[Review] Dali iO-8 - Casual yet High Quality

Sound

(Underground) Dear Dali Speaker,

Hello. I’m an audio reviewer working with SoundCat, S.Korea.

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It’d be much appreciated if you would remember me during Dali iO-12 review especially on SMC material. I totally felt into Dali’s audio-quality-oriented philosophy including ‘Audiophile ANC’ and USB connection.

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I’m very pleased to have an opportunity of reviewing another Dali’s wireless bluetooth headphones, iO-8. Actually, I’d like to ask you a couple of questions on iO-8 in comaprison with iO-12.

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(Underground) Q1. Sound Signature of iO-8

When I listen to the music with iO-8, I immediately felt that it’s more focused on bass over iO-12, giving me a sort of casual feeling.(Closer to Harman V-shape) Whereas, iO-12 would be more refined and subdued so that it suits better for classical pieces. I want to know the sound concept of iO-8 vs iO-12.

(Dali) You are right that the IO-8 has a more Bass focused tuning than the IO-12. The IO-8 is tuned for a more “popular sound”, where the IO-12 is tuned for a more puristic hifi sound. The reason for this is deliberate, as the IO-8 is targeted for a younger audience, who has a different reference to how things should sound and expects more bass.

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(Underground) Q2. The Drivers for iO-8 vs iO-12

If I understand correctly, iO-8 and 12 have the same 50mm-sized dynamic drivers. However, iO-8 doesn’t seem to be equipped with Dali’s patented SMC technology. Could you explain the difference of the drivers in iO-8 and 12?

(Dali) The 50mm driver in the IO-8 is based on the IO-12 driver but without SMC. So although the ultimate low distortion driver wit SMC is reserved for the IO-12, you still benefit from the same basic principles in the IO-8.

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· 50mm for lower distortion at a given SPL compared with a conventional 40mm driver.

· Paperfibre cone of a controlled diaphragm behaviour

· Low loss suspension for improved micro dynamics

· Optimized magnet system and Voice coil for improved linearity, sensitivity and distortion

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(Underground)Q3. Target Customers

To me, iO-12 is a little bit burden in price-wise. Thus, I was happy to listen to the realease of an affordable yet better headphones over iO-6. I believe iO-8 would find the sweetest spot in the balance between price and performance. Could you let me know for which people iO-8 is targeting?

(Dali) As I said earlier then the IO-8 is targeted for a younger audience than the IO-12 and therefore we had to do a more bass focused tuning as this audience is used to more bass. But the IO-8 still have many of the sonic qualities of the IO-12 and still offers superior levels of resolution, details and clarity, which we hope will get acknowledged, also by the younger audience. We also have two sound modes the user can choose from “HiFi” and “Bass”, where the bass mode if even more bass heavy. Bass mode is actually the one most people prefer, but we try to give the user the experience of HiFi being better and more “right”.

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(Underground) Lastly, I’m so satisfied with iO-8 in my daily life. It’s lighter and pocketable in the business bag so that I can carry it and listen to the music whenever I want. I hope iO-8 would give a great success in the competitive wireless headphones market. It couldn’t be happier if my review could contribute to the sales in Korea.

(Dali) Very happy and proud to read your comments and it’s very very much in line with our customers feedback… ENJOY !