Key Takeaways

• The Dali IO-8 headphones are available on Amazon for $1,250.
• Experience unparalleled clarity of sound and separation.
• The beige colorway is less appealing compared to its premium design.

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The Dali IO-8 Headphones: An Overview

Since the 1980s, I have been immersed in the world of headphones. During my student years, I searched for options that matched my budget yet delivered a premium sound experience. Fast forward to the present, and I frequently receive audio gear for reviews, always hoping to find the next standout.

Recently, I was introduced to a brand new contender: the Dali IO-8 over-ear headphones, retailing at $1,250 on Amazon. While this high price positions them as a luxury item, they undeniably excel in performance, making them a fascinating choice for audiophiles.

My Listening Experience

To gauge headphones’ sound quality, I turn to “Tricycle” by Flim & The BBs, a track that serves as a profound test due to its intricate audio landscape. During my tenure at an audio company in the mid-90s, this track was the benchmark for audio installations.

With a price point like that of the IO-8s, I felt compelled to play “Tricycle” during my testing. I was instantly won over by the headphones’ remarkable performance. To put it simply, these are the best-sounding wireless headphones I have ever used.

Playing “Tricycle,” I noticed the IO-8s excelled in delivering a soundstage that captures both depth and detail. Switching between their two sound modes, I found both the hi-fi and bass settings to perform brilliantly. While the bass mode added an impressive punch to “PowerNerd” by Devin Townsend, the headphones vibrated with auditory pleasure.

Every song I queued played with a fidelity that was simply outstanding. Moving forward, I can only imagine how other headphones will compare to the IO-8s.

Purchase Insights

At $1,250, the Dali IO-8 headphones represent a premium investment. For those who frequently seek high-end audio, such prices are par for the course, yet the IO-8s offer a compelling value for the quality they deliver.

If your audio tastes demand excellence and you’re prepared to spend this amount, these headphones might be the best choice you could make. Just a couple of notes for prospective buyers:

1. The IO-8s may spoil you for any other headphones.
2. With their performance, you might find yourself smiling more often than not.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 10 – 43,000 Hz
• Driver: 50mm with free edge paper fibre cone
• Headphone principle: Closed back circumaural (over ear)
• Impedance (Passive mode): 25 Ohm
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm mini jack, USB-C
• Bluetooth codecs: AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
• Battery life: Up to 35 hours (30 hours with ANC on)
• Weight: 325g
• Features: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, Hi-Fi and Bass sound modes
• IP52 durability rating
• Audio formats: 16 – 24 bit, 32/44.1/48/96 kHz sample rate
• Hi-Res Audio Certified