Наушники — DALI IO-8

The IO-8 is a wireless, closed-back over-ear model from DALI, the Danish loudspeaker maker, launched on 8 October 2024 at GBP 599, EUR 599 and USD 899. Its custom drivers and its electronics are inherited from the company's IO-12 headphone, and the IO-8 carries Hi-Res certification. It can be used over Bluetooth, over a 3.5 mm cable or through USB-C, and it includes active noise cancellation.

Key specs that matter

DALI quotes a frequency range of 10 Hz to 43,000 Hz within 3 dB and an impedance of 25 ohm in passive mode. The circumaural earcups hold 50 mm full-range drivers with paper fibre cones in a free-edge design, driven by an SMC-based magnet system. The cone fibres have variable lengths and are randomly aligned to form a light yet stiff diaphragm. Wireless connection runs over Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC, aptX, aptX HD at up to 24 bit and 48 kHz, and aptX Adaptive at up to 24 bit and 96 kHz. Digital input handles 16 to 24 bit audio at 32, 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz sample rates. A lithium-ion cell provides up to 35 hours of playback, or 30 hours with ANC active, while recharging from empty takes about one hour and 50 minutes. The headphone weighs 325 g and comes in Iron Black or Caramel White.

Engineering and use context

DALI calls its noise cancelling system Audiophile Active Noise Cancellation and offers three settings - ANC on, an ambient pass-through setting and ANC off. A separate Wind Noise Suppression function is aimed at outdoor use and phone calls. Two sound profiles, labelled Hi-Fi and Bass, can be selected on the headphone. All operation runs through buttons on the earcups, covering volume, playback, calls, sound profile and ANC, voice assistants can be called up, and no app is required. Battery level is reported by LED indicators and voice prompts. The earpads are real leather and replaceable, the headphone folds, it carries an IP52 rating, and the earcups carry a radial brushed, anodised finish. The box contains a semi-hard carrying case with zippers, a USB-C charging cable, an analogue mini-jack cable and a flight adapter.

Pairing

Phones, tablets and computers with aptX Adaptive reach the highest wireless resolution the IO-8 accepts, while devices limited to AAC or standard aptX also connect. The USB-C port carries digital audio from a computer in addition to charging the battery. The mini-jack cable links the IO-8 to sources with an analogue headphone output.

Alternatives

The DALI IO-12 is the higher model of the IO headphone line and supplied the driver and electronics design used in the IO-8.