I sold my B&W Px8 and traded up to the IO-12 almost a year ago. Best sounding and most comfortable wireless headphones I have ever listen to. Now I'm working on saving up for some Dali speakers for my livingroom, might be a kidney down after x-mas.
I've just gone from Px8 to IO-12, more than double the price but well worth it. Who cares if you look like you have a wardrobe on your head? I'm even warming to the colour.
It was this superb review from your channel that helped me decide on what headphones were the right choice to get me back into Hi-Fi quality Headphones. Massive thank you for all your thoroughly unbiased in-depth reviews. I can't wait for future uploads. Thank you again for being my go to channel Frederick 🤟
Thanks for your kind words! 🙏 Good luck with your headphone purchase. More reviews are in the making, but first some well-deserved rest. Cheers Frederick
very cool review! I would like to hear your opinion about dali io8, and which headphones are more fun, which give emotions, px8 or dali io12. And if there is an opportunity to compare, are the pi8 earbuds comparable to the full-size ones, px8?
Thanks for watching my videos! I will reach out to Dali and ask if they can send me a pair of IO-8 for review. Both the Px8 and IO-12 give emotions when listening to good music. 🎶👍 I have the B&W Pi7 S2 earbuds and they share the same kind of soundstage as the Px8. Chances are the Pi8 does as well, but I haven't listened to them yet.
I love the jokes and how you include a little bit of history about the company and the product feels like a professional review not something done on a knee like some other reviews from other channels.
Many thanks for your kind words, Zajko. And for putting up with my 'dad jokes'. It means a lot to me. 🙂 As you so kindly point out, I try to combine a bit of company history and product portfolio to introduce the manufacturer to my audience, along with my professional and personal views on the review unit at hand. I have worked as a freelance technical journalist for almost twenty-five years now, writing for Sound On Sound magazine and a couple of other trade magazines. So, I have learnt how to do proper disposition of an article by writing many of them, always with the reader's expectations in mind. And the same process can be applied to video creation, which I find very rewarding. Still, the video medium is new to me, and I'm finding my way as I go. That's why your comment feels extra warm because what you describe is what I try to convey in my videos. Again, many thanks for your kind words. 🙏 Merry Christmas Frederick
I bought iO 12 already 4 months, I did comparison in the same shop for all three headphones that you have. I agree what you said about the comparisions against P8 and Bathys, some songs the difference is vey subtle but some song has a big difference regarding sound stages, particularly in classical music. I had some hope with Bathys, I even try it two times in the shop but somehow I few it always miss something in the music.
Thanks for watching my review and for your comment! Well, I also like Focal Bathys, and still use the a lot. But, in direct comparison, the Dali IO-12 performs 'better' by rendering a smoother listening experience and a more 'balanced' soundstage. That means a lot to me. Love both headphones. Cheers Frederick
Well, I haven't listened to the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo headphones, and you messaged spurred me to contact them asking if they can send me a pair for review. They sure look interesting. Fingers crossed, I maybe get a chance to try them out. Thanks for pointing me in their direction. Please let me know if you get the chance to compared them with Focal Bathys, okay. 👍 All the best Frederick
@immersivesoundtech I have both so far. I have to say that the noble fokus apollo has more impactful bass and sounds detailed, especially with LDAC, but the focal bathys has a wider soundstage, even more detail, and are louder, especially in dac mode. To me, the Focal bathys sound a little bit harsh in the treble and mid regions in some tracks, The Noble Audio Fokus Apollo sounds less harsh, and the mids are more recessed, which I kind of wish it wasn't but I can eq that and I can listen for longer periods on the Apollo. The Fokus Apollo has 80 hours with anc off and 60 hours with anc on. The Fokus Apollo can also be used completely passive, so if the battery is dead, you can use it with a 3.5mm cable, but I have to say the cable they provide is not very good.
