[Dalmonegrig]

My question is: is it worth purchasing any expensive DAP not to use my smartphone? Especially when it comes to the bit perfect usb-c output from any kind of device. I assume there will be no difference in sound quality as the source device only sends zeros and ones to the IO-12 where internal DAC does its job, so it really doesn't matter whether I run Tidal on cheap Android device or on 2000 USD DAP?

Look at here

Second question. If I purchase any DAP with superb analog 3.5mm output and will use it to feed my IO-12 with music, will this setup be as good as aforementioned USB-C bit perfect solution? In this case what is your experience using IO-12 in passive mode (DAP does all the job), or in active Io12-amplified mode (DAP does its job + IO-12 does its job >> doubled work??) ?

Money down the drain.
DALI IO-12 in passive mode requires good amplification. Even when connected to stationary amplification, I still prefer the active mode and connection via USB. For me, USB connection is the maximum sound quality for DALI IO-12.

 

[Blanchot]

OK, my main listening setup now is Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra + Tidal + USB C cable connection to io-12 (active mode, ANC off, Hifi mode) and I can't be happier

My question is: is it worth purchasing any expensive DAP not to use my smartphone? Especially when it comes to the bit perfect usb-c output from any kind of device. I assume there will be no difference in sound quality as the source device only sends zeros and ones to the IO-12 where internal DAC does its job, so it really doesn't matter whether I run Tidal on cheap Android device or on 2000 USD DAP?

Second question. If I purchase any DAP with superb analog 3.5mm output and will use it to feed my IO-12 with music, will this setup be as good as aforementioned USB-C bit perfect solution? In this case what is your experience using IO-12 in passive mode (DAP does all the job), or in active Io12-amplified mode (DAP does its job + IO-12 does its job >> doubled work??) ?

Thanks!

I always use a DAP with my BT headphones but only for three practical reasons that have nothing to do with sound quality:

1. My DAP has more volume steps than my phone.
2. My music collection is stored on SD cards and my iPhone has no card slot.
3. I avoid draining my phone's battery.

 

[musingclouds]

OK, my main listening setup now is Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra + Tidal + USB C cable connection to io-12 (active mode, ANC off, Hifi mode) and I can't be happier

My question is: is it worth purchasing any expensive DAP not to use my smartphone? Especially when it comes to the bit perfect usb-c output from any kind of device. I assume there will be no difference in sound quality as the source device only sends zeros and ones to the IO-12 where internal DAC does its job, so it really doesn't matter whether I run Tidal on cheap Android device or on 2000 USD DAP?

Second question. If I purchase any DAP with superb analog 3.5mm output and will use it to feed my IO-12 with music, will this setup be as good as aforementioned USB-C bit perfect solution? In this case what is your experience using IO-12 in passive mode (DAP does all the job), or in active Io12-amplified mode (DAP does its job + IO-12 does its job >> doubled work??) ?

Thanks!

Honestly, I find 3.5 mm output powered on to be just as good if not just slightly less than the USB-C out. I think you will be happy. I have messed with the Dali's with a portable DAC too (my DITA Navigator) just for funsies.

 

[angelom]

If someone in the European Union is have interest, I'm selling a brand new sealed pair of iO-12 that I receiving as replacement for my previous pair that developing a fault. I'm selling because I deciding buying again (third time!) the very more expensive T+A Solitaire T.

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/dali-io-12-new-sealed.68874/

 

[jthomp72]

If someone in the European Union is have interest, I'm selling a brand new sealed pair of iO-12 that I receiving as replacement for my previous pair that developing a fault. I'm selling because I deciding buying again (third time!) the very more expensive T+A Solitaire T.

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/dali-io-12-new-sealed.68874/

What made you decide to go back to the T+A?

 

[musingclouds]

If someone in the European Union is have interest, I'm selling a brand new sealed pair of iO-12 that I receiving as replacement for my previous pair that developing a fault. I'm selling because I deciding buying again (third time!) the very more expensive T+A Solitaire T.

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/dali-io-12-new-sealed.68874/

What fault did you encounter?

 

[polymathic]

@angelom has had quite a love affair with the ST! I need to get a set to try if only I come across a good opportunity.

 

[musingclouds]

@angelom has had quite a love affair with the ST! I need to get a set to try if only I come across a good opportunity.

I tried them and I just really couldn't get comfortable with the pads. Sound quality was excellent

 

[jthomp72]

I tried them and I just really couldn't get comfortable with the pads. Sound quality was excellent

Now I only tried them at a hi-fi store for a very short period of time but yeah, same thing is that they just didn’t fit my ears comfortably. Sound was amazing though, Dali’s just fit so well for me

 

[angelom]

Here is a new review of the iO-12 that is very decent in its contents in comparison with other more typical mediocre 'reviews', and is nice that is a woman, not a man, that is writing the review.

https://audiograde.uk/review/dali-io-12-headphones-review/

 

[jthomp72]

Here is a new review of the iO-12 that is very decent in its contents in comparison with other more typical mediocre 'reviews', and is nice that is a woman, not a man, that is writing the review.

https://audiograde.uk/review/dali-io-12-headphones-review/

Reading this review made me think of a question that I’ve been meaning to ask of everyone in here… Have there been any firmware updates? I can’t just pop open the app like I would with other headphones lol