Lenbrook Americas, distributor for DALI Loudspeakers in North America, a Danish audio brand founded in 1983, has announced the DALI IO-12 headphones are now shipping.
The IO-12’s are the world’s first headphones to implement DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system used in their floor-standing speakers. Other premium features include advanced aptX Adaptive Bluetooth connectivity, 35 hours of battery life, Active Noise Cancellation, and two distinct sound modes. The lightweight headband connects to oversized, uniquely ergonomic ear pads draped in real leather for a comfortable and luxurious experience. IO-12 offers both wireless and wired capabilities with premium performance, includes USB-C/3.5mm wired connections, and intuitive controls. The headphones are on sale for $1,300 USD/ $1,700 CAD.
The IO-12 follows the brands IO-4 and IO-6 headphones that debuted in 2019, which introduced DALI into the headphone market. The far more ambitious IO-12 headphones borrow elements from the initial headphones, but also introduce new electro-acoustics using the same sound principals as their full-sized loudspeakers to deliver true hi-fi for on the go or at home listening. Designed in Denmark, the IO-12 is a closed-back over-ear designed headphone.
The IO-12 employs a high-performance driver with a large 50 mm diaphragm optimized to offer low loss, low distortion, minimal coloration and accurate dynamics throughout the entire frequency range. The driver also includes a voice-coil former in the same shape and style as low profile DALI speaker drivers, to improve the structural integrity and lower distortion.
The IO-12’s also incorporate advanced electronic components from Qualcomm and Sony. The IO-12 operated on a fully-bridged amplifier that consists of two amps working together to reduce distortion and help battery life. The headphones function on intuitive hardware control with traditional buttons used for power, sound mode and ANC, far more reliable than capacitance touch controls that can fail in cold weather, and relieves the reliance on a companion app. The logo plate is a multi-function button that controls Play, Pause, Next, Previous, Take Call and End Call. The upper and lower part of the ear cup outer ring controls the volume.
DALI prioritized hundreds of research hours into the headphone fit, use and mechanical durability to account for comfort and real-life use. The ergonomics were drawn from the successes of the IO-4 and IO-6 headphones including the memory foam earpads and weight. The IO-12’s have a rectangular earpad structure that distributes pressure over greater area to provide an acoustic seal over a wider range of head shapes. A unique protuberance in the lower corner of each pad rests behind the jaw and under the earlobe completes the seal and provides additional comfort. The headphones also come in a leather carrying case.
Key Features:
- World’s First Headphones with DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) Magnet System
- True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- On/Off/Transparency
- Wind Noise Suppression
- Advanced ANC
- Passive ‘off-mode’ filter for high-end passive listening
- High performance Qualcomm and Sony Chipsets
- Transparency Mode
- Custom-developed 50mm SMC-based Drivers
- Large-capacity Battery (Up to 35 Hours of Listening)
- Real Leather Ear-pads and Headband
- Bluetooth Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- USB-C Charging
- Hi-Res (up to 24Bit/96kHz) USB Audio
- Voice Assist Support