Just how much are consumers willing to pay for wireless headphones? Based on the response to their flagship IO-12 headphones ($1300) — significantly more than one might think. The new DALI IO-8 ($900) are being introduced by Lenbrook Americas who distribute the Danish loudspeaker manufacturer in North America and for those looking for something a little bit more “affordable” than its older sibling, this new model offers trickle down technology and rather understated industrial design.
DALI Headphones
The DALI “IO” headphone line includes the less expensive IO-4 and IO-6 wireless headphones which debuted at $400/$500 respecively in 2019. So the new IO-8 slots in $400 above previous models, but $400 less than the flagship DALI IO-12. However, there seems to be more similarities than differences among the line despite the wide price variation. See comparison chart below.
From Jason Zidle, DALI Brand Manager for Lenbrook Americas: “DALI has truly built upon the success of the EISA award-winning IO-12, and we are very excited to introduce the IO-8 to the Hi-Fi headphone market this year,…We wanted to ensure the IO-8 was designed with the same DNA and by the same team responsible for our successful and sought-after flagship KORE Loudspeaker.”
True Hi-Fi
DALI claims its IO-8 headphones are designed and engineered using the same sound principles implemented in DALI’s full-size loudspeakers, such as the RUBIKORE Speaker line. The company says IO-8 are true hi-fi speakers in headphone form and they boast that its 50mm driver is the biggest among their luxury competitors.
Wired or Wireless
The IO-8 is a high-performing conventional, passive analog headphone, but can also be used wirelessly for on-the-go convenience.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
DALI’s Audiophile ANC technology supports effective noise reduction without sacrificing sound quality. The ANC on the IO-8 features three settings: ANC ON / Transparency / ANC OFF.
No App Required
With intuitive multifunction buttons, the IO-8 can be operated with one hand, without the need for a smartphone app.
Dual Sound Modes
The IO-8 includes Hi-Fi and Bass sound modes to tailor the sound output to better match the music genre being listened to.
Paper Fiber Drivers
Borrowing from the construction and technology used in DALI speakers, the paper fiber material used in the 50mm IO-8 drivers employs randomly aligned fibers of variable length to create a light yet stiff diaphragm that offers optimal damping.
Premium Materials
The IO-8 ear pads are finished in high-quality real leather. The headphones also feature a radial brushed and anodized finish to the ear cup’s external surfaces.
Comparison
| IO-4 (2019) | IO-6 (2019) | IO-8 (2024) | IO-12 (2023) | |
| Price | $400 | $500 | $900 | $1300 |
| Headphone Principle | Closed-back circumaural (over-ear) | Closed-back circumaural (over-ear) | Closed-back circumaural (over-ear) | Closed-back circumaural (over-ear) |
| Frequency Range [+/- 3] dB | 10 Hz – 20,000 kHz | 10 Hz – 20,000 kHz | 10 Hz – 43,000 kHz | 10 Hz – 48,000 kHz |
| Impedance (Passive mode) | 25 ohms | 25 ohms | 25 ohms | 25 ohms |
| Full Range Driver | 50 mm free-edge paper fiber cone | 50 mm free-edge paper fiber cone | 50 mm free-edge paper fiber cone | 50 mm with SMC-based magnet system |
| Connection Input | Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm mini Jack, USB-C | Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm mini Jack, USB-C | Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5 mm mini Jack, USB-C | Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5 mm mini Jack, USB-C |
| Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive Technology | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Input Audio Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX HD | AAC, aptX, aptX HD | AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Input Audio Formats | Not Specified | Not Specified | 16 – 24 bit audio, 32/44.1/48/96 kHz sample rate | 16 – 24 bit audio, 32/44.1/48/96 kHz sample rate |
| Hi-Res (24Bit/96kHz) USB Audio | Not Specified | Not Specified | Yes | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assist Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Replaceable Earpads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Real Leather Earpads and Headband | – | – | Yes | Yes |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Playback Time | Up to 60 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 35 hours | Up to 35 hours |
| Battery Charge Time | Not Specified | Not Specified | 1 hr 50 min | 1 hr 50 min |
| USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP53 | IP53 | IP52 | IP52 |
| Weight | 320 g | 325 g | 325 g | 370 g |
The Bottom Line
DALI has a great reputation in loudspeakers (note their recently released EPIKORE Series) and they incorporate their speaker know-how into their small but excellent headphone line.
The overall information indicates that IO-8 borrows a lot from the previously released IO-12 headphones. However, its $900 USD price point is certainly on the higher side, which makes it a competitor to a number of less expensive luxury wireless headphones from Focal, Bowers & Wilkins, and HiFiMAN.
Price & Availability
The DALI IO-8 will start shipping in early November in North America with a choice of Caramel White or Iron Black finish for $900 USD / 1,200 CAD.
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