Lots of the headphones in this guide offer active noise-cancellation… but these are the ones that really know how to make the outside world sod off

[ Words Simon Lucas ]

DALI IO-8

Y ou can’t really call one pair of headphones a ‘range’, can you? And a company like Dali really ought to offer a range of headphones –so finally there’s a second option to sit below the pricey IO-12s. The IO-8s are here to take the fight to the more mainstream area dominated by the likes of Bose, B&W and Focal.

And the good news is, they’re more than up for the contest. These are beautifully built and flawlessly finished headphones that look good no matter if you choose the all-black or caramel/white finish. The tactile combo of brushed metal, memory foam, leather and hard-wearing fabric only adds to the appeal… and the specification is just as thorough as the construction, starting with the 50mm dynamic drivers.

These have a frequency response of 10Hz-43kHz, and they’ll do the business for up to 35hrs at a time (or a still-respectable 30hrs with the ANC on). The USB-C slot can be used for data transfer as well as charging the battery, and there’s a 3.5mm socket for wired listening too. Bluetooth connectivity is compatible with both aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, so you should get optimum wireless audio quality no matter the source.

And that’s certainly how it proves. The IO-8s are open and expressive ’phones, able to find the light and shade in any recording and make it absolutely obvious. They’re positive and dynamic, with the ability to put a huge amount of sonic distance between the quietest and loudest moments in a tune, and they create a large and well-defined soundstage on which this can happen. They attack crisply at the top end, are articulate through the midrange, and combine speed and punch in the most enjoyable manner down at the bottom.

If you have this sort of money to spend, these Dalis have to be heard.

Price £499 /go.stuff.tv/io8

Key specs

● 50mm ● ANC ● Bluetooth 5.2

● IP52 ● 30hr battery (ANC on)

● 325g

STUFF SAYS Dali moves downmarket – just a bit – with impressive results ★★★★★

NOW ADD THESE...

TIDAL

Not all streaming services are created equal… and the best value for money is currently offered by Tidal. A huge catalogue, an absolute stack of hi-res content, smart curation and a simple, logical interface are what make it the canny music lover’s choice. from £10.99/m/tidal.com

TYLT POWER BOTTLE 2.0

Hydration is important, of course, but so is making sure your music source is charged and working at all times. So why not incorporate wireless charging (as well as USB-A and USB-C outputs) into a water bottle? The best ideas are the simplest. £39/tylt.com

ALTERNATIVELY…

TECHNICS EAH-AZ100

£259 / go.stuff.tv/AZ100

Smaller, lighter and even more comfortable than the already excellent AZ80s, the AZ100s combine fine ergonomics, the most thorough control app around, bold and articulate sound, and fine adaptive ANC to stand out as some of the best pound-for-pound true wireless in-ears around. They look good and feel great in either black or silver, and that evocative logo doesn’t hurt either.

Stuff says ★★★★★

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS (2ND GEN)

£179 / go.stuff.tv/QCBudsG2

Everyone knows the word ‘Bose’ translates directly to ‘class-leading noise-cancelling’; and sure enough, that’s what this second generation of QC Earbuds offers. But on top of that, they deliver hefty yet lithe sound with the emphasis on rhythmic certainty and detail, excellent telephony, and a suite of control options that are as good as any rival can offer.

Stuff says ★★★★★

SONY LINKBUDS FIT

£149 / go.stuff.tv/LinkBudsFit

‘Fit’ in this instance just means in-ear hooks for stability, but Sony wants its latest LinkBuds to be the wireless in-ears for every occasion. So as well as offering snug comfort, they also continue Sony’s record of turning out great-sounding buds at every price. They lean a little towards bass, but the way they kill external noise will come in handy everywhere, not just at the gym.

Stuff says ★★★★★