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Dali IO-8 specifications and in-depth review

Dali IO-8

Manufacturer: Dali

The Dali IO-8 is an over-ear headphone from the Danish audio brand Dali, designed for both wireless and wired use. Weighing 325 g, it features a foldable build and a detachable 1.2 m cable, making it reasonably practical for travel. Active noise cancellation is on board alongside a passive noise isolation design, giving users two layers of sound isolation.

On the connectivity side, the IO-8 runs Bluetooth 5.2 and supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC codecs, covering a solid range of high-quality wireless audio formats. The headphone carries 50 mm driver units, a frequency range of 10 Hz to 43,000 Hz, and an impedance of 25 Ohms. Battery life is rated at 35 hours from a rechargeable cell charged via USB Type-C, and a battery level indicator is included. An on-device control panel, ambient sound mode, and a noise-canceling microphone round out the feature set.

Pros
  • Supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC codecs, covering a broad range of wireless audio quality options
  • Both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction are present, providing two layers of sound isolation
  • 35-hour battery life offers extended listening without frequent recharging
  • Foldable build with a detachable, tangle-free cable adds practical portability
  • Can be used as a headset thanks to a built-in noise-canceling microphone
  • Ambient sound mode allows controlled awareness of surrounding audio without removing the headphones
Cons
  • No wireless charging support, requiring a physical USB-C connection each time
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, which restricts movement from the source device
  • NFC pairing and fast pairing are both absent, making the initial connection process more manual
  • No travel bag is included despite the foldable design
  • LDAC and Bluetooth LE Audio are not supported, limiting compatibility with certain high-resolution wireless audio setups
Who is this for?

The Dali IO-8 suits users who want a capable wireless headphone for everyday listening and remote work, thanks to its combination of active noise cancellation with passive noise reduction and a built-in noise-canceling microphone for calls. The 35-hour battery life makes it a practical choice for long working days or extended travel, and the foldable build with a detachable cable adds enough portability for commuters or frequent travelers. Those who prioritize high-quality wireless audio transmission will also appreciate the support for aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, which cater to listeners seeking better-than-standard Bluetooth audio fidelity.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require the widest possible wireless audio codec compatibility may find the IO-8 limiting, as it lacks LDAC and Bluetooth LE Audio support, leaving out formats favored by certain Android ecosystems and next-generation audio setups. The 10 m Bluetooth range is also restrictive for those who need to move freely around larger spaces while remaining connected. Additionally, users who prefer quick and effortless device pairing will be inconvenienced by the absence of NFC and fast pairing, and those looking for workout or outdoor use will find the lack of any water resistance a meaningful drawback.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
weight 325 g
has a detachable cable ✓
water resistance None
can be folded ✓
is designed for kids ✕
has a tangle free cable ✓
travel bag is included ✕
has an open-back design ✕
cable length 1.2 m
has stereo speakers ✓

The Dali IO-8 uses an over-ear fit and weighs 325 g, striking a balance between substantial build and everyday wearability. It features a foldable design, which helps with storage and portability, though no travel bag is included. The headphone comes with a 1.2 m detachable, tangle-free cable, and uses a closed-back construction with stereo speakers. Water resistance is not part of the specification, and the headphone is not intended for children.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC) ✓
lowest frequency 10 Hz
highest frequency 43000 Hz
driver unit size 50 mm
impedance 25 Ohms
supports spatial audio ✕
has a neodymium magnet ✕
has passive noise reduction ✓

The Dali IO-8 is equipped with active noise cancellation as well as passive noise reduction, offering two approaches to limiting unwanted ambient sound. Its 50 mm driver units cover a frequency range of 10 Hz to 43,000 Hz, and the headphone operates at an impedance of 25 Ohms. Neodymium magnets are not used in the driver configuration, and spatial audio is not supported.

Power:

Battery life 35 hours
Has USB Type-C ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓
has wireless charging ✕
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a removable battery ✕

The Dali IO-8 runs on a built-in rechargeable battery rated for 35 hours of use, and charges via USB Type-C. A battery level indicator is included so users can monitor remaining charge at a glance. The battery is not removable, and wireless charging is not supported.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wireless & wired
Bluetooth version 5.2
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has aptX ✓
has LDAC ✕
has LDHC ✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio ✕
has aptX Low Latency ✕
has aptX HD ✓
has aptX Lossless ✕
has AAC ✓
has Auracast ✕
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
has fast pairing ✕
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕

The Dali IO-8 supports both wireless and wired connectivity, with the wireless side handled by Bluetooth 5.2 at a maximum range of 10 m. Codec support includes aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC, covering a range of higher-quality audio transmission options, while LDAC, LDHC, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, and Bluetooth LE Audio are not supported. Auracast broadcast audio is absent, and the headphone does not offer fast pairing or NFC-based pairing.

Features:

has a noise-canceling microphone ✓
has ambient sound mode ✓
control panel placed on a device ✓
can be used as a headset ✓
Has an in-line control panel ✕

The Dali IO-8 includes an ambient sound mode, allowing users to let in environmental audio when needed, and a noise-canceling microphone that makes it usable as a headset for calls. Controls are handled through an on-device panel rather than an in-line control panel on the cable, which is not present.

Final Verdict

The Dali IO-8 is a well-rounded over-ear headphone that brings together a strong feature set for wireless listeners who value both sound quality and day-to-day practicality. Its aptX Adaptive support paired with active and passive noise cancellation positions it as a capable option for focused listening and remote communication alike, while the 35-hour battery life and foldable design reinforce its suitability for extended, on-the-go use. Some limitations around Bluetooth range, codec breadth, and the absence of fast pairing or water resistance mean it is not without trade-offs, but for users whose priorities align with its strengths, the IO-8 represents a technically coherent and thoughtfully specified wireless headphone.

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