High-End: Dali presents iO-12 true wireless high-tech hi-fi headphones with patented SMC magnet technology

May 19, 2023 (Karsten Rambacher)

Dali celebrates 40 years with products the Danish speaker company has never seen before: not only the fantastic Epicore 11, but also the new wireless hi-fi wireless over-ear headphones iO-12 with ANC, planned for €999 celebrating its world premiere In the High End in Munich. We were even allowed to listen to it for a little while and were amazed at the efficiency and low noise level of the active noise cancellation.

Noble design

Sound – rich, clear, paired with amazingly true and authentic three-dimensionality. And the Dali iO12 isn’t exactly lightweight, but it’s still very comfortable on the head. Leather earpads also provide an excellent seal.

SMC powder

Dali is particularly proud of the fact that SMC magnet technology, familiar from Dali’s own loudspeakers, is now also being used in headphones for the first time, in “miniature form” so to speak.

What does SMC do?

Magnetic drivers of conventional design release distortion that compromises sonic purity – and that goes for every magnetic driver, in speakers as well as in headphones. After complex measurement settings and with the help of highly sophisticated software, Daly found a convenient solution to this problem – in a special magnetic powder material Soft Magnetic Compound, SMC for short.

Inside with SMC

This is the basis for all parts of the magnet system that are close to the voice coil. SMC is characterized by uniform magnetic conditions over the entire frequency range. Moreover, disturbing countercurrents are prevented in the magnetic gap. Aluminum rings are fitted around the shaft pieces. These reduce and stabilize voice coil excitation. This allows the voltage supplied by the connected amplifier to flow through the audio coil without losses or attenuation.

Stylish and comfortably padded headband

The logo is in the stand

Let’s get back to the other features of the new headphones. You can use it wirelessly or wired and you don’t need an app to operate it. There is a “HiFi” and “Bass” sound mode, and the battery lasts for 35 hours. A very stylish matching stand is also provided. The quality of processing and materials demonstrates that the iO-12 is a true luxury product.

Private: Karsten Rambacher
Photos: Karsten Rambacher
Editor: Sven Wonderlich
Date: May 19, 2023

Tags: Dali • Upscale • Headphones