Lenbrook Launches DALI's Innovative IO Headphones
PICKERING, Ontario, October 29, 2019 (Newswire.com) - Lenbrook Americas today formally announced the launch of DALI IO headphones to the U.S. market. Two “over-ear” models to start, the IO-6 ($499 U.S. MSRP) is an Active Noise Canceling (ANC) wireless headphone, while the IO-4 ($399) offers similar features and performance without ANC. Designed for the modern music lover, both IO models deliver remarkable sound quality, utilizing a large 50mm driver with a Neodymium magnet in a closed-back design. Bluetooth 5.0, AAC and aptX HD provide wireless freedom and convenience, though either model can be used wired if so desired. The IO models are offered in a choice of Iron Black or Caramel White and available to order now, with deliveries commencing this month.
Performance - Since 1983, DALI has enjoyed a worldwide reputation for engineering excellence in loudspeakers. The company leveraged their decades of speaker expertise with the IO headphones by taking a ‘ground-up’ approach in how to improve on the state of the art. Starting with a custom-designed 50mm driver, utilized in both the IO-6 and IO-4, DALI engineers chose a paper fiber diaphragm, similar to what is found in their most expensive speaker designs. They then used an optimized neodymium magnet system to achieve low distortion, minimal coloration and accurate dynamics.
Connectivity - DALI IO headphones are designed primarily with wireless Bluetooth use in mind. For the best possible Bluetooth performance, they support the latest high-quality audio codecs: aptX, aptX HD and Apple AAC. For fast battery charging and best possible quality, DALI IO headphones use a USB-C connector that supports digital audio and allows music to be streamed in CD quality from a Windows or Mac OS computer. Use of a USB-C connector also avoids the common failures with micro-USB connectors resulting from incorrect insertion.
In addition to Bluetooth and USB connection, IO headphones also incorporate a traditional wired analog jack input located on the left ear cup. The wired input enables connection to legacy sources and in-flight entertainment systems and works when the headphones are switched either on or off. When the headphones are switched “off” they operate in a simple passive mode; none of its control functions will be operational. Use in passive mode means that a drained battery need not interrupt headphone listening.
Ease of Use – DALI engineers also focused on ease of use and intuitive operation. Their design solution was to have the three main control buttons elegantly integrated into the design of the right ear cup. The logo plate is the multi-function button for controlling Play, Pause, Next, Previous, Take Call and End Call. The upper and lower part of the ear cup outer ring, which surrounds the logo plate, controls Volume Up and Down respectively. To further support the user experience, the IO headphones feature voice prompts that provide feedback on the state of operation, connectivity, battery level and ANC mode (IO-6 only). On/Off, Pairing and Battery Level are also indicated visually by two multicolor LED indicators on the right ear cup.
Comfort - The best-sounding headphones are less compelling if they are not comfortable to use for long periods of time. For IO models, DALI chose a circumaural (aka over-ear) format which surrounds the ears and rests on the head. This maximizes comfort while reducing air leakage to retain sound. DALI then designed ear pads constructed from memory foam, where a comfortable, acoustically superior seal over the ears is guaranteed. This, in turn, ensures perfect sonic performance, while the soft synthetic leather finish adds maximum durability. With all headphones susceptible to bass leakage, leading to low-frequency variations, DALI IO’s ear pads have been designed specifically to deliver sound with minimum bass leakage, ensuring the audio will always sound as originally intended.
IO-6 vs IO-4 Design Differences - While both DALI IO-6 and DALI IO-4 offer the same level of cutting-edge audio technologies for the ultimate in high-performance, the IO-6 differs from the IO-4 by incorporating active noise cancellation (ANC), to cut out any sound disturbances from the outside world as well as adding a separate, more powerful, amplification section. However, in forgoing ANC, the IO-4 is able to double its battery life to an incredible 60-hours per charge.
To complete the package, IO models are supplied with:
- USB-C cable for charging and computer audio use, as well as
- 3.5mm jack cable for connection to traditional audio sources and in-flight entertainment systems
- High-quality travel case to protect the headphones when not in use (IO-6 only)
“Clearly, the personal audio market in recent years has been a strong growth category and one that DALI has researched carefully,” commented Jeff Earl, DALI Product Manager for Lenbrook Americas. “With the IO headphones, DALI leverages its 35 years of related experience in transducer expertise, audio technology and advanced design to create exceptional headphones that deliver power, performance, comfort and style.”
Key Features Found in DALI IO Headphones:
- 50mm drivers, free edge, paper fiber cone. Designed and manufactured by DALI
- Optimized neodymium magnet for high power handling
- Wireless connections: Bluetooth 5.0, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
- Can be used in wired mode via 3.5mm mini-jack stereo USB-C
- Functions: Power on/off, Bluetooth pair, release
- Volume up/down, play/pause/skip track, take call
- Hands-free: Clear Voice Communication (CVC)
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, ANC off modes (IO-6)
- Battery: Up to 60 hours (IO-4), up to 30 hours (IO-6)
- Available in Caramel White or Iron Black
About DALI
DALI, (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries), was established in 1983 and grew out of Scandinavia’s leading audio retail chain. Now distributed in 65 countries, and with more than 30 years of experience and global recognition, DALI holds unwavering dedication to sound that has advanced the state of the art, inspiring music and cinema lovers and challenging the competition to catch up. DALI is driven by raw passion for music and an honest reproduction in the domestic environment. Continuous development and refinement of new technologies remain core to DALI’s quest to create the best loudspeakers in the world. For more information, visit DALI-SPEAKERS.com.
About Lenbrook
The Lenbrook Group of Companies is a privately held Canadian corporation who are the owners of NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers and Bluesound. Formed in 1978, Lenbrook initially was a national distributor of electronics and communications products in Canada and has grown to become a leading global supplier to 80 countries around the world.
Lenbrook Americas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lenbrook International, is responsible for the sales and marketing of NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers and Bluesound in both the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, it also distributes DALI in the U.S. and Tivoli Audio and Master & Dynamic in Canada.
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Source: Lenbrook Americas