Danish speaker manufacturer DALI, the company that builds multi-hundred-thousand dollars loudspeakers, updated its opulent IO 12 wireless noise cancelling headphones in Mocha Grey coloring available in September 2025. This upgrade remains at the original $1,499 price point, keeping the wow factor, intact. Wondering why audiophiles are shaking? How would you unpack it?
The DALI IO 12 is special because
Launched in 2023, the IO 12 was priced at exorbitant levels of 1,499 at the time of its release, which made it one of the most expensive pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones. It was not only a question of price, it was legendary DALI loudspeaker-level engineering, but in a product that fits on your head.
Mocha Grey: A hot new color
First available in Dark Chocolate, the IO 12 is now launching in a lighter color (Mocha Grey) and approaching a golden finish (and with a price tag of the same, 1,499 dollars) starting in September 2025. It is about a small modification, but it is of serious style.
Magic of SMC magnet magic
What actually does the IO 12 have? Its 50mm drivers have Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnets, the low-distortion technology found in both DALI Epikore and Kore speakers. This minimizes magnetic hysteresis and harmonic distortion to almost electrostatic transparency.
Loudspeaker bred drivers
Engineered as miniature loudspeakers… just to fit inside your ears, these 50mm drivers use paper fibre cones to provide the low-loss surroundings and resonance-damping enclosures.
aptX Adaptive wireless freedom
The IO 12 is compatible with the newest Bluetooth 5.2 with support of aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and AAC, all of which can provide a better wireless audio experience compared to the easier SBC or solely AAC. It is better than a pair of regular wireless headphones.
USB C, High res listening Wired
By plugging in the supplied USB C cable, you have yourself a 24 bit/96K lossless audio, and active noise cancellation is still available to enjoy musical moments.
ANC and transparency: Functional characteristics
ANC cancels low frequency rumbles and has not got a Bose or Sony made, this is deliberately tuned to maintain music pure. You also receive transparency and three ANC modes, which are excellent around town or in the recording studio.
Long session leather comfort
The high square ear-pads are cushioned with genuine leather, which can greenlight hours of listening experience, even with glasses. High-quality construction improves the experience via the ability to fold down into a high-quality steel frame.
Long-range battery life
The 35 hours of playtime on a single charge make the IO 12 travel-ready or ready to be used on a weekend marathon. It helps keep you updated with LED indicators and voice prompts.
Easy to use- no app necessary
No companion app, it only has onboard buttons. When wearing the Bluesteel, you no longer need to find your way in and out of the settings to switch ANC, Transparency, Hi Fi/Bass mode, or even take calls.
Hi Fi vs Bass: Two sound modes
Click Hi Fi (artistic more) or Bass (more boom). It is the easy EQ adjustment without loss of wire free purity .
Comparison between ANC strength
This means that ANC is more of a reducer than an eliminator-you will not be able to suppress all sounds as you would in the case of Bose-but the point with DALI is that quality is valued more highly than outright isolation. To the majority of users, accompanied by music, it suffices more than enough.
Real impressions of real users
One user on Reddit raves:
These come in as the most detailed and balanced ANC Bluetooth cans that also sound fun..super wide soundstage..definitely sound better than B&W Px8.
They rave about comfort, clarity, dynamism and the addictive sound.
Who will own the IO 12
Whether or not you think spending a premium price is worth it, provided you are an audiophile, who wants the sound of uncompromised quality, the relaxing luxurious comfort, and the stupendous style in design, the investment in listening pleasure is in these headphones. Suits those who travel, considerate commuters, or those who want to listen on the move at home.
Conclusion
Picture the DALI IO 12 in Mocha Grey as the luxury sedan of headphones, polished, powerful, and smooth. It is not just the color: it is the same detail oriented tech, use of premium materials, and sound quality which attracts audiophiles and casual listeners alike. They price of $1,499 may be expensive, but for anyone that wants luxury in every detail, the DALI IO 12 delivers.
Get yours today! 🎉📦
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