New iO-12 review from Germany:
https://www.fairaudio.de/test/dali-io-12-bluetooth-kopfhoerer/
Here is the English translation:
Test: Dali IO-12 | Headphones
It doesn't work, it doesn't exist
by
FRITZ SCHWERTFEGER | 18. APRIL 2024
High-end claim and wireless playback via Bluetooth do not have to be mutually exclusive - at least not when it comes to the manufacturer Dali. Originally coming from the loudspeaker construction, the Danes have already gained a lot of experience in headphones with the IO-4 and IO-6 and are now sending their wireless over-ear flagship into the race with the IO-12 (price: 999 euros). Whether the high-end headphones are suitable for both the restless mobile handset and the demanding pleasure listener at home, we want to clarify in the following.
With and without cable
There are many wired headphones in the range of about a thousand euros, wireless counterparts, on the other hand, are rather few. Therefore, the
closed-designed Dali-IO-12-over-ear headphones are a special feature, especially since the manufacturer claims that thanks to active noise cancellation (
ANC), these
headphones make a Bella Figura not only wirelessly on the go, but also wired via USB - for example on the laptop on the train or plane. Of course, this should also apply to relaxed sessions at home if they are operated analog-wired on the stationary headphone amplifier. This can be done in two states: either completely passive or with headphone electronics switched on, which then takes into account the ANC and sound control via DSP. The necessary digitization takes place with a
sampling rate of 48 kHz.
Delivery contents
The supplied transport case, which does not give away any valuable storage space with its flat, compact-square design, is already convincing - not least because insensitivity was attached to in the choice of materials. Rough everyday stress? Completely unproblematic here, because thanks to its robust design, the case protects the headphones and also brings all accessories under the roof, in its own separate compartment. In the case, a 6.35 mm adapter and a jack adapter for the aircraft as well as three kinds of cables subito are at hand. Two fabric-coated
3.5 mm jack cables in different lengths (1.2 and 3 meters) ensure a wired connection, while the USB connector (not only) is used for the charging process of the integrated battery.
Equipment and possibilities
Designed as wireless headphones with energy-saving
Bluetooth 5.2, the IO-12 with aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD offers modern codecs for Android users, while Apple users have AAC available. Another area of application opens up via
USB, then real hi-res audio with up to 24 bit/96 kHz is possible.
As mentioned, the IO-12 does not remain silent even if the battery runs out of breath after 35 hours (manufacturer's information). It is gratifying that a gentle man's voice recalls the battery level when switched on. In the test, the Dali IO-12 was durable and pleasantly fast when charging. Connected to the home headphone amplifier via cable, it should also sound at the highest level in the traditional, analog way, which of course we want to explore later. If there is still juice in the battery, then the Dali IO-12 can also be switched on via cable, which, as mentioned, makes the integrated sound control and noise cancellation usable.
Two modes
To be honest, the sound control is more of a kind of "sound mode". This is provided by the built-in digital signal processor (DSP) and activated at the push of a button on the right earcup, which also applies to the switchable ANC. An announcement provides information about what has been changed. The handling is exemplary, you don't have to learn complicated gestures to be able to operate the phone. There are simply two simple, small buttons, whose position and function are quickly stored.
The good old button is sometimes the best when it comes to intuitive operation ...
In the "HiFi mode" a balanced
frequency response is available, while in "bass mode" an increase in the lower frequencies takes place, according to the Danes - sounds logical. Of course, the latter not only accommodates bass heads, but also glasses wearers, who can thus compensate for the "seal" reduced by the headbands - i.e. the sealing of the ear cushions and the resulting drop in level at low frequencies. The lower
frequency ranges are also the main domain of active noise cancellation. According to Dali, it has been improved by new algorithms that should help avoid negative sound side effects. Works excellently in practice, especially the hardly existing noise in ANC mode without music is positively noticeable.
