Danish audio manufacturer DALI has introduced its latest pair of premium wireless headphones, the DALI IO-8. Following the successful launch of the IO-12 and building on the company’s reputation for high-end audio equipment, the IO-8 enters the competitive market of wireless over-ear headphones with several notable features. These headphones are aimed at audiophiles seeking both wireless convenience and high-fidelity sound quality.
The DALI IO-8 headphones showcase a premium design, drawing from the company's decades-long expertise in speaker engineering. The IO-8’s visual appeal is enhanced by high-quality materials, including real leather ear pads and brushed anodized surfaces on the ear cups. The luxurious look is matched by a practical touch, offering a small degree of dust and water resistance with an IP52 rating, which is uncommon in the high-end headphone market.
The headphones come in two distinct finishes, Iron Black and Caramel White, providing users with some aesthetic variety. The design philosophy behind the IO-8 aligns closely with DALI’s KORE and Rubikore loudspeakers, borrowing heavily from the same engineering principles that the company has honed over the years.
One of the key features of the DALI IO-8 is its 50mm drivers, made from a combination of paper and wood fibers. This material is designed to provide a lightweight yet stiff diaphragm, optimizing damping and producing a sound that DALI describes as natural and relaxed. According to the company, the headphones aim to reproduce detailed, high-quality sound akin to that of full-size loudspeakers.
The IO-8’s frequency response, which ranges from 10Hz to 43kHz, exceeds the capabilities of human hearing, suggesting that the headphones have been engineered with precision in mind, particularly when it comes to delivering sub-bass frequencies. For those who prefer customized sound experiences, the headphones offer two sound modes: a "Hi-Fi" mode for purer sound and a "Bass" mode for a more robust, low-end punch.
DALI has integrated what it refers to as “Audiophile Active Noise Cancellation” (ANC) into the IO-8, with the goal of minimizing background noise without negatively impacting sound quality. While DALI has not gone into detail about the specific technology behind its ANC system—such as the number of microphones or specific software—it does promise an immersive listening experience.
The ANC comes with three settings: On, Transparent (allowing outside noise in), and Off, giving users control over how much external sound is filtered.
Notably, the IO-8’s ANC is designed not to interfere with the overall sound quality, a common issue in many noise-canceling headphones. This design choice may appeal to users who prioritize audio fidelity alongside the need for noise reduction.
The IO-8 headphones support both wireless and wired connections, catering to different user preferences. On the wireless side, the headphones utilize Bluetooth and support several high-quality audio codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive.
These codecs offer up to 24-bit/96kHz audio for compatible devices, although Apple users will be limited to AAC due to iPhone’s codec support. Wired options include a 3.5mm analog input and USB-C, with the latter also allowing for lossless audio transmission when connected to devices like smartphones and computers.
In terms of battery life, the IO-8 boasts impressive figures. With ANC turned on, the headphones can last up to 30 hours, while turning off ANC extends battery life to 35 hours. While some competitors, like Apple’s AirPods Max, offer shorter battery lives, DALI's performance aligns more with other high-end options like the Focal Bathys. Charging takes just under two hours (1 hour 50 minutes), although there is no fast-charge option available.
DALI has taken a minimalist approach to user interaction with the IO-8. Instead of relying on a smartphone app for adjusting settings, the headphones are controlled directly via buttons on the ear cups. This allows users to adjust volume, playback, sound modes, and noise cancellation settings without needing additional software.
The lack of app support may be seen as a drawback for those who prefer more granular control, such as equalizer adjustments, but for others, this simplicity could be a welcome feature.
The headphones are equipped with multifunction buttons, designed to be intuitive and usable with one hand. This ensures that users can adjust settings quickly and efficiently without the need for a complicated interface.
The DALI IO-8 is positioned as a premium product, priced at $900 in the U.S., £599 in the UK, and €599 in Europe. This places it in direct competition with other high-end models such as the Apple AirPods Max, Focal Bathys, and Bowers & Wilkins Px8. The price differential between regions has raised some eyebrows, as European buyers get a significantly lower price compared to their American counterparts.
The headphones are set to be available for purchase starting October 8, with shipping beginning in late November.
