DITA Audio Project M Review

 

Introduction:

Dita Audio, based in Singapore, is recognized for its specialized In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and audio cables, which are engineered to meet the expectations of audiophiles. The company’s products are designed to provide clear and detailed sound. Dita Audio’s approach involves thorough engineering to achieve high-quality acoustic results. This review will closely evaluate the new DITA Project M, focusing on their design, functionality, and how they compare to other options in the audio market.

DITA Audio introduces the Project M, their first foray into hybrid In-Ear Monitors. It utilizes a custom-developed 9.8mm PM1+ Dynamic Driver, complemented by a single Knowles 33518 Series Balanced Armature unit. Both drivers are housed in a stainless-steel chamber for optimal performance located inside a with an ultra-transparent resin shell.

The Project M comes with a MOCCA cable featuring high-quality Cardas conductors and DITA’s APV2 (Awesome Plug Version 2) connector a modular headphone plug design for wider compatibility. Encased in transparent resin, the Project M offers DITA’s signature sound at a new price point and includes a sleek Systainer carry case by Tanos for easy carry and protection.

DITA Audio offers 10 years of parts support. This means that if you need to replace parts for your Project M within the next 10 years, DITA Audio can help you source them, while the warranty period for Project M, is one year.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank DITA Audio for providing the Project M as review sample. I am not affiliated with DITA Audio or any third person beyond this review and all these words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The actual price for the DITA Audio Project M Universal IEM is $325.00. More information can be found under the link below.

• DITA Audio Project M

 

Package & Accessories:

The DITA Audio Project M offers a premium unboxing experience. The main box features a sleek, rectangular shape wrapped in elegant black fabric. The DITA Audio logo graces the top cover, while a protective cardboard sleeve showcases the Project M’s sound frequency graph alongside other product branding and information – all presented on a black background.

Inside the box of the DITA Audio Project M are the following items;

• 1 pair x DITA Audio Project M In-Ear Monitors
• 1 x DITA MOCCA detachable cable with 2-Pin connectors and Modular Headphone plugs
• 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Plug Adapter
• 1 x 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Plug Adaptor
• 5 pairs x Final Audio Type E Silicone Ear Tips
• 1 x Tanos mini Systainer³ case
• 1 x Print Material

Upon opening the box, you will see the Project M In-Ear Monitors, a stylish storage case, and a separate storage box containing Final-branded silicone ear tips that are placed into a foam layer.

The DITA Audio Project M comes with five pairs of Final Audio Type E silicone ear tips.

These ear tips glow in the dark, housed in a small transparent box.

One of the unboxing highlights is the DITA Audio mini Systainer protective storage box. This pocket-sized storage solution, made by Tanos for DITA Audio, offers a removable, custom-molded silicone insert to keep your audio essentials safe and organized.

The T-Loc system in the Systainer allows for multiple Systainer units to be stacked on top of each other and locked together.

This creates a cluster of boxes that can double as a customizable storage system, enabling the user to neatly store away their various audio gadgets. Whether it’s a portable DAC/amp dongle, or any interconnects and audio bits, the Systainer³ ensures everything is secure and within reach.

And finally, another highlight is the DITA Audio MOCCA Custom-Built Cable 2-Pin cable with Modular headphone plug design. But for that, I will give you a more in-depth impressions in the next part of the review.

 

Design, Features and Build Quality:

The Project M by DITA Audio is a hybrid IEM (In-Ear Monitor) that features an ultra transparent resin shell that not only displays the internal components but also contributes to the product’s durability.

The design emphasizes ergonomics, with a shape that aims to provide comfort and a secure fit for various ear sizes.

The faceplate of the IEMs is adorned with the DITA Audio logo, set against a color-shifting iridescent background, which looks gorgeous under different light conditions.

The acoustic performance of Project M is driven by a Hybrid Driver configuration, which includes a custom-developed 9.8mm PM1+ dynamic driver and a single Knowles balanced armature driver.

These drivers are encased in a special developed “Stainless-Steel Chamber” designed to protect them and enhance the sound quality by preventing external interference, while the acoustic tube that connects the drivers to the sound nozzle looks muscular and aesthetic under the ultra-clear monitor shell.

The 2-Pin connector system on top of each monitor shell offers a tight and stable connection with the detachable cable included inside the package.

The sound nozzle has a metal spout and a fine woven mesh on the top that is slightly short, but compatible with a variety of silicone ear tips, including those from Final Audio included inside the package that have a glow-in-the-dark feature.

