DALI IO-12 on a stand
Pickering, Ontario, Canada, November 2, 2023— Lenbrook Americas, distributor for DALI Loudspeakers in North America, announces the DALI IO-12 headphones that offer true hi-fi sound with luxurious levels of comfort and refinement are now shipping. The IO-12’s are the world’s first headphones to implement DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system used in their acclaimed floor-standing speakers. Other premium features include advanced aptX Adaptive Bluetooth connectivity, 35 hours of battery life, Active Noise Cancellation, and two distinct sound modes. The lightweight headband connects to oversized, uniquely ergonomic ear pads draped in real leather for a comfortable and luxurious experience. IO-12 offers both wireless and wired capabilities with premium performance, includes USB-C/3.5mm wired connections, and intuitive controls. The headphones are on sale for $1,300 USD/ $1,700 CAD.
The Next Level
The IO-12’s follows the brands IO-4 and IO-6 headphones that debuted in 2019, which introduced DALI into the headphone market. The far more ambitious IO-12 headphones borrow elements from the initial headphones, but with far greater ambition by introducing new electro-acoustics and a driver designed around the unique SMC material. DALI designed and engineered the IO-12 speakers using the same sound principals as their full-sized loudspeakers to deliver true hi-fi for on the go or at home listening. Designed in Denmark, the IO-12 is a closed-back over-ear that encloses the entire ear within the earcups to offer comfort and the best possible passive noise isolation (PNI).
The IO-12 employs a high-performance driver with a large 50 mm diaphragm optimized to offer low loss, low distortion, minimal coloration and accurate dynamics throughout the entire frequency range. The driver also includes a voice-coil former in the same shape and style as low profile DALI speaker drivers to improve the structural integrity and lower distortion. Combined with the DALI SMC material that eliminates eddy currents and reduces hysteresis to make the system more linear.
Modern Luxury Packed with DSP
The IO-12’s are not only packed with DSP and advanced DALI core technologies dedicated to optimizing the performance during active and passive listening modes, but also incorporate advanced electronic components from Qualcomm and Sony. The IO-12 operated on a fully-bridged amplifier that consists of two amps working together to reduce distortion and help battery life. The headphones function on intuitive hardware control with traditional buttons used for power, sound mode and ANC, far more reliable than capacitance touch controls that can fail in cold weather, and relieves the reliance on a companion app. The logo plate is a multi-function button that controls Play, Pause, Next, Previous, Take Call and End Call. The upper and lower part of the ear cup outer ring controls the volume.
DALI IO-12 headphones flat view
DALI prioritized hundreds of research hours into the headphone fit, use and mechanical durability to account for comfort and real-life use. The ergonomics were drawn from the successes of the IO-4 and IO-6 headphones including the memory foam earpads and weight. The IO-12’s have a larger and rectangular earpad structure that distributes pressure over greater are to provide an acoustic seal over a wider range of head shapes. A unique protuberance in the lower corner of each pad rests behind the jaw and under the earlobe completes the seal and provides additional comfort. The headphones also come in a leather carrying case.
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)
- On/Off/Transparency
- Wind Noise Suppression
- Advanced ANC
- Passive ‘off-mode’ filter for high-end passive listening
- High performance Qualcomm and Sony Chipsets
- Transparency Mode
- Custom-developed 50mm SMC-based Drivers
- Large-capacity Battery (Up to 35 Hours of Listening)
- Real Leather Ear-pads and Headband
- Bluetooth Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- USB-C Charging
- Hi-Res (up to 24Bit/96kHz) USB Audio
- Voice Assist Support
About DALI
DALI, (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries), was established in 1983, and grew out of Scandinavia’s leading audio retail chain. Now distributed in 65 countries, and with more than 40 years of experience and global recognition, DALI holds unwavering dedication to sound that has advanced the state of the art, inspiring music and cinema lovers and challenging the competition to catch up. DALI is driven by raw passion for music and an honest reproduction in the domestic environment. Continuous development and refinement of new technologies remains core to DALI’s quest to create the best loudspeakers in the world. For more information, visit DALI-SPEAKERS.com
About Lenbrook Americas
The Lenbrook Group of Companies is a privately held Canadian corporation who are the owners of NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Bluesound and Bluesound Professional. Formed in 1978, Lenbrook initially was a national distributor of electronics and communications products in Canada and has grown to become a leading global supplier to over 80 countries around the world.
Lenbrook Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lenbrook International, is responsible for the sales and marketing of NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Bluesound and DALI in both the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, it also distributes Tivoli Audio and Master & Dynamic in Canada.
Corporate & Media Contact
Nadia Lildhar
Marketing, Lenbrook International
media@lenbrookamericas.com
Links
DALI Website: http://www.dali-speakers.com
DALI Image Library: https://brandfolder.com/dali/press
Lenbrook Americas Website: http://lenbrookamericas.com