I still own both. I decided in favor of the Dali-12, but have been using my 5909 for all my Zoom and phone calls. Both are great. In a nutshell: 5909 for clarity (and any call use case). IO-12 for musicality and sound stage. My 5909 are up for sale, but I am not very motivated to see them go...

On the bass disagreement topic, I think everyone is correct. :) Seriously, the bass intensity in HiFi with no ANC varies based on fit. First, when they were new, they seemed a bit bloated, but as ear pads settled in they became clearer. Additionally, the first week I listened intently with...

Refixed? I have been following this thread and read many reviews, and I have never read anyone stating this is on the best closed backs on the market. People have only stated it is one of the best closed back ANC wireless headphone.

I'm not understanding the point of these repeated comparisons. They can't compete because they are different things. The Dali IO-12 are wireless ANC 1000 EUR headphones. The headphones you mention cost many times more, require additional expensive equipment, are not wireless, have no ANC...

Yes, and one feature of high end hearing aids is timing. There is also a big difference between open fit and closed fit hearing aids, a bit like open back v closed back with headphones. Unlike headphones where open backs don't have to grapple with all the bouncing sound, with open fit hearing...

I never said anything about specific frequencies, and definitely nothing about 20khz. Audiograms don't even go past 8khz. Some hearing aids can only amplify frequencies up to 5-6k while others can reach 10k (those work better for sound placement). Since speech (English as it varies from...

I believe I read that in a white paper from Oticon ten years ago. Anecdotally, all I can say is that some hearing aids are better with sound location, while others are pretty ineffective. Anyhow, as someone who teaches rhetoric, my fourth point was mostly about acknowledging we don't know...

I agree and I was not making that claim. I was just pointing out that sounds we don't hear may impact us in ways that are not easily quantifiable.

For travel exclusively, I really think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the best. So light and comfortable. Tiny case. Excellent ANC. Good mic array for conversation in loud environments. Good enough sound for the plane and airport. Key is to find them on sale for under $300.

Well, this was an interesting and long read! Thank you all! Now, if I remember everything I read and did not miss too many posts, I have a small contribution to make here. I have read a bunch about BT codecs, and key information is rarely available in one spot. A recap: 1/ Modern BT codecs...

Yes: ML 5909, Dali IO-12, T+A Solitaire T are huge improvements over APM. IO-12 made me sell my Clear OG, that's how good they are. The Bathys are pretty good too.

I have both, and they both are very comfortable. The IO-12 are a little more comfortable than the 5909 for me, with a more secure fit too. No issue with warmth so far, but it's not been hot since I've had them.

The AAC quality gets better with every iPhone iteration. There is quite a difference between my old iPhone 7 and my iPhone 15 Pro. I can't really tell a difference between AptxHD on my Pixel and AAC on my iPhone 15 Pro.

The Dali definitely has a wider soundstage and better sound than the Bathys.

Thanks. I got hung up on the "briefly" in the manual. It was more like a long press than a brief press. Interestingly, after reset and re-pairing to my devices, the Dali name is now correct on my MBP. Previously it was spelled oddly. Hopefully that will solve my small issue.

Has anyone had success doing a factory reset? Seems impossible following the instructions. Thanks. (The reason I want to factory reset is that my pair sometimes won't fully turn off--the power light stays on--it's as if I only turned off the BT connection. If I press on power again, they...

Selling a pair of Mark Levinson No. 5909 ANC Headphones in Pearl Black. Condition is very good. No smells. No scratches. They come with original box, manual, cables, carrying case, etc. Everything is in very good condition. Would consider a trade (and add $) for a set of T+A Solitaire T. I...

Selling a full set of Focal Clear headphones. Comes with all original material, cables, boxes, case, etc. Cables have not even been used. In excellent condition. Will also include 4.4mm balanced Audiophile Ninja cables ($110 retail) and Dekoni Limited Leather Stellia pads ($100 retail), which...

Never had that experience in 1.5 year of frequent call use. Occasional BT drops, yes. But turn offs no.

If I buy another set of high end BT headphones it will be the T+A. :)

Everything I read about the Bathys claims the analog input gets reconverted to digital, DSP'd, and to the drivers. So your setup leads to multiple conversions. Maybe these extra conversions add a pleasant sound signature or artefact.

Funny I am just now contemplating taking pictures and putting my 5909 for sale... but still feel a certain attachment to them. And a nice backup. And they are exceptionally clear for voices on calls/zoom. Then again I am receiving my new Fujifilm X100VI tomorrow--should probably sell them.

No, as they rely on internal DSP, and cannot be used passively.

New review from Absolute Sound:

Absolutely worth trying. The IO-12 are quite a step above IMO.