Jester0fTortuga
100+ Head-Fier
Picked up a pair of the Dali IO-6s just to see what all the fuss is about. Will post some comparison thoughts later this week after I've had some time with them, but off cuff:
The Dalis are really well designed, these are solid headphones. But I think they are not as comfortable as the PX7. The clamping force (at least for my large head) is less of a burden over time than the PX7, but the PX7s ear cups -- to me -- are the best I've come across. The IO-6 ear pads are not uncomfortable, but the circle approach is unfortunate and I imagine I am not the only one who doesn't get complete coverage of the ear. The PX7 covers my ears perfectly, and they have the depth so that I get a nice sensation of nothing when my ears are in the cups. The IO-6 cups are not as deep as the PX7's, and I don't think they are deep enough. This, more than anything else, makes it inevitable I return the IO-6s and stick with the PX7s.
There are other things, however.
The PX7, as a complete package, is probably the best designed ANC Bluetooth headphone on the market. Great features, top level ANC, useful app that makes it super easy to manage multi-point connections. The voice quality is hit or miss, but thats really the only feature that doesn't work as advertised that I can think of. The IO-6 is more basic: no app, no multi-point. I have found this disappointing, I've really come to appreciate these bells and whistles B&W built into the PX7.
Off-the-cuff sound comparisons: What can I say? These headphones embody completely different philosophies to headphone tuning. I personally prefer the B&W approach, to me the PX7s simply sound more realistic in the sense that they are a great simulation of what its like to listen to a solid stereo setup in a well laid out room. This is what B&W has always said it going for in its headphones, and I think with the PX7 they really nailed it. The Dalis, however, are very crisp and clear, but the bass is just too flat. I recognize this is the general "audiophile" tuning that is so popular on this forum, but its just not as immersive or enjoyable than more colored responses -- such as that used by B&W in the PX7.
I'm gonna let these Dalis burn in a bit, and test them out over a few listening sessions. They are certainly lovely sounding headphones but the bass really is lacking and the ear cup shape/depth isn't ideal and isn't going to work for me long-term I think -- I don't get these sense these make a good enough seal for effective ANC, idk, I'm just not convinced these are effective noise cancellers. Overall, I think its safe to say they are *not* categorically "better" than the PX7s, as you will see many asserting. If you think you are someone who might be into the B&W signature sound (which I think is more realistic and enjoyable), you should give them a listen before writing them off. You may find yourself disappointed in the Dalis.
Also, the PX7 just has a crazy great soundstage. Makes gaming (wired) and movies way more fun than the Dalis.
The Dalis are really well designed, these are solid headphones. But I think they are not as comfortable as the PX7. The clamping force (at least for my large head) is less of a burden over time than the PX7, but the PX7s ear cups -- to me -- are the best I've come across. The IO-6 ear pads are not uncomfortable, but the circle approach is unfortunate and I imagine I am not the only one who doesn't get complete coverage of the ear. The PX7 covers my ears perfectly, and they have the depth so that I get a nice sensation of nothing when my ears are in the cups. The IO-6 cups are not as deep as the PX7's, and I don't think they are deep enough. This, more than anything else, makes it inevitable I return the IO-6s and stick with the PX7s.
There are other things, however.
The PX7, as a complete package, is probably the best designed ANC Bluetooth headphone on the market. Great features, top level ANC, useful app that makes it super easy to manage multi-point connections. The voice quality is hit or miss, but thats really the only feature that doesn't work as advertised that I can think of. The IO-6 is more basic: no app, no multi-point. I have found this disappointing, I've really come to appreciate these bells and whistles B&W built into the PX7.
Off-the-cuff sound comparisons: What can I say? These headphones embody completely different philosophies to headphone tuning. I personally prefer the B&W approach, to me the PX7s simply sound more realistic in the sense that they are a great simulation of what its like to listen to a solid stereo setup in a well laid out room. This is what B&W has always said it going for in its headphones, and I think with the PX7 they really nailed it. The Dalis, however, are very crisp and clear, but the bass is just too flat. I recognize this is the general "audiophile" tuning that is so popular on this forum, but its just not as immersive or enjoyable than more colored responses -- such as that used by B&W in the PX7.
I'm gonna let these Dalis burn in a bit, and test them out over a few listening sessions. They are certainly lovely sounding headphones but the bass really is lacking and the ear cup shape/depth isn't ideal and isn't going to work for me long-term I think -- I don't get these sense these make a good enough seal for effective ANC, idk, I'm just not convinced these are effective noise cancellers. Overall, I think its safe to say they are *not* categorically "better" than the PX7s, as you will see many asserting. If you think you are someone who might be into the B&W signature sound (which I think is more realistic and enjoyable), you should give them a listen before writing them off. You may find yourself disappointed in the Dalis.
Also, the PX7 just has a crazy great soundstage. Makes gaming (wired) and movies way more fun than the Dalis.
