Dita Project-M Review
Intro
Well hello audio lovers, today I have a very special iem from the famous and talented audio brand “Dita Audio” and that iem is uniquely dubbed “Dita Project-M”. The Project-M is dual-driver hybrid iem with a single DD and single BA. I’ve never actually had a pair of Dita earphones in my ears prior to my time with the Project-M. However, I feel it’s a fair assessment from my perspective that there’s... something that hits different with a Dita set. I think I base that off of the respect that Dita has in the community. There’s an Allure to the name. Like some untapped air of enchanting mystery that only a few know about. Okay, that may be going a bit far, but you get what I’m trying to say. I don’t know, maybe it’s the mystique surrounding the name “Dita”. Maybe it’s the elegance in the simplicity of the earphones in front of me. Of course, that simple aesthetic is just a facade as there is nothing simple about this set. It’s obvious to me that labored love went into the creation of this set. There’s a certain charm or charisma to them. That said, this isn’t a hype review, I’m not here to promise any grand proclamations that this set punches above its price, or it’s the best in its price point. No sir. That would be tacky, cheesy, and not my style in the first place. Too many variables. I will say that it kinda feels like the Project-M is a nod to those who could never afford an actual Dita earphone. Like I said, I’ve never heard a Dita earphone until now, but I assume the Project-M has some of the same Dita DNA, yet at a more affordable price.
Project-M
Dita is renowned for their use of single dynamic driver earphones. It’s kind of their thing. Or at least I thought it was. So to my surprise they went with a hybrid this go-round with the Project-M. Like I said earlier, Dita chose to implement one dynamic driver and one balanced armature driver into the design which Dita claims gives the Project-M the distinct texture and characteristics behind its signature. I will cover this a bit more later but sitting here with the Project-M in my ears I feel pretty assured to say that Dita does nothing by accident. Read their material, see the careful marketing, the exquisite nature of their presentation and it becomes very obvious that Dita was serious about crafting a budget oriented iem that is built to last (10 yr parts/replacement warranty), to look beautiful, and to sound better than it should.
What’s in a name?
One really cool piece to the story behind the Project-M was how it got it’s name. I love a good story behind the naming scheme of any iem or audio device that I review. Names are important. So often we see “number names” (as I like to call them) that are about as meaningless as a name can be. Dita actually has purpose and heartwarming intent behind this name and I find it perfect. Such a class act of a company (you’ll read those words a lot). Dita actually named the Project-M after a young boy who hung around the folks at Dita since he was a young teenager (14 yrs old). This young boy had showed signs of great interest in developing further in the world of audio when he crafted his own DIY iem very young. Naturally the folks at Dita were impressed and so they let him hang around and learn. They let him mix it up with the professionals, discover the craft behind true engineers, artisans, etc. I won’t spoil the whole story and you can watch it HERE. However, to make a good long story much shorter, Dita named this set the Project-M after a young boy named “Michael”. Best naming scheme I’ve heard yet, hands down!
Dita
I wish I had some long history with this brand because I would lay it on thick right now. Yes, even thicker than I already have. It’s just so easy to be impressed by this brand. Dita has been a prized audio brand that excels in the mystery and seems to tap every perfect button of those who’ve spent quality time with their products. I’ve done some digging. Like always, I do my homework folks. I read the reviews of their products, watched the reviews, read the message boards, perused their website… Yada Yada Yada. Consumers who’ve purchased a Dita set seem unanimously enchanted, and they seem to want to get it off their chests and talk about it too. At any rate, friends, did you know that Dita’s parent company has been around for over 49 years?! They’ve been conducting research and development through automation & engineering all this time. Dita is a Singaporean company, and they have what seems to be a love affair with music and a love affair with their craft. I wish I could tell you more but, I actually don’t really know enough and also, I don’t really want to. let’s just keep the mystique hanging around a little longer. It’s better that way. The Dita Project-M…
Non-Affiliated Purchase Links
Disclaimer:
I received the Dita Project-M from Dita Audio as part of a review tour and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a tour unit sample iem. Dita Audio has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Dita Audio and thanks for reading.