Thank you Frederik for your review. Very vell done, technical but easy to understand! I'm a music lover since ever and I alwayas invested time and money (for my possibility) in trying to know as more artists as possible and to enjoy the music quality as much as possible updating my hi-fi systems at home. While traveling instead I took much care about noise canceling than music quality and I ended up with the Bose quite confort. Now I would like to make a step further in music quality when I travel too but also with the possibility to use the headphone at home during the night hours when it's not possible for me to use properly my hi-fi system living in a condo. At similar price, how could be the comparison with other non wireless headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S or the Stax L 700. I know that especially the last one is not for travelling at all but I mean in terms of music performance is the dali IO 12 comparable? I wish I could go in a shop and try the difference by myself but not easy to find one....
Thanks for watching my videos! 🙏 Well, comparing good wireless headphones with good wired headphones, wireless headphones aren't quite there yet when it comes to sound quality. There are so many variables that differ when comparing them: the headphone amplifier, cables, audio source, DAC etcetera. Also to take into consideration with wired headphones is that most money goes into the sound quality, whereas with wireless headphones, a good chunk of the budget will have to go into the electrical part, battery, phone app, Bluetooth connectivity, ANC research etcetera. So, in my opinion, comparing wired and wireless headphones with the same price tag, it's not a fair comparison. That said, I understand what you want to achieve, a great headphone sound experience without any drawbacks. As I see it, we are not there yet. Hope this helped anyway. Cheers Frederick
Thank you so much for this clear and detailed review! You have made me decide to bring back my px8 to the shop and go for a meeting with the Dali! Maybe a stupid question to ask in this elite league of headphones but will a DAC converter (like the dragonfly cobalt) do anything positive to the wired sound? Thanks again and I hope you will answer my question
Thanks for watching my review. I'm glad to help out. Well, when connecting an external DAC to the IO-12, you should use the headphones passively, and that might be beneficial if you use a really good DAC/headphone amp. However, then you won't make use of the headphones internal processing and amplification - which I think are tailor-made to make the soundstage as good as possible. Personally, when I use the headphones wired, I have them wired to my laptop or iPhone via USB-C. But, if you already own a good DAP, then do try it out with the IO-12. Please let me know how it works out for you.
Thanks Frederick for the review! Interesting how the Focal Bathy’s seems to come to live now. I thought they sound abit to bright. I will be keen to send you my P7 Wireless to have a listen! The sound amazing Thanks for playlist - Seasons Greetings 👋🏼 🎄
I reached out to them a while ago, asking for a pair of headphones for review. I don't believe I got an answer. At some point, I might try to reach out to them again.
What is the best source to play music from according to you? I am stuck to iPhone (with the loghtning-jack DAC adapter) but would like to get the most oit of my Px8..
Thank you for the long and detailed review of the Dali iO-12…it cleared my mind about whether I wanted to buy them or not…in this case not…reason I listen to classical and jazz blues and rock…many recordings are old and has different quality so I often adjust filters on the app on my focal ..and my b &w..I guess if you mostly listen to perfect recordings the Dali rocks …the sure sound good
Glad to help out and thanks for watching my reviews! 👍 Recordings certainly does not have to be 'perfect' to sound great on the IO-12. Their high sound quality will 'portray' the music very well not matter the sound quality of the recordings. However, with that sound quality, the headphones will of course showcase the record's sound quality (or lack of it). I can it "the HiFi curse" when a pair of really high quality speakers will show the flaws of a recording, that 'lesser' speakers might not in the same way. Same goes for high quality headphones. Personally, that's not a problem for me as I can "lay off" my sound engineering cap and just listen to the music. Took me years to get to that point after having analyzing and mixed music for most of my life. But, you are certainly right that the Dali IO-12 won't give you the possibility to alter the sound character of your music. My recommendation is to stick to your Focal Bathys - which have great sounding EQ possibilities. 👍
Yesterday I had a chance to listen to them together with Focal Bathys, Noble Audio FoKus Apollo and ML 5909. I took away the Dali iO-12. I knocked out the ML 5909 first. I didn't like their crisp highs and mids. The final was between the Focal Bathys and the Dali's which I liked the overall sound impression of the most.
I wonder how these IO-12 compare to the new brother IO-8. The IO-8 is pretty new to the market and is offered from my dealer in Germany for 499€ instead of 799€ for the IO-12. The IO-8 seems to have the same technology, “just” missing the SMC material. The question is, is the extra 60% of money worth it, to go for the IO-12? The IO-8 for sure looks better to me. Anyone compared these two headphones? And is it true, the max. volume on the IO-12 is higher?