Overall, the Project M is a great example of an impressive integration of aesthetic design and acoustic technology in to a well-crafted monitor cavity.

 

DITA Audio MOCCA Custom-Built Cable:

The Project M features DITA Audio’s custom-built MOCCA cable. This cable utilizes 16 Cardas ultra-pure Copper conductors, carefully twisted to DITA’s specifications to minimize signal interference.

The cable has a Litz twisted braided design with a PVC insolation that adds a touch of luxury while ensuring flexibility and durability.

The cable is equipped with 2-Pin connectors that have a semi-transparent plastic housing with R/L markings on the outer surface. My only significant complaint pertains to the visibility of the L/R markings, which are not quite visible.

The metal Y-splitter features a matte silver finish that offers a visually appealing aesthetic.

The MOCCA cable features DITA’s APV2 (Awesome Plug Version 2) connector a modular headphone plug design for wide compatibility.

The MOCCA cable comes with both 3.5mm Single Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone plug adaptors.

The adapters have an L-shaped design with a housing made of a transparent resin mix material that appears to be of extremely high quality, just like all components of the MOCCA cable.

 

Comfort & Isolation:

The monitors of the DITA Audio Project M do have a moderate sized dimensions with a Semi-Custom Universal shape that fits perfectly in to my ears with an average sized ear chonca.

When it comes to the passive noise isolation, I can say that it is on an above average level that is able to effectively canceling out ambient noise in common noisy environments like public transportation.

 

Drivability & Pairing:

The DITA Audio Project M is a relatively easy In-Ear Monitor to drive thanks to its impedance of 32Ω and sensitivity of approximately 107dB/mW @ 1kHz. This means you can use it with a USB DAC/amp dongles.

However, to unlock the full potential and achieve the best sonic performance, I recommend pairing it with a more capable source (in terms of power and audio quality), especially when using the 4.4mm balanced output. I’ve had much better results with sources like the HiBy R6 Pro II, FiiO M23 or Questyle CMA18 P compared to the dongles like the iBasso DC06 PRO or FiiO KA5.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model                          : Project M
• Driver Configuration   : Hybrid Driver (1x 9.8mm PM1+ Dynamic & 1x Knowles 33518 BA)
• Freq. Resp.                 : 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity                   : 107 dB / mW@1 kHz
• Impedance                 : 32Ω

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• In Ear Monitors         : DITA Audio Project M, Moondrop Blessing 3
• Sources (DAP/DAC) : HiBy R6 Pro II, FiiO M23, Questyle CMA18P, Neutron HiFi DAC V1

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Deezer HiFi)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Deezer HiFi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
• Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The DITA Audio Project M In-Ear Monitors offer a sound profile that prioritizes clarity and precision. Bass is tight and impactful, with a focus on sub-bass over mid-bass. The midrange is clean and transparent, presenting vocals with a touch of forwardness. Treble range on the other hand is energetic and expansive, with some emphasis in the upper region. Let’s take a deeper look to the sound performance of the DITA Audio Project M.

The review for the DITA Audio Project has been written after a burn-in process of approx. 100 hours. I have used Stock MOCCA Cable and Final Type-E ear tips that are included inside the package. The main sound sources are the HiBy R6 Pro II, FiiO M23, Questyle CMA18P and Neutron HiFi DAC V1.

Bass:

The DITA Audio Project M In-Ear Monitors feature a bass that is both precise and controlled. The basslines are impactful, with a quick response and clear resolution, ensuring that the lower frequencies remain distinct and well-defined. This results in a sound where the instruments in the bass range are easily distinguishable, with no overlap or blurring into the midrange frequencies audible in songs with complex bass passages like Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration”. Although the Project M’s emphasize the subbass area over its midbass, you can also personalize the bass level by experimenting with various ear, since the Project M gives an positive feedback with different ear tips.

Nonetheless, this meticulous attention to control contributes to the transparency across all frequencies. The overall bass tuning of the Project M is designed to offer a natural and pleasant to listen to profile in this, with an emphasis on clarity and precision rather than sheer force. This design choice delivers a transparent and detailed auditory experience, although it may not meet the expectations of listeners who favor a more robust bass sensation.

Midrange:

The midrange of the DITA Audio Project M is characterized by its neutrality and transparency. The reproduction of instruments and vocals is remarkably clean and pretty realistic, allowing for an accurate portrayal of timbres and a solid level of detail. The sense of clarity and resolution is beneficial for a wide variety of genres. On the flip side, the emphasis on clarity might give the midrange a presence that feels a bit forward in the upper midrange register, particularly for female vocals. Female voices like Adel, Diana Krall and Sertap Erener are reproduced in a lively, clean and realistic manner that I found really exciting.