Project-M Pros
-Build Quality is fantastic
-The design is one of the best I’ve ever seen and very unique
-Unboxing experience
-That cable is really great (modular cable with 3.5/4.4 connections)
-Almost perfectly balanced and expressive sound
-Lean-lush note weight with good density
-Bass hits with the perfect amount of decay, weight and impact
-Midrange is just… Nice
-Treble offers a nice balance of musicality and technical chops
-Detail Retrieval
-Imaging
-Stage is great folks!
Project-M Cons
-May not be as dynamic of a presentation as some would like
-Some folks will yearn for more boom in the bass
-Comes alive with more output power
-May be a hair too bright at times (I’m reaching with this one)
-I can’t find anything else folks, this is a great set
Gear used for testing
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
I feel that Dita gives a pretty nice unboxing experience. You won’t feel overly lavished in goods and accessories, but what Dita does provide is all of good quality. Now, the box is a black rectangular box of good size with a sleeve covering. You’ll see the Dita logo, as well as “Project-M” in bold letters at the bottom. I love that Dita also added a frequency graph depicting the Dita Project-M’s frequency response. You have some specs on that back etc. Take the sleeve off and you are left with just a black box and a Dita logo in the middle. Open the box and you’ll see the slick looking Project-M earphones staring back at you in foam cut-outs. Right next to the Project-M is the carrying case. Inside the carrying case you’ll find the modular beautiful cable and modular cable adapters. Next to the case is the eartips sitting cool in a small plastic case which also happens to be sitting in a foam cut-out. It’s all packaged nice friends. Oh Dita… You get me.
Eartips
The eartips are very much usable and actually sound good with the Dita Project-M. Who’da thunk it? Imagine a company who actually provides tips which actually pair nicely with their earphones. It’s a novel idea. Also, it’s a rare occasion. Most companies add some throw away horrible tips (not good), or… they throw in many different styles of tips (better). However, Dita went a step further and simply added eartips which complement the sonic tendencies of their earphones (best). Friends, like most of you, I have untold mountains of tips that do nothing more than collect dust. Let’s put it this way, I add in the “eartips” section because I feel it makes sense and it’s an important piece of the puzzle which drastically aids or derails the sonic capabilities of any set of earphones. This is one of the few times that I feel I don’t really need this section because the Dita provided tips actually…compliment the sound of the Project-M. It’s a novel idea.
What are they
The tips in the package of the Project-M are actually Final Audio E-tips! I love them. They added in a total of five sets in five sizes which come packaged in a small plastic box. These tips are the white silicone E-tips, rigid, tacky, great seal, narrow bore. However, the coolest thing about these tips is one of the weirdest things about these tips. Did you know, they glow in the dark? Ya I thought it was weird too. I actually found this out sitting in my dark bedroom at night looking for the Project-M at my bedside. I love listening to my music at night. Anyways, how cool. I don’t even know why it’s cool, but it’s cool. I liked finding out that I would have zero issues finding these earphones. There they were… Glowing. Okay, enough about that. Did I mention it was pretty cool though?
Carrying case
The case included in the packaging of the Dita Project-M is an odd one. I can’t say I’m a huge fan, but I wouldn’t say I dislike it either. Now, I don’t know who the brand Tanos is, but they are makers of this small box. Anyways, I do like this systainer style case, I just don’t know if it’s a good size. The case provided with the Project-M is very military style futuristic looking. It looks like I’d find a couple magazines full o’ rounds of ammunition inside of this little baddie. Anyways, the case is rather small. It feels extremely durable and probably seals watertight, but it’s small. Maybe just large enough to get your earphones and cable into. I can say this, without question your precious Project-M’s will be kept safe from most elements. Perfect for placing into a backpack or bag and safe storing (if that’s how you store your earphones). As for myself, I don’t ever use cases and wouldn’t need this case but I know many of my friends in the community use them daily. It’s a neat case, it’s different, and like everything else, it makes sense.
