Dali has mastered the art of turning your home into an high-end audiophile space. Now, they are perfecting the art of taking that space on the go in a pair of headphones. A model that has recently gotten a bit of attention is the Dali IO-8, a followup to their top-of-the-line IO-12. I was lucky enough to test it out for myself and see how the sound quality transfers from speakers to cans. Retailing at $900, the Dali IO-8 is a high-end model in the Bluetooth world that is sure to turn a lot of heads.
What Comes In The Box
- IO-8 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
- 1.2m USB-C cable (for charging and USB audio)
- 1.2m 3.5 mm mini jack stereo cable
- Travel case
Aesthetics & Functionality
The Dali IO-8 takes on the same look as other headphones from the company. The all-black look makes it a stylish accessory as well as a piece of functional equipment. The ear cups are smaller than most over-ear headphones, and comparing it to the Dali-IO 12, these are much more snug. My preference falls with the IO-8, where the IO-12 is just slightly too large to stay on the head. They are heavy on the head, but it’s not overbearing during use. They are still comfortable and usable for long listening sessions. For people looking for a headphone option for their daily commute, the Dali-IO 8 is proving to be a worthy candidate to consider.
One thing I noticed from these headphones as opposed to other Bluetooth models is the lack of an app. From other brands like Sony, Sennheiser, or Bowers & Wilkins, the headphones or true wireless earbuds have a corresponding app you can download onto your phone to customize your listening experience. Dali does not provide this, and instead creates two finely tuned profiles you can toggle between: Hifi mode and Bass mode. All the controls for turning ANC on and off, Bluetooth pairing, volume, and more are on the right ear cup to make the headphones a one-stop shop for all functions. While I do think this opens up the possibility to more error in technological design, it’s still a clever way to make things simple for the users and not have to worry about anything other than their headphones.
That being said, the functionality and startup of the Dali-IO 8 was extremely simple. Holding down the power button immediately turned it on and enabled Bluetooth pairing; I connected to both my phone and my computer. Listening began shortly after and I was analyzing the sound from the headphones.
Tech Specs
- Frequency Range [± 3 dB]: 10Hz – 43,000Hz
- Headphone Principle: Closed back circumaural (over ear)
- Impedance (Passive mode): 25 Ω
- Full Range Driver: 50 mm
- Connection Input: Bluetooth® 5.2, 3.5 mm mini jack, USB-C
- Wireless Input Audio Codecs: AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Battery Playback Time: Up to 35 hours
- Weight: 325g
Listening Review
Soundstage & ANC
The Dali-IO 8 delivers an impressively spacious soundstage that truly immerses you in your music. Tracks feel like they’re surrounding you, and the headphones do a great job with imaging. You can place sounds precisely and pick out individual elements. The sound signature leans heavily into the bass, whether you’re in bass mode or hi-fi mode, making for a fun and engaging listen. These headphones aren’t designed for analytical or studio use, but they’re fantastic for casual listening and getting lost in your favorite playlists.
The active noise canceling (ANC) is very effective, with noticeable differences between the available modes. When ANC is on, it blocks out most external noise, creating a quiet bubble for your music. The transparency mode blends ambient sounds with your music seamlessly, which is great for staying aware of your surroundings. Even with ANC off, the physical design of the Dali-IO 8 naturally muffles background noise quite well, offering a decent level of passive noise isolation.
Low Frequencies
The bass is the star of the show with the Dali-IO 8. In hi-fi mode, the low end is powerful and commanding, giving tracks a steady, driving force without completely overwhelming the mix. Bass lovers will appreciate how these headphones handle deep frequencies, especially in upbeat genres like pop and rock, where punchy kicks and thumping basslines shine. If you’re into bass-heavy music, these headphones are perfect for delivering those deep, satisfying 808s. That said, bass mode can feel a bit overbearing at times, so hi-fi mode might be the better option for a more balanced sound.
Mid-Range Frequencies
The midrange is where the Dali-IO 8 really flexes its detailing capabilities. Vocals, instruments, and production effects are presented with great clarity and depth, expanding outward rather than sounding flat. Tracks with layered instrumentation feel full and rich, making genres like acoustic, classical, and Latin pop especially enjoyable. Listening to “Corazón Partío” by Alejandro Sanz, I was struck by how vibrant the guitars and percussion sounded—every detail stood out beautifully, as if the band was performing live right in front of me.
High Frequencies
The highs on the Dali-IO 8 get a noticeable boost, helping them stand out against the dominant low end. This added brightness and airiness balances the sound nicely, preventing it from feeling overly heavy. The treble has plenty of color and sparkle but avoids becoming harsh or sharp, which keeps it enjoyable even during extended listening sessions. However, the very top of the frequency range doesn’t feel entirely natural—there’s a sudden roll-off that might bother more experienced listeners. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind.
Listening to “TITLE TRACK (we can’t change this later)” by Negative 25, the high frequencies really brought the track to life. The computerized effects and intricate production details popped with clarity, giving the music a lively, dynamic feel that kept me fully engaged.
Summary
For $900, the Dali-IO 8 is certainly something you have to make sure you’re going to love before you buy it. If you like good noise cancelation and a driving low end, these headphones may be worth the investment. The design is sleek and is comfortable for long use. Blocking out the noise from your morning commute or locking in to do some work at the office will be easy with these, all while giving you high quality sound for over 30 hours. To know if they are the right ones for you, I highly suggest giving them a listen and testing them with your favorite tracks.
The Dali-IO 8 is available at Audio46 today.
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