Finish, workmanship, fit
When you approach the Dali IO-12, the color scheme called "Dark Chocolate" first catches the eye. It stands out from the uni black of most other headphone models. It is nice that they have strived for a harmonious design that covers the entire listener. First of all, there is the filigree-looking headband, which by no means gives the impression that you have to touch it with velvet gloves. The top of the headband, which is wrapped in genuine leather, is also flattering and luxurious at the same time, while the memory foam, which is responsible for a pleasant fit on the thinking apparatus, is covered on the underside by a smooth, but almost grippy plastic surface.
The ear cushions of the Dali IO-12 are generously dimensioned and rather rectangular
The two ear cushions, which continue the brown color seamlessly, are also softly bordered and covered in leather. Even their edging is knocked out with leather, it is these small details that give the Dali IO-12 a noble understatement. The ear cushions are not oval or round, but rather rectangular in shape and quite generously designed. What has several advantages: In this way, larger ears find enough space, while the resulting larger room volume can also be an acoustically plus. In addition, the ear cushions adapt very well to the head shape due to the sensitively movable positioning on the housing shells, skillfully distribute the weight of the 370-gram IO-12 with a finely balanced contact pressure and ensure a good seal on the ear. This is not only important for the lower layers, but also for passive noise cancellation, after all, you would rather leave out unpleasant external noises. Of course, it also benefits the active noise cancellation.
The seat, comfort and feel when wearing are among the best I've had on my head so far. The same applies to the intuitive usability. In addition to the mentioned buttons, this is made possible by a touch field made of anodized aluminum on the right ear cup, which consists of an outer ring and a minter field. While the ring takes over the volume control at the top and bottom, a simple tap on the control panel with the Dali logo allows the track to be paused or, if necessary, the call-taking is activated. Just as practical: Multiple taps allow you to move in the playlist, optionally in one direction or another.
Large drivers and soft material
The ear cups are made of a low-resonance material and minimize disturbing external noise. Inside, they are elaborately stiffened and dampened to avoid any form of inherent sound. A sophisticated damping keeps sound energy reflected on the back away from the drivers, which - equipped with unusually large 50 mm paper fiber membranes - do their work invisibly inside the ear cups. Like everything else, these large, dynamic drivers were completely designed and built by themselves instead of being bought. By the way, a special Dali technology is used here, namely the soft composite compound material (SMC), which can also be found in the drive systems of the expensive Epicon speaker series. According to Dali, it is said to be responsible for lower harmonic
distortions and a high sound quality. According to Dali, the amplifier stages subsequently installed in the DAC, which operate in bridged mode according to the Class D principle, are also complex. Of course, we want to get to the bottom of this statement, which is why a supportive "Une et Mille Nuits" of the Domaine Canet-Valette is certainly not out of place here ...
Dali IO-12: Hearing test and comparisons
Space and sound
My often validated thesis that headphones designed for wireless operation passively on a
headphone amplifier hardly make a sting, the Dali IO-12 quickly refutes. Connected to the headphone amp HIFIMAN EF-400, it plays conspicuously spatially for a closed headphone and creates plenty of space between the instruments instead of compressing tightness. The IO-12 fans nicely into the width. It does not penetrate into the depth of the action as, for example, a (purely wired) Audeze LCD-X used for comparison (1,500 euros), but a step lower than the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless (599 euros), while the significantly cheaper Technics EAH-A800 (350 euros) directs the space with narrower play forward more. Two strengths of the Dali IO-12 - the pronounced spatiality as well as the unagitated-balanced, rather airy than earthy tonality - run like a red thread through all playing and connection variants.
