ZDNET hails Dali IO-8 as best-sounding wireless headphones at $1,250

ZDNET reviewed the Dali IO-8 over-ear wireless headphones, which it says are available on Amazon for $1,250; the reviewer called them the best pair they have ever placed over their ears and the best-sounding wireless headphones they have experienced. The reviewer reported a standout listening experience without needing an app or EQ adjustments: they paired the IO-8s with a Pixel 9 Pro and played tracks on Spotify, praising clarity, separation and soundstage.

The review cites specific listening tests, including the song "Tricycle" and Devin Townsend's "PowerNerd," and describes the headphones as brilliant across genres. The IO-8s offer two sound modes—hi-fi (the default) and bass—with the reviewer noting the hi-fi setting as stunning and the bass mode as very pronounced.

The headphones include active noise cancellation (ANC) and a transparency mode, and the reviewer warned the IO-8s "will ruin other headphones for you" and might "put a permanent smile on your face." ZDNET listed key technical specifications: a frequency range of 10–43,000 Hz, 50mm drivers with free edge paper fibre cones, closed-back circumaural design, 25 Ohm impedance (passive), Bluetooth 5.2 plus 3.5mm and USB-C connectivity, support for AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, up to 35 hours battery life (30 hours with ANC), a 325g weight, IP52 rating and Hi-Res Audio certification.

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