Cable
The cable is one of the coolest pieces to the puzzle that is the Dita Project-M. I believe the adapter plugs were created and crafted by the storied brand Cardas. I also believe that the cable was made by MOCCA. The cable is a beauty in my opinion. Like I said earlier, the cable is actually a modular one with both 3.5 single ended and 4.4 balanced right-angle adapters. I feel it pairs perfectly with the clean look and aesthetic of the Project-M. The cable itself is an almost opaque white cable with a very soft and pliable PVC outer layer. This cable is a 2-pin QDC style which has 16 strands and is relatively beefy while at the same time is very light which adds no extra weight. It’s a nice one folks. Personally, I always cable swap, I find it fun. I like pairing the perfect cable with my earphones. This is one of the few times I did not need to do so. The cable pairs well both aesthetically as well as sonically. Nice work Dita.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality / Design
What a sweet build! My word! Build quality and design go hand-in-hand with this set folks. They complement one another which is a rarity of late. The Project-M earphones are absolutely stunning. I really mean that. Made entirely of crystal clear beautifully transparent resin. Bubble free, like glass. Just beautiful looking. I love the way the driver and Internals look Housed within the Dita Project-M. Gorgeous. The shape is the most unique and elegant looking design that I’ve seen. I don’t even know how to describe it, if I’m being honest. You’ll notice the faceplate is almost off canter where a usual iem would have them. On the faceplate area is the Dita logo. Pure class folks. Did I mention that the Project-M is a dope looking iem? The build is as solid as it gets.
In the spirit of continuous development and evolution, DITA introduces its first resin-based, hybrid earphone, the Project M.
Dita Promotional
The M’s physical appearance is a departure from previous DITA designs, taking on an even more ergonomic form factor that is at once familiar and yet uniquely DITA.
Internals
Dita chose a hybrid setup this time making use of one dynamic driver and one Knowles balanced armature driver. The dynamic driver is a 9.8mm Dita crafted PM1+ Driver. Both the Knowles balanced armature and the PM1+ DD are Housed within a stainless-steel chamber, as you can see from the photos. I don’t know much about this DD but I’m assuming a ton of care and purposeful intent went into the addition of it. I can tell you this, it is surely a very capable dynamic driver which was tuned precisely along with the Knowles BA.
The Project M features DITA Audio’s PM1+ Driver, a 9.8mm dynamic driver, newly developed and custom-built specifically for the Project M.
Dita Promotional
The main engine behind the Project M’s sound, the PM1+ is responsible for the texture and characteristics behind the M’s signature. With the driver itself boasting a full-range sound with clarity, speed and a punchy bass
The PM1+ Driver performs best with additional technology, leading us to augment the Project M’s soundstage with a single Knowles Balanced Armature Driver.
Fit / Comfort / Isolation
As far as fit is concerned, I feel that the odd shape of the Project-M actually helps in the fit and overall comfort of this earphone. For whatever reason the off-center faceplate actually makes it easier to put into my ears. I get a fantastic seal right away. The Project-M aren’t ultra heavy but there’s some weight there. However, the weight distribution is as good as it gets. I never feel fatigued by the size, weight and shape of the Project-M either. I’d say they are pretty darn comfortable. Well, as comfortable as a set of in-ears could be. Isolation is very good. I’d say above average for sure. I get very little sound from the outside world. Within reason anyways. Nothing completely isolates outside noises. However, this set does very well. I never got any complaints from my wonderful family about sound leakage either so no worries there. Fit, comfort, sound isolation is all pluses in my eyes. Again, nice work Dita!
Drivability
The Dita Project-M is rated with an impedance of around 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 107 db’s. What this translates to is an earphone which is fairly sensitive. This also means that most sources can drive the Project-M. However, I most certainly feel that a source with some good output power will drive the Project-M to their best fidelity. This is one set that really does come alive with more power. I used so many sources and gear in this review folks. I used about 10 different dongle dacs, Bluetooth dac/amps, dac/amps and daps and found that closer to neutral sources to slightly warmer sources seemed to pair best. For me, my Shanling M6 Ultra was a wonderful synergetic pairing. I also love the Fiio Q15 with this set. The Aful SnowyNight was also a great mobile option on high gain using the 4.4 port.
