The new DALI IO-12 is the world’s first headphone to use the proprietary, patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology.
The DALI IO-12 is a wireless Bluetooth headphone including ANC. Its special feature is the applied Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) technology. This, in combination with paper fiber diaphragms of the 50 mm drivers, should ensure reduced hysteresis. Reduction of odd harmonic distortion is also credited to the technology. Together, according to the manufacturer, this should produce “unprecedented depth and musicality. In the headphones, by the way, we spot more of DALI’s speaker technology. For example, they use a voice coil and shape similar to that of speakers.
Analog or digital wired listening
When it comes to Bluetooth codecs, the DALI IO-12 lets you enjoy many. AptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC: they are all supported. Should you ever want to listen wired, that’s not a problem either. Analog via the included 3.5mm mini-jack cable or digital via the USB-C cable, also included. In that case, the maximum quality supported by the DAC present in the headphones is 24 bit / 96 kHz. By the way, you can choose between two listening profiles and turning on the headphones for analog wired listening is not necessary. In that case, a passive filter is used internally. Wireless listening can last up to 35 hours with the battery in charged condition.
The DALI IO-12 costs €999.