I haven't had the chance to listen to the IO-8 yet. But, the shape of the earcups are quite different, which will have an effect on both the sound and how well they fit your head. The IO-12 are the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, and I wonder if the IO-8 will give me the same sensation - probably not. Dali's patented SMC driver is one of their unique designs that really help lower the distortion and nonlinearities, and if the IO-8 doesn't have that - on paper - they won't perform as well as the IO-12 does. But, I need to have a listen to them before I really can say how different they sound compared to the IO-12. If you get to listen to both models, please let me know what you think. 👍
@@immersivesoundtech I bought the IO-8 a couple days ago and have listened to them around 10 hours. I haven't tested the IO-12 (only 10 minutes in a store). I do really like the sound, I had to (and still have to a certain degree) get used to the sound. I do really like the crispness, they sound better than anything I have ever owned. The only problem for me is the comfort. I don't have big ears, but after less than a hour my ears do start to hurt because it clamps on my ears. also, I feel the weight on my head. Therefore I will return them, perhaps I will get the IO-12 and see if they feel comfortable to me, I'm curious if I also feel pressure on top of my head with the IO-12. For me, the IO-8's are more than loud enough. Dali also sells the IO-12 earcups, which do fit on the IO-8, they don't recommend it though so I'm not going to do that.
Halloo there I just got them a few weeks ago and I'm VERY SATISFIED, I just wonder if there will be any difference if I use them together with a dongle like for example questyle M15 , or mojo 2 ????? It would be nice if anyone knows
My pleasure, and thanks for watching my review. Most wireless headphones with active noise cancelling will struggle to some extent in heavy wind - due to the fact that the built-in microphones are wind-sensitive.
I have to applaud you Frederick. Last year after i bought the Dali io 12 i badgered you to review them having seen your review on the Levinson 5909, which i had..i also had the Bathys but sold both to finance the purchase of the Dali. After promising to review them…..silence..nothing. Then BANG 🧨your review drops and having watched and heard your burn in and usage for the io12 i now get it. Bravo Frederick, great, in depth review of the best Bluetooth headphones on the market…in hi fi mode they are truly sensational…in my opinion 👍🎉Also, like you i have gone from Apple 14 pro max to 16 pro max..i love the ease of iphone but they missed a trick not allowing more codecs..such a shame 🥲
Thanks for your kind words and support, Stephen. ❤️ Well, I planned to film and post the review months ago, but work and life came in between. We remodeled three rooms in our house, giving the teenagers larger room, which also meant me giving up my beloved control room that I've been using for thirteen years. The teenagers got bigger rooms and dad got a smaller room, but I'm very happy in my new RUclips studio. It's such a great place for focusing on creation (because there's really no room for disturbing stuff laying around). In this new setup, I learn as I go. This review really was a mountain climb to finish, because I got thwarted technically and just mentally and emotionally derailed by work and remodeling the house, so for me, this is the most rewarding video I've posted so for - just because it was such a cumbersome experience to create. But you don't learn anything new if you don't put yourself on thin ice now and then, right? 😉 That's why your kind words and support really cheer me up. 🙏 Let's see what reviews that will be created in the near future. First some well-earned Christmas rest. Merry Christmas 🎅🎄 Frederick
@ merry christmas to you and your family Frederick…i remember you saying you were remodelling your home then went off grid for a while 😀 understandable i admit. I really enjoyed your in depth review of the io 12 as i love mine and appreciate the time and effort to get the review video finished…enjoy your coffee and have a prosperous new year 🎄🎉👍
I sold my B&W Px8 and traded up to the IO-12 almost a year ago. Best sounding and most comfortable wireless headphones I have ever listen to. Now I'm working on saving up for some Dali speakers for my livingroom, might be a kidney down after x-mas.
I've just gone from Px8 to IO-12, more than double the price but well worth it. Who cares if you look like you have a wardrobe on your head? I'm even warming to the colour.
Most profesional hi-fi audio review - as always. Can't wait for more content, and greetings from Poland!