What should you use?
I have a nagging suspicion that anyone looking to purchase the $325 Dita Project-M will also most likely have some robust and powerful sources. I don’t want to assume though. However, most folks seeking out +$300 iems will usually have at least something on hand that is reasonably talented sound-wise. I found Project-M scales very well with power. As in, there’s a good difference between less and more. Using the Shanling M6 Ultra on at least medium gain was good but I used it mostly in high gain. The Fiio Q15 is the same story. I found that the Project-M tightens up a bit and the dynamic range seems to extend a bit. Macro-dynamics are perceived to open up and become a bit more expressive too with more juice. Is this mandatory? No, of course not. The Project-M still sounds nice on lesser powerful sources. I just think this set scales well (to a degree) and I’d be remiss if I didn’t explain that.
Sound Impressions
Quick look at the sound
Finally, we get to the sound. It is usually a chore getting to this point in any of my reviews, but I found this one was a bit different. I was joyful through the whole process of discovering this set. Still, it is the sound that we are here for in the end. The Project-M are almost perfectly neutral with subtle shades of warmth down low and hints of brilliance up top. Maybe an ever-so-slight V-shape. I could see folks describing this as slightly U-shaped as well. I actually probably lean more towards U-shaped. What I hear is a transparent sound with slightly dialed back dynamics but a very clean sound that satisfies each area of the mix in a beautiful way. Each 3rd of the mix is precisely tuned to bring out each area’s sonics in a clean and monitoring type style. Even though I hate to call it that. There is such a melodic quality that “monitor-ish” doesn’t do it justice in my eyes. There is no one area of the mix which overtakes another. The balance is wonderful!
Neutrality
Like I said, the Project-M comes across close to neutral and so you should expect what comes with a clean and clear neutral presentation. It also comes across with pretty precise transients with nicely etched note definition. In my opinion, listening with the Project-M bad recordings will sound… well… not perfect. However, better recordings or files will come across “seemingly” exactly as the author of those files intended (as though I know the intent of the artist, sounds good though). This may or may not be a good thing. Having said all of that, this doesn’t mean that the Project-M is without some dynamic and vibrant energy. Dynamics are there in its’ neutrally balanced way. You simply won’t have a ton of color emphasizing the spectrum. You simply don’t have spruced up and elevated kinetic dimineundos or dynamic contrast that comes across generally more “fun”. Still, I’ve had a ton of fun listening to the Project-M. I suppose it all comes down to what kind of “fun” were talking about. I hear neutral, measured, balanced, tight, swift, and solid. In no particular order.
Pint sized look between the 20’s
I add this section for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a half hour reading my full review and simply wants to read a condensed version. Granted I cover a whole lot more past this section but, I get it. Not everyone wants to read a book. Here is my pint sized look between the 20’s.
Quick bass
Beginning with the bass, it isn’t overly accentuated but yet it isn’t without density or rumble. The Project-M’s low-end won’t bring bassheads out of the woodwork. Definitely not for fans of big bass, but definitely for fans of quality bass. Slightly softer in attack. Not completely hard edged but dense in body with moderate levels of slam and good impact. I’d say the low-end is sub-bass focused but there’s only a slight difference in emphasis between the sub to the mid-bass. With my music library, the bass fulfills my satisfaction with an adequate level of intensity to bass drops, bass guitar, kick drums etc.
Quick mids
The midrange is only slightly recessed yet with very nice presence, aided by the transparency of the sound. Note outlines are clean, defined and really sound great with good recordings. There’s even some shimmer in the upper mids too. Possibly a bit shouty to some but not at all to me. Note weight is slightly leaner but not dry to my ears, and there’s still good solidity to the sound. A natural note weight if you will. The midrange is very well tuned.
Quick highs
The treble has very good extension, a little bit of glitter, some shine but also never fatiguing either. It’s tastefully tuned people! The treble has some bite to it and good body to notes as well.
