detailed sound over a wide frequency range, from 10Hz to 43kHz.
As with the premium model, the Dali IO-8 promise to satisfy all listening styles thanks to their two sound modes: Hi-Fi and Bass. Hi-Fi mode guarantees a faithful, balanced reproduction, ideal for those seeking the ultimate in audio precision. Bass mode, on the other hand, accentuates the lows, providing extra immersion for fans of electronic or hip-hop music.
What’s more, the Dali IO-8 wireless headphones are equipped with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), which effectively blocks out outside noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music. A button on the headset lets you activate or deactivate this function with ease.
When you need to remain aware of your surroundings, the headphones’ Transparency mode takes over. This lets ambient noise pass through, ideal for listening to announcements or having a conversation without removing the headphones.
Elegant design, replaceable leather pads and optimal comfort
Available in black or white and caramel, the design of the Dali IO-8 combines minimalism and elegance. Built to last, the headphones features leather on the ear pads and inside the headband. The outside of the headband is made of fabric for a refined finish. As well as offering great wearing comfort, the replaceable ear pads ensure a long lifespan. IP52-rated, they are dust, splash and perspiration resistant, so you can use them all day long, at home or in the gym, for example.
As with the IO-12, Dali has chosen not to integrate a dedicated app for the Dali IO-8. The objective is clear: to offer a simplified experience where all features are directly accessible via intuitive controls located on the headset. This not only avoids complicating use with additional interfaces, but also preserves battery life by eliminating unnecessary discharges linked to the use of an app.
35 hours of autonomy and versatile connectivity
With a battery life of up to 35 hours without ANC and up to 30 hours with noise cancelling activated, the Dali IO-8 promise long, uninterrupted listening sessions.
The Dali IO-8 headphones also excel in flexibility, combining the benefits of Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connectivity with support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and AAC codecs, as well as wired options via USB-C or 3.5mm mini-jack. Note that the mini-jack connection enables music to be listened to in passive mode (headphones switched off), ideal in the event of a flat battery, for example.
Key specifications
- Type: closed-back, over-ear
- 50mm dynamic transducers with free-edge paper fiber cone
- Frequency range: 10Hz – 43kHz
- Active noise cancelling, Transparency mode
- Hands-free calling and voice assistance: Updated Clear Voice Communication (CVC)
- IP rating: IP52 (resistant to water splashes, perspiration and dust)
- Hi-Res Audio certified
- Autonomy: up to 35 hours
- Connections: Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, AAC), 3.5mm stereo mini-jack or USB-C
- Weight: 325g
Whether you’re looking for hi-fi sound or enhanced immersion with powerful bass and effective active noise cancelling, the Dali IO-8 headphones promise to suit your needs. They are now available to pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com for €599, and will be presented at the Paris Audio Video Show on October 26 and 27, 2024 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.