Thanks for your kind words. 🙏
More reviews are in the planning.
Ďakujeme.
Thanks for your contribution. Much appreciated! 🙏
It was this superb review from your channel that helped me decide on what headphones were the right choice to get me back into Hi-Fi quality Headphones. Massive thank you for all your thoroughly unbiased in-depth reviews. I can't wait for future uploads. Thank you again for being my go to channel Frederick 🤟
Thanks for your kind words! 🙏
Good luck with your headphone purchase.
More reviews are in the making, but first some well-deserved rest.
Cheers
Frederick
very cool review! I would like to hear your opinion about dali io8, and which headphones are more fun, which give emotions, px8 or dali io12. And if there is an opportunity to compare, are the pi8 earbuds comparable to the full-size ones, px8?
Thanks for watching my videos! I will reach out to Dali and ask if they can send me a pair of IO-8 for review.
Both the Px8 and IO-12 give emotions when listening to good music. 🎶👍
I have the B&W Pi7 S2 earbuds and they share the same kind of soundstage as the Px8. Chances are the Pi8 does as well, but I haven't listened to them yet.
I love the jokes and how you include a little bit of history about the company and the product feels like a professional review not something done on a knee like some other reviews from other channels.
Many thanks for your kind words, Zajko. And for putting up with my 'dad jokes'. It means a lot to me. 🙂
As you so kindly point out, I try to combine a bit of company history and product portfolio to introduce the manufacturer to my audience, along with my professional and personal views on the review unit at hand.
I have worked as a freelance technical journalist for almost twenty-five years now, writing for Sound On Sound magazine and a couple of other trade magazines. So, I have learnt how to do proper disposition of an article by writing many of them, always with the reader's expectations in mind.
And the same process can be applied to video creation, which I find very rewarding.
Still, the video medium is new to me, and I'm finding my way as I go. That's why your comment feels extra warm because what you describe is what I try to convey in my videos.
Again, many thanks for your kind words. 🙏
Merry Christmas
Frederick
I bought iO 12 already 4 months, I did comparison in the same shop for all three headphones that you have. I agree what you said about the comparisions against P8 and Bathys, some songs the difference is vey subtle but some song has a big difference regarding sound stages, particularly in classical music. I had some hope with Bathys, I even try it two times in the shop but somehow I few it always miss something in the music.
Thanks for watching my review and for your comment! Well, I also like Focal Bathys, and still use the a lot. But, in direct comparison, the Dali IO-12 performs 'better' by rendering a smoother listening experience and a more 'balanced' soundstage. That means a lot to me. Love both headphones.
Cheers
Frederick
Great review. Should I buy the noble audio fokus apollo or focal bathys
Well, I haven't listened to the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo headphones, and you messaged spurred me to contact them asking if they can send me a pair for review. They sure look interesting. Fingers crossed, I maybe get a chance to try them out. Thanks for pointing me in their direction.
Please let me know if you get the chance to compared them with Focal Bathys, okay. 👍
All the best
Frederick
@immersivesoundtech I have both so far. I have to say that the noble fokus apollo has more impactful bass and sounds detailed, especially with LDAC, but the focal bathys has a wider soundstage, even more detail, and are louder, especially in dac mode.
To me, the Focal bathys sound a little bit harsh in the treble and mid regions in some tracks, The Noble Audio Fokus Apollo sounds less harsh, and the mids are more recessed, which I kind of wish it wasn't but I can eq that and I can listen for longer periods on the Apollo. The Fokus Apollo has 80 hours with anc off and 60 hours with anc on. The Fokus Apollo can also be used completely passive, so if the battery is dead, you can use it with a 3.5mm cable, but I have to say the cable they provide is not very good.
@@sigma921 Okay, good to know. Thanks for your report. Let's see if Noble Audio answers my request for a pair of review headphones. 👍
Thank you Frederik for your review. Very vell done, technical but easy to understand!
I'm a music lover since ever and I alwayas invested time and money (for my possibility) in trying to know as more artists as possible and to enjoy the music quality as much as possible updating my hi-fi systems at home.
While traveling instead I took much care about noise canceling than music quality and I ended up with the Bose quite confort.