Each area of the mix is accounted for and cared for. Nothing is oversaturated and nothing is a burden. Nothing veiled, grainy, sharp, too glaring or too sibilant. It’s almost like Dita knows what they are doing. Again, this isn’t necessarily the most “fun” replay I’ve ever heard but… define fun. Fun as in… big bass, bright treble, bombastic and energetic, color everywhere. No, it isn’t that, thankfully. This is maturity through and through. The stage is of a decent size, you have depth for layering, Imaging is spot on too. I find detail retrieval is well accomplished as well. Folks, I’m finding it hard to find any issues. I’ll be reaching in the “downsides” sections, just putting it out there.
Bass Region
The entirety of the bass region fits comfortably with the overall tuning as it forms a perfect balance with the rest of the mix. I don’t find the Project-M bass region to be overly colored or accentuated and I also don’t find the bass region very far forward at all. It kinda sits back existing in concert with the midrange and treble though still sounding hearty and full. I’ve said this a few times but, if you are a basshead and desire big, booming, and earth-shaking bass, you may not want to spend the $325 to own this set. This doesn’t mean the low end cannot get guttural enough, and it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t get boomy enough. The bass does have some meat to it. Just not so much that the rest of the mix bends to its will. Nothing is masked, muddy, or bloated. Basically, the bass cast shade over the rest of the frequency, unless the track you are listening to is literally recorded as such.
Sub-bass
The lowest of the lows comes across with plenty of rumble for those folks who don’t necessarily desire that full sonorous & resonant sub-bass expression. However, I hear decent density in note weight and body, but it simply isn’t over cooked or noticeably over-enriched down low. Again, not for bass bois, not for bassheads, and not for those who enjoy an ultra-deep and fun sub-bass. Now that I’ve got that out of the way… the sub-bass is great. It’s tight, condensed, very well extended, solid enough to give bass guitar that growl and speedy enough to navigate just about any track you throw at the Project-M. The leading edge of attack isn’t rock hard and crystalline, but it is very well defined when a track calls for it. I’ll say this a few times: this is a “quality-trumps-quantity” situation. Without question. “Take on Me” by Weezer is a remake of the classic ole’ school 80’s jam. This track begins with some pretty hefty and very quick kick drums. I should feel these drum hits if the sub-bass is worth its salt. Thankfully I do feel a moderate and very tight drum kick with a nice impact too. I also hear a very clean drum kick too. Nothing fuzzy or pillowy to the Project-M down low. “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard is another track that is a nice barometer for deep rumbling sub-bass. The Project-M sounds just as dirty as it should sound. Perhaps a hint less deep haptic reverberant buzz but the timbre is great, and Ray’s deadpan vocals are very clear and clean amongst that bassline.
Mid-bass
The mid-bass is only a touch less emphasized then the sub-bass. No doubt this is done to keep a cleaner midrange, but there’s still enough boom and slam for hip-hop. That’s obviously a debatable statement though. Bass guitars are maybe a bit reserved as far as fullness is concerned, but I don’t think anyone is going to complain. This is a transient quick and clean lined mid-bass that behaves how it is told to behave from the track that is playing. Again, quality trumps quantity and does so in a very mature way. There is something to be said for a clean and well-defined bass. Almost as though the impact of the mid-bass comes through clearer and with better presence when the bass has more room to operate and defined note edges. The mid-bass also has a nice and moderately meaty bass drop for fans of hip hop, like in the track “All My Life” by Lil Durk. When the bass drop occurs, it is perfectly outlined against the rest of the melody but yet it also sits even in the sound field. The bass drop isn’t forward or bulbous but is still convex enough and rounded in its overall sound. Decay is pretty rapid too, for a dynamic driver.
Further thoughts on the Bass Region
One further point about the low-end is that it fits the overall tuning very well. For instance, listening to Andrew Bird‘s track “Mancey” the bass guitar is literally pancaked between the rest of the instruments, and it comes across remarkably noticeable and full in its note body with a deep drone and a nice density. However, I love that the bass guitar overtakes nothing else and nothing else overtakes the bass guitar for dominance in the mix. Everything exists in the same field of sound harmoniously. There is a precise nature to the low-end without losing the atmospheric vibe of a dynamic driver’s natural decay. It’s just nice folks.