Rich in detail
Resolution and transparency are shown in "Ride My Arrow" by
Bill Callahan (album: Dream River) - the Dali IO-12 proceeds with a lot of fine drawing without ever becoming glassy or hard. Okay, the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless also succeeds in the latter, but it does not bring the same lucid playing style and lightness of the IO-12 to the ear, but seems more effortless. The same is shown in "Wherever I May Roam" by
Metallica (album: Metallica), here, too a transparent, accurate and "fatigue-free" way of playing can be stated. Guitar riffs, bass line and drumming do not appear as compressed porridge, but present themselves beautifully detached from each other, you can keep them wonderfully apart. In addition, I already take a coherence at low levels, i.e. balance in the tonal overall impression, which enables hearing-friendly music enjoyment, because you do not have the feeling of having to turn louder to see everything.
Bass à la carte
The mentioned Beyerdynamic gives the sound image a touch more warmth and directness, the Dali looks airier and lighter in hi-fi mode - what pleases better is a matter of taste. With the low bass waves in the piece "Party Is Going On" by
Busta Rhymes, both headphones come with plenty of depth, but the Dali IO-12 remains rather tight and springy, while the Amiron Wireless goes a little more powerful. However, this can be changed at the push of a button, because in bass mode, the Dali IO-12 packs abundance, so that the grooves gain a decent amount more warmth and volume. So you have the choice here. The following applies to the overall tonality: In hi-fi mode, the Dali IO-12 looks a little lighter/slimmer than "normal zero", but in bass mode a little richer and warmer.
Clear and agile
In "Back in Time" by
John Scofield (album: Uncle John's Band), the shimmering hi-hats in the top layers are rather silkier than crisp intoned, which suits me personally. Snare and percussive elements give themselves without emphasis, they convince with fine resolution and balanced, neutral diction. This also applies to the jazz guitar, which is "beautiful" but not "exuberant" in the juice above the IO-12 and presents itself with authentically outlined physicality. The clear and agile characteristic of the instrument is played by the very balanced timbre of the middle band into the cards, which does not come across euphonic-dark, but simply realistic, neutral and transparent.
Test conclusion: Dali IO-12
Let's summarize: The Dali IO-12 shows an extremely detailed, gently-finely polished overtone spectrum, expressive, neutral mids without any fundamental increase - and a seamlessly following, tight, detailed and slightly slimmer bass range. This applies to the hi-fi mode. In bass mode, an increase in the lower frequency ranges is added, which does not require real exaggerations and brings the groove and fun factor forward depending on the music genre. The overall tuning then looks a little warmer, while it appears slightly slimmer in hi-fi mode.
The transition from piano to forte, i.e. from quiet to loud passages in classical works, the Dali IO-12 succeeds not only without interruption, but with a very precise and nuanced representation of the individual changes in tempo and intensity. In addition to these dynamic merits, it also has a strikingly extensive space - especially for a closed headphone - which leaves a lot of space between the instruments. In terms of sound, I personally prefer the passive connection with activated electronics to the one without (which amazes me), followed by the direct connection to a USB source. Nevertheless, even in Bluetooth mode, especially with aptX HD, the Dali IO-12 is one of the most pleasant-sounding and long-term headphones in this market segment.
Not only in terms of sound, but also thanks to its luxurious appearance and the impeccable workmanship and material quality, the IO-12 is worth its money. Due to its versatility, the IO-12 is recommended for both stationary and mobile use - and thus actually for the demanding highender on the sofa as well as for the listening globetrotter, for whom the classic ANC over-ear representatives of Bose and Co. seem too profane. Dali kept his promise. Chapeau!
Facts:
- Model: Dali IO-12
- Concept: closed over-ear headphones with Bluetooth and ANC
- Price: 999 Euro
- Weight: 370 grams
- Versions: Dark Chocolate
- Scope of delivery: USB C cable, stereo mini jack cable (1.2 m), stereo mini jack cable (3.0 m), 3.5 mm stereo mini jack to 6.3 mm jack adapter, adapter for aircraft connection, travel case
- Battery life: 35 hours
- Other: Bluetooth 5.2 (wireless), codecs: AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Connection: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm jack, USB-C
- Warranty: 2 years