Now I would like to make a step further in music quality when I travel too but also with the possibility to use the headphone at home during the night hours when it's not possible for me to use properly my hi-fi system living in a condo.
At similar price, how could be the comparison with other non wireless headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S or the Stax L 700. I know that especially the last one is not for travelling at all but I mean in terms of music performance is the dali IO 12 comparable? I wish I could go in a shop and try the difference by myself but not easy to find one....
Thanks for watching my videos! 🙏
Well, comparing good wireless headphones with good wired headphones, wireless headphones aren't quite there yet when it comes to sound quality.
There are so many variables that differ when comparing them: the headphone amplifier, cables, audio source, DAC etcetera.
Also to take into consideration with wired headphones is that most money goes into the sound quality, whereas with wireless headphones, a good chunk of the budget will have to go into the electrical part, battery, phone app, Bluetooth connectivity, ANC research etcetera.
So, in my opinion, comparing wired and wireless headphones with the same price tag, it's not a fair comparison.
That said, I understand what you want to achieve, a great headphone sound experience without any drawbacks. As I see it, we are not there yet.
Hope this helped anyway.
Cheers
Frederick
Thank you so much for this clear and detailed review! You have made me decide to bring back my px8 to the shop and go for a meeting with the Dali!
Maybe a stupid question to ask in this elite league of headphones but will a DAC converter (like the dragonfly cobalt) do anything positive to the wired sound?
Thanks again and I hope you will answer my question
Thanks for watching my review. I'm glad to help out.
Well, when connecting an external DAC to the IO-12, you should use the headphones passively, and that might be beneficial if you use a really good DAC/headphone amp.
However, then you won't make use of the headphones internal processing and amplification - which I think are tailor-made to make the soundstage as good as possible.
Personally, when I use the headphones wired, I have them wired to my laptop or iPhone via USB-C.
But, if you already own a good DAP, then do try it out with the IO-12.
Please let me know how it works out for you.
Thanks Frederick for the review! Interesting how the Focal Bathy’s seems to come to live now. I thought they sound abit to bright.
I will be keen to send you my P7 Wireless to have a listen! The sound amazing
Thanks for playlist - Seasons Greetings 👋🏼 🎄
P7 are fantastic.
You should try the T+A Solitaire T
I reached out to them a while ago, asking for a pair of headphones for review. I don't believe I got an answer.
At some point, I might try to reach out to them again.
What is the best source to play music from according to you? I am stuck to iPhone (with the loghtning-jack DAC adapter) but would like to get the most oit of my Px8..
Thank you for the long and detailed review of the Dali iO-12…it cleared my mind about whether I wanted to buy them or not…in this case not…reason I listen to classical and jazz blues and rock…many recordings are old and has different quality so I often adjust filters on the app on my focal ..and my b &w..I guess if you mostly listen to perfect recordings the Dali rocks …the sure sound good
Glad to help out and thanks for watching my reviews! 👍
Recordings certainly does not have to be 'perfect' to sound great on the IO-12. Their high sound quality will 'portray' the music very well not matter the sound quality of the recordings.
However, with that sound quality, the headphones will of course showcase the record's sound quality (or lack of it). I can it "the HiFi curse" when a pair of really high quality speakers will show the flaws of a recording, that 'lesser' speakers might not in the same way. Same goes for high quality headphones.
Personally, that's not a problem for me as I can "lay off" my sound engineering cap and just listen to the music. Took me years to get to that point after having analyzing and mixed music for most of my life.
But, you are certainly right that the Dali IO-12 won't give you the possibility to alter the sound character of your music. My recommendation is to stick to your Focal Bathys - which have great sounding EQ possibilities. 👍
How do they sound compared to the Mark Levinson .5909?
Yesterday I had a chance to listen to them together with Focal Bathys, Noble Audio FoKus Apollo and ML 5909. I took away the Dali iO-12. I knocked out the ML 5909 first. I didn't like their crisp highs and mids. The final was between the Focal Bathys and the Dali's which I liked the overall sound impression of the most.
@ thanks for the breakdown ad feedback much appreciated!
