An Acclaimed Danish Hi-Fi Brand Just Gave Its Elite Headphones a Refined Upgrade

The headphones borrow driver technology from the brand’s extraordinarily high-end loudspeakers.

Dali IO-12 headphones in mocha greyDali

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Dali is a luxury Danish hi-fi manufacturer that specializes in high-end loudspeakers, many of which are reserved for audiophiles with deep pockets. For example, its flagship Kore loudspeakers cost upwards of $120,000.

In 2023, the brand ventured into new territory by releasing the IO-12, its first wireless noise-canceling headphones. They combined premium materials with borrowed tech from the brand’s loudspeakers and, naturally, they were anything but cheap.

In fact, at $1,499, the Dali IO-12 has been one of the most expensive wireless noise-canceling headphones available for purchase.

Now, nearly two years later, Dali is giving those same luxurious wireless headphones a simple, but refined update.

Dali IO-12 (Mocha Grey)

Dali IO-12 headphones in mocha grey
The Dali IO-12s are among the most expensive noise-canceling headphones you can buy.
Dali

A new, lighter look

Since its release in 2023, the Dali IO-12s have only been available in one color: Dark Chocolate. But now that’s set to change.

The Danish hi-fi company is releasing its IO-12 in a new color for 2025. It’s called Mocha Grey, which is much lighter than the existing Dark Chocolate. In fact, it looks almost gold.

Dali IO-12 headphones in mocha grey
Starting in September, the Dali IO-12s will be available in a second, lighter finish.
Dali

Loudspeaker tech

Other than the new color, these are the same IO-12 noise-canceling headphones as before.

One of the things that makes the IO-12 unique is that its 50mm drivers feature the brand’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet technology, which helps drastically reduce distortion. Dali uses this same tech in many of its high-end loudspeakers.

According to the brand, the result is “a crystal-clear sound with ultra-low distortion, delivering unrivaled depth and musicality.”

Dali IO-12 headphones in mocha grey
The new-look headphones have the same sound and features as before.
Dali

Lossless audio support

The IO-12 supports aptX Adaptive and thus can play higher-resolution audio over Bluetooth than a lot of other wireless headphones.

They can be used as wired headphones too. When paired with the included USB-C cable, they can play lossless audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz.

Rounding out the features, the IO-12 supports modes for active noise cancellation and transparency. They boast a 35-hour battery life. And their large, square-shaped ear cushions and headband are both made of genuine leather.

Dali IO-12 headphones in mocha grey
The Dali IO-12 headphones in Mocha Grey.
Dali

Price and availability

Interested in the new color? You’ll have to wait a little. The Dali IO-12s in Mocha Grey will be released in September 2025.

They will cost $1,499, which is the same price as the originals.