The lower midrange goes a step back by creating a moderate amount of body and fullness in this area, which was audible with male vocals like Dave Gahan, Sting or Isaac Hayes, as well as instruments like strings and pianos. Overall, the Project M’s midrange is ideal for those who value detail and cohesiveness, though it’s wise to consider personal preferences for how vocals are presented.

Treble:

The DITA Audio Project M delivers a pretty energetic and expansive treble response. A peak around the 7 – 8 kHz region elevates the listening experience, particularly for genres that thrive on airiness and sparkle. The IEM’s ability to capture the subtle nuances of instruments such like strings, violas and percussions is highly remarkable especially for an IEM at this price level.

The lower treble area is less highlighted compared to the rest of the treble spectrum, which offers an efficient sense of clarity and definition. These adjustments I do think enriches the authority of the treble landscape rather than sound muted or overwhelming. For those who may find the upper treble register a bit too forward, I suggest to play around with ear tips since it shows positive impact of the presentation of the Project M. By choosing the right ear tips, you can easily achieve smoother overall presentation in this area, while keeping the excellent level of richness created by the Project M in this area.

Soundstage & Imaging:

The DITA Audio Project M surprised me with its soundstage performance in a pretty positive manner. It is quite spacious and offers a decent sense of immersion, allowing for precise placement of instruments within the stereo image. The Project M’s imaging is also noteworthy, providing an accurate representation of spatial cues in recordings, essential for an enveloping listening session.

 

Comparison:

DITA Audio Project M versus MOONDROP Blessing 3:

The DITA Audio Project M delivers a controlled yet impactful bass response. Its tight and articulate low-end adds punch to kick drums and basslines without bleeding into the midrange, ensuring a clean and defined sound across the spectrum. While the Moondrop Blessing 3 offers a more forceful bass thanks to the extra driver, it can occasionally overpower other elements in the mix.

The DITA Audio Project M takes center stage in the midrange. Its slightly richer and fuller-bodied presentation breathes life into instruments, particularly vocals. Singers come through with warmth and detail, allowing for a truly captivating listening experience. Instruments like guitars and pianos benefit from the added weight, sounding full and natural, with bass guitars providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the mix. The Blessing 3, while competent, can sound a touch lean in comparison, with vocals and instruments lacking some weight and body.

The DITA Audio Project M excels in treble detail and resolution. Its crisp and extended high-frequency response reveals intricate details and nuances often missed in other IEMs. The cymbals in a drum kit shimmer realistically, and strings have a natural brightness. The Moondrop Blessing 3’s treble is clear, but it lacks the Project M’s precision and ability to unveil subtle information in recordings like the delicate attack of a hi-hat or the airy harmonics of a flute.

Both IEMs offer a spacious soundstage experience. While the Blessing 3 boasts a slightly wider presentation, the DITA Project M counters with superior imaging. Its precise definition of individual instruments within the soundstage allows for better separation and a more organized listening experience.

 

Conclusion:

The DITA Project M stands out as a well-designed and feature-rich In-Ear Monitor, crafted for audiophiles seeking a blend of excellent sound, portability, and aesthetic. Its ergonomic design prioritizes comfort and durability, while the hybrid driver configuration (including a custom 9.8mm dynamic driver) housed in a stainless-steel chamber promises a clear and detailed sound experience. This results to a balanced sound with a focus on clarity: tight, impactful bass, clean and slightly forward mids, and a bright, spacious treble. Moreover, the MOCCA cable with modular connectors offers wide compatibility and high build quality, while the included TANOS Systainer carry case provides a convenient and secure way to store this gorgeous looking IEM’s.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Sound profile with focus on Clarity and Precision
• + Tight and Natural Bass Response
• + Clean, Detailed and Highly Transparent Midrange Presentation
• + Treble Extension and Resolution
• + Soundstage Atmosphere & Imaging
• + Ultra-transparent resin shell that looks Eye-catching
• + MOCCA cable with modular headphone plug Design (APV2)
• + Unboxing experience (TANOS Systrain Carry Case, Final Type-E Ear Tips)

 

• – The natural bass response is not ideal for bass-heads
• – The markings for left (L) and right (R) on the cable connectors are difficult to see
• – The TANOS Systrain carry case is a bit small

 

Thank you for the Read!