I wonder how these IO-12 compare to the new brother IO-8. The IO-8 is pretty new to the market and is offered from my dealer in Germany for 499€ instead of 799€ for the IO-12. The IO-8 seems to have the same technology, “just” missing the SMC material. The question is, is the extra 60% of money worth it, to go for the IO-12? The IO-8 for sure looks better to me. Anyone compared these two headphones? And is it true, the max. volume on the IO-12 is higher?
I haven't had the chance to listen to the IO-8 yet.
But, the shape of the earcups are quite different, which will have an effect on both the sound and how well they fit your head. The IO-12 are the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, and I wonder if the IO-8 will give me the same sensation - probably not.
Dali's patented SMC driver is one of their unique designs that really help lower the distortion and nonlinearities, and if the IO-8 doesn't have that - on paper - they won't perform as well as the IO-12 does.
But, I need to have a listen to them before I really can say how different they sound compared to the IO-12.
If you get to listen to both models, please let me know what you think. 👍
@@immersivesoundtech I bought the IO-8 a couple days ago and have listened to them around 10 hours. I haven't tested the IO-12 (only 10 minutes in a store).
I do really like the sound, I had to (and still have to a certain degree) get used to the sound. I do really like the crispness, they sound better than anything I have ever owned.
The only problem for me is the comfort. I don't have big ears, but after less than a hour my ears do start to hurt because it clamps on my ears. also, I feel the weight on my head.
Therefore I will return them, perhaps I will get the IO-12 and see if they feel comfortable to me, I'm curious if I also feel pressure on top of my head with the IO-12.
For me, the IO-8's are more than loud enough.
Dali also sells the IO-12 earcups, which do fit on the IO-8, they don't recommend it though so I'm not going to do that.
Halloo there
I just got them a few weeks ago and I'm VERY SATISFIED, I just wonder if there will be any difference if I use them together with a dongle like for example questyle M15 , or mojo 2 ?????
It would be nice if anyone knows
Glad you like them. They sound mighty fine indeed.
I haven't dived down the DAP dongle rabbit hole yet, so I have no information to share.
Thanks for mentioning wind situation. Not many reviewers do that
My pleasure, and thanks for watching my review. Most wireless headphones with active noise cancelling will struggle to some extent in heavy wind - due to the fact that the built-in microphones are wind-sensitive.
I have to applaud you Frederick. Last year after i bought the Dali io 12 i badgered you to review them having seen your review on the Levinson 5909, which i had..i also had the Bathys but sold both to finance the purchase of the Dali. After promising to review them…..silence..nothing. Then BANG 🧨your review drops and having watched and heard your burn in and usage for the io12 i now get it. Bravo Frederick, great, in depth review of the best Bluetooth headphones on the market…in hi fi mode they are truly sensational…in my opinion 👍🎉Also, like you i have gone from Apple 14 pro max to 16 pro max..i love the ease of iphone but they missed a trick not allowing more codecs..such a shame 🥲
Thanks for your kind words and support, Stephen. ❤️
Well, I planned to film and post the review months ago, but work and life came in between. We remodeled three rooms in our house, giving the teenagers larger room, which also meant me giving up my beloved control room that I've been using for thirteen years.
The teenagers got bigger rooms and dad got a smaller room, but I'm very happy in my new RUclips studio. It's such a great place for focusing on creation (because there's really no room for disturbing stuff laying around).
In this new setup, I learn as I go.
This review really was a mountain climb to finish, because I got thwarted technically and just mentally and emotionally derailed by work and remodeling the house, so for me, this is the most rewarding video I've posted so for - just because it was such a cumbersome experience to create.
But you don't learn anything new if you don't put yourself on thin ice now and then, right? 😉
That's why your kind words and support really cheer me up. 🙏
Let's see what reviews that will be created in the near future. First some well-earned Christmas rest.
Merry Christmas 🎅🎄
Frederick
@ merry christmas to you and your family Frederick…i remember you saying you were remodelling your home then went off grid for a while 😀 understandable i admit. I really enjoyed your in depth review of the io 12 as i love mine and appreciate the time and effort to get the review video finished…enjoy your coffee and have a prosperous new year 🎄🎉👍