Dali IO-12 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

It is not the prettiest or sleekest design, but it is comfortable and sounds very good.

Phenomenal wireless sound; mediocre ANC

Putting aside the usual discussion about "does the cost justify....", my thoughts on these super high-quality wireless headphones. PROs: Build quality is top-notch Wireless sound: These have to be in the top 5 of best-sounding wireless headphones at any price; very close to being indistinguishable from wired. Comfort: feels like the exact right pressure all around Passive Noise Cancellation: very good CONs: Physical Quality: While everything is put together perfectly, I found the plastic parts unsatisfying and not up to the tactile and aesthetics of the metal and leather headband. Controls: I love the decision to use physical (as opposed to touch) controls. However, it seems little thought was put into the placement of the buttons and the ability to easily distinguish between them by touch ANC: the active noise canceling seems *really* weak to what I've experienced with the best ANC headphones (Bose, Sony, Apple). I certainly didn't purchase these to be my travel/airplane headphones, but the ANC seems like it was included because it's expected in wireless headphones, rather than putting an effort into making it competitive. Having said all that, if you are seeking amazing sound quality in wireless headphones, these are *amazing.*

Pretty Darn Great

Wow, these IO-12s took me by surprise. In a pleasant way. Having registered lots of time with TWS/ANC champions like the Solitaire T, Bathys, PX8, and now the Noble FoKus Apollo, these phones have frankly astonished me with their clarity, spatiality, and impact. It's as if the listening window has been scrubbed clean of a kind of blurring sonic haze. All the musical details now jump out crisply and colorfully. And, while I was at first bemoaning the lack of an app, I now understand the virtue of that. These IO-12s require no fiddling around to sound superb. This admitted basshead didn't even feel the need to engage the bass boost. With no wires, no app, and no extraneous controls, these headphones simply let the music through. Brilliantly.

Great sound with nice cups. Very comfortable with good build quality.

Addictive

I was on the hunt for headphones that were immersive, as if you’re in the studio. I considered all the big players. I read so many reviews. Each headphone had something not ideal about them, they fell short on one thing or another. Some needed tweaking, and I was not qualified. The legendary Sennheiser HD 800 S were not in my price range. They were also disqualified. I needed ANC, Bluetooth, as well as plug and play usability. My price range started at $400, then $700, and then I read the Dali IO-12 reviews. The Dali’s got top marks in every category. All of the other wireless headphones had problems with something. Some of the reviews from respected audiophiles, called the Dali’s “addictive”. I needed that desperately, also I didn’t really believe it. Well the reviews were spot on for once, all of them. They are addictive, my very poor sleep can attest to that. When I put them on I can’t take them off for hours. I’ve never had that experience before. I’ve had Sennheisers, and the terrible Apple Max things. I wish I hadn’t spent my money on those headphones. The Dali’s are immersive, incredible soundstage. I keep finding new sounds in songs I’ve heard many times before, crystal clear. Songs I never cared for are suddenly interesting. No app needed, no messing about, just put them on. The buttons are nice and easy to remember. The headphones are surprisingly light, the lightest I’ve ever put on my head. They are incredibly comfortable, I wear them for several hours at a time without any discomfort. If I wasn’t a side sleeper, I’d wear them to bed. I have no complaints, just praise. I can’t believe I found them, I can’t believe I spent that much money too. The Dali’s are worth every penny. I’m also stoked I got to buy them from Audio46. Happy to support a wonderful company.