High-End Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Dali IO-8 Review

Dali IO-8: A Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphone to Rival the Best

The Dali IO-8 is a new entry in the wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones market, and at $899, it’s more affordable than some of the other options out there. But is it a match for the best?

The IO-8 has everything you’d expect from a high-end wireless headphone. It’s built to a high standard, with metal and plastic parts combined for a sturdy feel. The earcups are removable and washable, a nice touch. Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity provides a reliable connection to your device, and the battery life is a respectable 30 hours with active noise cancellation engaged.

But here’s the thing: for all its strengths, the IO-8 lacks one key feature that some people might find essential – a control app. There is no companion app for tweaking settings or adjusting settings – you’re stuck with a simple on/off toggle and volume controls. Some folks might find this limitation… well, limiting.

Let’s take a look at the specs:

Driver size: 50mm
Frequency response: 10Hz-43kHz
Noise cancellation: Active
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C, 3.5mm analogue
Battery life: 30 hours with ANC, 35 hours without
Weight: 0.71lbs (325g)
Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.7 x 2.9 inches (211 x 170 x 73mm)

And how about the competition? The Dali IO-8 certainly holds its own against its rivals. Here are a few key comparisons:

Dali IO-8 vs. Bowers & Wilkins PX8:

Price: IO-8 ($899) vs. PX8 ($699)
Drivers: IO-8 (50mm) vs. PX8 (40mm)
Noise cancellation: Both have active noise cancellation, but the IO-8’s is slightly better-rated
Battery life: IO-8 (30 hours with ANC) vs. PX8 (30 hours)

Dali IO-8 vs. Apple AirPods Max:

Price: IO-8 ($899) vs. AirPods Max ($549)
Drivers: IO-8 (50mm) vs. AirPods Max (40mm)
Noise cancellation: IO-8 (active) vs. AirPods Max (active)
Battery life: IO-8 (30 hours with ANC) vs. AirPods Max (20 hours)

So what makes the Dali IO-8 tick? Well, for one thing, the sound quality is superb – clear, detailed, and with a nice sense of space. The noise cancellation is also top-notch, effectively blocking out ambient sounds and letting you focus on your music.

How I tested the Dali IO-8:

Wireless connectivity via iPhone 14 Pro and FiiO M15S digital audio player
USB-C connection to Apple MacBook Pro
Passive playback using 3.5mm analogue connection
Outdoor and indoor listening

My verdict? The Dali IO-8 is an excellent wireless noise-cancelling headphone that delivers impressive sound quality and strong performance. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other options, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use wireless headphone that will serve them well. Just be aware of the absence of a control app…