So I've been asked to give initial impressions on headphones when I get them since I like to spend a few weeks with a headphone before I add it to my comparison. So in saying that, these are my initial impressions after spending a couple of days with the Dali iO-12.
Design - Excellent. Solid build, premium feel. Very big though, wouldn't travel with them unless I put them in my luggage and carried them as a secondary pair. The sound will definitely encourage me to do that though. More to come on that
Comfort - Excellent. Reminds me of the iO-6 but with different shaped earpads and a little heavier. Will definitely be near the top of the class.
Features - A step up over the iO-6, but still not a feature monster. No app or built-in EQ. There is multipoint, USB-C Audio, and a button on the headphones for bass boost.
ANC/Transparency - ANC is actually really good. Passive isolation is similar to the Bathys, which means not as good as the Solitaire T or PX8. Transparency is surprisingly good
Sound - Detailed, Spacious, and Addictive. Makes me want to listen for hours. Compared to the Solitaire T, is definitely in the same class. Solitaire T's are a little more neutral and resolving. Sounds a little cleaner overall. The iO-12 sounds bigger and more dynamic. Solitaire T wins the battle of sound consistency in all modes. Haven't listened to the iO-12 passively yet, but similar to the iO-6, ANC On adds bass and slightly changes the treble. ANC off sounds a little more neutral. Neither mode sounds bad by any means though. These 2 headphones are easily to my ears the leaders of sound quality in the wireless ANC world.
More to come in a couple of weeks.