DALI announce the IO-12: State-of-the-art Headphones

…delivering true Hi-Fi sound.

The world’s first headphones featuring DALI‘s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology. With 50mm Custom Drivers, Active Noise Cancellation, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and USB-C/3.5mm wired connections.

Building upon DALI‘s four decades of award-winning audio expertise, the DALI IO-12 headphones offer stunning Hi-Fi quality sound, together with sumptuous levels of comfort.

Utilising the same material found in DALI‘s high-end speakers, the DALI IO-12’s are the world’s first headphones to feature DALI‘s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system. When using conventional magnets in a speaker design, it is not unusual to experience a phenomenon known as hysteresis. This introduces an unintended resistance to the voice-coil, which can lead to unwanted distortion in the audio signal. DALI’s SMC technology, combined with their signature paper fibre cones, significantly reduces hysteresis, lowering uneven harmonic distortion drastically. The result is a crystal-clear sound with ultra-low distortion, delivering unrivalled depth and musicality.

DALI says, By applying SMC to the IO-12s we have essentially achieved electrostatic levels of midrange clarity.

Versatile and intuitive, the DALI IO-12 headphones have been designed to be used either wired or wirelessly. Thanks to both aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, and supplied 3.5mm mini-jack and USB-C cables, you can listen to your music from a host of devices including: smartphones, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), PCs, games consoles and more. When using the supplied USB-C cable, dependent upon source and device, audio can be listened to at up to 24Bit/96kHz Hi-Res quality.

Adopting a simple, app-free operation, users can skip tracks, adjust the volume and more using the IO-12’s integrated buttons. Cutting-edge Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) adds even more functionality and ensures — even in noisy environments — an immersive listening experience, where every musical detail is revealed.

With their comfortable design and long battery-life delivering 35 hours of fatigue-free listening, the DALI IO-12 headphones let you enjoy audio on the go like never before. And, thanks to the high-quality integrated microphones, you can be heard clearly when making hands-free calls or voice-controlling your compatible device.

The DALI IO-12’s offer two sound profiles for listening to your music. Prefer to listen to your music as the artist intended, or perhaps you’re after a more punchy, bass-focused performance? The IO-12’s tailored ‘Hi-Fi’ and ‘Bass’ sound modes let you listen to your music just the way you want it.

With a foldable design that features a real leather headband and oversized square ear-pads, you’ll be able to enjoy hours of comfortable listening on the go with the new DALI IO-12’s.

IO-12 will launch in August 2023 priced at $1499 US.

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)
Custom-developed 50mm SMC-based Drivers
Large-capacity Battery (Up to 35 Hours of Listening)
Detachable Square-shaped Ear-pads
Real Leather Ear-pads and Headband
Foldable Design
Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive Technology
USB-C Charging
Hi-Res (24Bit/96kHz) USB Audio
Voice Assist Support