In this review we check out the all-new IO-8 wireless headphones from DALI. The DALI IO-8 sells for €599.
Disclaimer: DALI provided the IO-8 for this review. Headfonia and DALI are in no way related to each other.
DALI
Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries is, just as the name spoils, a loudspeaker company from Denmark.
In 1980, Peter Lyngdorf started HiFi Klubben in Scandinavia. This is basically an association of dealers spread in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Three years after HiFi Klubben was founded, Peter Lyngdorf launched DALI to meet the demands for excellent value speakers by the audiophile community.
Soon after DALI was born, their DALI 2 was the most popular speaker in Denmark. Due to the high demand for their speakers, DALI had to move their production facilities out of Lyngdorf’s home into a bigger factory in Norager, Denmark. Since then, the factory has been enhanced multiple times.
DALI has pushed a couple of innovations throughout their history. They were the first to release a speaker with a hybrid tweeter setup, where they combined a magnetostatic and a classic tweeter in 1990. They did not only look at driver setup, but they have also developed their own cabinet material mix and their own wooden screws.
Since 2011 DALI is also producing their own crossovers, covered with a special material blend called SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound). This is said to cause better performance when it comes to blocking interference and distortion.
SMC is a coated granular material that offers very high magnetic permeability and very low electrical conductivity. It can be molded into any shape or form DALI needs, and can also be applied on many different surfaces, like their driver magnets. Where it also enhances the diver’s performance and enabling lower distortions.
At DALI everyone takes also pride in their classy and elegant designs, which can be seen throughout their entire product range.
In today’s review we will check out DALI’s latest addition to their wireless headphone lineup.
IO-8
The IO-8 is a Bluetooth ANC over-ear headphone, that can also be used in wired configuration. DALI have implemented their own 50mm full-range dynamic drivers.
It has a rated frequency response of 10 – 43,000 Hertz and an impedance of 25 ohms (during wired listening). The IO-8 comes equipped with aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codec support as well as AAC. There is no support for LDAC.
DALI states that the IO-8’s battery lasts for 35 hours on a single charge. During my time I never fully dragged the battery. However, I could go through an entire work week before needing to recharge them.
It supports sample rates of 24/96, which should cover the majority of streaming content available at the moment. Of course, you can also use them with the supplied mini jack cable and run them in passive mode. This eliminates any sampling rate mismatches and the fear of running out of battery.
The IO-8 has a built-in bass boost, should you want some extra boom. Of course, they also have active noise cancelling in three modes. ANC on, ANC off and Transparency.
The IO-8 is available in Iron Black (as pictured) or Caramel White for €599 through DALI’s retail channels.
Package
DALI provides a basic set of accessories together with the IO-8. You will get a light transport case, a USB-C cable to charge the headphones or to use the internal DAC of them. Also included is a 3.5mm single ended cable to use them in passive mode.
Other than that, you will also get a quick start guide and a way to register your new toy. The case is a nice addition, though a sturdier option would have been welcome. It still does the job very well though.
The review continues on page two! Click here or use the jumps below.
