OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Dali IO 12 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£880Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:35 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Dali IO 12 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

80%

8.1

Technical score

20%

7.9

User score

★Better than 92% of headphones
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

52%

9.5

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

7.3

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Battery

4%

8.8

Calls & Controls

★Better than 93% of headphones
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

5.2

Number of reviews

Based on 120 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 62% of headphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Dali IO 12

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

52%

9.5

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

7.3

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Battery

4%

8.8

Calls & Controls

8.1
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

5.2

Number of reviews

Based on 120 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Popularity:
Dali IO 12 has a popularity score of 5.2 points, which is lower than that of 56.9% of products in this category.
5.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components:

60%

8.1

Overall score

40%

5.9

Price

7.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
Driver size
50 mm
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
4
Number of microphones
4
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88% of headphones and equal to 5.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
â–² Better than 51% of models
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.2
Bluetooth version
5.2
â–² Better than 86% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.2, newer Bluetooth version than 85.7% of headphones and equal to 3% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
?
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
?
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
35 hours
Battery life
35 hours
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 35 hours, higher battery life than 58.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
35 hours
Battery life with ANC
35 hours
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 35 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 54.9% of headphones and equal to 4.6% of headphones.
Charging time
0.83 hours
Charging time
0.83 hours
★ Better than 99% of models
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 0.83 hours to charge, lower charging time than 99.5% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
1,100 mAh
Battery capacity
1,100 mAh
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 1,100 mAh, higher battery capacity than 92.9% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Dali
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
370 g
Weight
370 g
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 370 g, heavier than 93% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Dali IO 12 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Hi-Res Audio certification
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Driver size
    50 mm
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 28,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    48,000 Hz
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (48000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 9 mm more spacious earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    69 mm
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (69 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    69 mm vs 60 mm
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    IP rating
    IP52
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This pair of headphones has a better IP rating than the average pair of headphones (IP52 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
    IP52 vs none
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Hi-Res Audio certification
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    Driver size
    50 mm
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 28,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    48,000 Hz
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (48000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    48,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    0.1 %
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0.08 % – >3 %
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1.17 hours shorter charging time
    Charging time
    0.83 hours
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower charging time than the average pair of headphones (0.8 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    0.83 hours vs 2 hours
  • 89.7% higher battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,100 mAh
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1100 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,100 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    Play while charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 5 hours longer ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    35 hours
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (35 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    35 hours vs 30 hours
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Adaptive support
    aptX Adaptive
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • AptX HD support
    aptX HD
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • AptX support
    aptX
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    4
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Sidetone
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 7 newer release date
    Release date
    2023
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2023 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    October 2023
    2023 vs 2016
  • 69.7% higher weight
    Weight
    370 g
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    370 g vs 218 g
  • 11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    91 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 9.78x more expensive
    Dali IO 12 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£880 vs £90).
    £880 vs £90
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    94 dB SPL
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <94 dB SPL – >115 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    Max SPL
    100 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >126 dB
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    100 dB vs 110 dB
  • 9.78x more expensive
    Dali IO 12 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£880 vs £90).
    £880 vs £90
  • 69.7% higher weight
    Weight
    370 g
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (370 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    370 g vs 218 g
  • 11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    91 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    94 dB SPL
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <94 dB SPL – >115 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    Max SPL
    100 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >126 dB
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    100 dB vs 110 dB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
majorhifi.com
14/11/2023
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 Review - Major HiFi
L
lbtechreviews.com
27/11/2023
Summary of the review
Dali iO-12 – Tech Reviews
T
trustedreviews.com
29/03/2024
Summary of the review
DALI IO-12 Review: A luxury listen - Trusted Reviews
A
audiograde.uk
31/05/2024
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 headphones review - Audiograde
F
futureaudiophile.com
29/09/2025
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 Wireless Over-the-Ear Headphones Reviewed
R
rtings.com
23/01/2026
Summary of the review
DALI IO-12 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
H
hifi.de
20/02/2024
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 Review: Brilliant Sound and Premium Look
(Translated)Show original
F
fairaudio.de
18/04/2024
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12: Bluetooth headphones review at fairaudio
(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
06/05/2024
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 review on kopfhoerer.de
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi-regler.de
01/12/2023
Summary of the review
Exclusive Dali iO-12 review straight from our studio!
(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
16/11/2023
Summary of the review
XXL REVIEW: Dali iO-12 – Audiophile Hi-Fi Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation
(Translated)Show original
L
lite-magazin.de
24/12/2023
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 – Flagship headphones for every occasion
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
15/01/2024
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 Portable Headphones Review: High-End Hi-Fi Sound Quality Made Simple
(Translated)Show original
A
avpasion.com
10/04/2024
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 review: authentic HiFi sound for your ears, wired and wireless", "Dali IO-12 review: authentic HiFi sound with or without cables
(Translated)Show original
R
rkdl.nl
07/02/2025
Summary of the review
Dali IO-12 Review: The pinnacle of sound", "Dali IO-12 Review: The cream of the crop in acoustics
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
21/06/2024
Summary of the review
DALI iO-12 - Has everything you need
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
26/12/2023
Summary of the review
Review: DALI IO-12 portable headphones, five stars
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 120 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Dali IO 12

  • Class-leading technical sound quality, often described as reaching the level of high-end wired audiophile headphones.
  • Expansive soundstage and precise instrument imaging, especially notable for a closed-back design.
  • Exceptional long-term comfort featuring large, deep, genuine leather ear pads and a relaxed clamping force.
  • Versatile connectivity options including high-quality Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive), USB-C wired DAC mode (24-bit/96kHz), and active/passive analog modes.
  • Simple, intuitive physical controls that avoid the accidental triggers common with touch gestures.
  • Solid battery life of approximately 35 hours.
  • Excellent passive noise isolation due to a strong acoustic seal.

What we don't like about Dali IO 12

  • Very high price point compared to mainstream and many high-end competitors.
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is only average for the class, trailing behind flagships from Bose, Sony, and Apple.
  • Lack of a companion smartphone app, which prevents firmware updates and granular EQ customization.
  • Bulky, non-folding design and an exceptionally large carrying case make them less ideal for compact travel.
  • The 'Bass' EQ mode can sometimes muffle vocals or bleed too much into the midrange.
  • Missing some high-end wireless features like LDAC or aptX Lossless codecs.
  • Sub-par performance for users with glasses, as frames can break the ear pad seal and significantly reduce bass response.

Verdict

The DALI IO-12 is a premium over-ear headphone featuring custom-developed 50mm drivers with a world-first patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system and paper fiber cones to minimize distortion and deliver hi-fi sound with a wide frequency range of 10Hz to 48kHz. These headphones support multiple high-res connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX Adaptive/HD), wired USB-C audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, and traditional 3.5mm analog connections in both active and passive modes. Main characteristics include active noise cancellation (ANC), dual sound modes (Hi-Fi and Bass), and a durable luxury design utilizing real leather and aluminum. Key pros are its exceptional audiophile-grade sound quality, impressive 35-hour battery life, and high level of wearing comfort. However, notable cons include its bulky, non-folding design, the lack of a dedicated companion app for deep EQ customization, and ANC performance that falls slightly behind class-leading competitors.

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