Downsides to the Bass Region
Without a doubt the number one issue that people within the community may have is the the quantity of the bass region. It is well extended and meaty enough but simply not what I would call “fun” per se, and it certainly doesn’t warm the rest of the mix. Im sure that bassheads won’t enjoy it too much. However, I do feel that is a smaller segment of the audio community and generally most fans of actual quality bass should really enjoy what Dita was able to accomplish for the price. I enjoy the replay of the low-end quite well. I’m able to hear my music in a different way (to a degree) than how I’ve heard it of late. Every area of the mix seems almost perfectly portioned and the bass is no exception. Each is a supporting role with no lead actors. The bass is simply one perfectly formed leg of a three-legged table. Okay that was a weird example, but you get the idea, I’m sure.
Midrange
The midrange incorporates most of the instruments we hear, vocalists too etc. On the Project-M I find this set to really do a nice job of keeping a very crisp note edge without sounding coarse or grainy at all. The sound in the midrange is clean and with pinpoint control and only a few issues to note. Note weight is rather lean as there really isn’t a whole lot of warmth to color or bulk up the sound. The mid-bass doesn’t really encroach into the midrange at all which leaves the presentation sounding more refined and defined. I don’t hear a great recession of the midrange as there is very good presence within the mix. Like I said, the sound has a nice balance that is very appealing, and the midrange follows suit perfectly. Again, note weight is not the most robust and there are hints of sharpness in the upper midrange. Still, as a whole the mids sound musical and melodic but yet very well detailed with good depth, a holographic stage and fantastic imaging.
Lower-midrange
Looking at the low-mids, I find that male vocalists are a hint less organic and slightly less weighted than natural to my ears. Does this mean they’re bad? Absolutely not! Males sound fantastic actually. The note body is simply a hair leaner than what I consider perfectly realistic. Having said that, not many sets do this right and if they do, usually something else in the mix pays the price for it. No, I feel Dita did a great job here. Even within the leaner structure there is still solidity, or density. I feel most of this lean structure occurs because of the cleanliness of the region and the transient quick decay/sustain. No harmonics hang around long enough to blur the sound. Better said, harmonics don’t extend past their welcome. One track I always listen to in my “vocalist” Playlist is Chris Stapleton in the song “Higher” (and any other Stapleton track). There is something special happening here within the sound field. His voice is so melodic, almost euphonious as his mellow sounding inflection harmonizes perfectly. His voice is edgy at the crest of each note, but never abrasive like he can sound so often. This is a raspy southern voice folks and not every set can replay his voice perfectly in every track. I have too many tracks featuring male vocals where I drew similar conclusions, too many to speak on here. Just know this, male vocals generally come across very well in my opinion.
Upper-Midrange
Females are usually, but not always, located near the upper-mids and for the most part the Project-M succeeds at providing female vocals that are both crystal clear and fairly energetic. I feel that Dita once again nailed the target they were shooting for. There is a nice mix of smoothness and technical capability which is very nice to my ears. The upper-mids are very cohesive with the overall sound of the Project-M melting naturally into the lower treble. Details in this area are easy to hear with fantastic clarity and great note distinction and resolution. Females do come across a hint lean but like the rest of the mix, I find the presence to be better than good. Clarity is really very nice too. It all comes together to make vocalists like Rhiannon Giddens sound as though her vocals are on a pedestal, forward, and emotional on the track “Who Are You Dreaming Of”. Or Taylor Swift in “The 1” from her Long Pond Studio Sessions album. Her voice is whispery sweet and soft with such a nice delicate smoothness to it. There’s an ambiance to the song and the Project-M is able to capture that.
A nice balance
Now, there are certainly iems in this price range that specialize in the midrange. They specialize in vocals with accentuated midrange qualities. I found the Project-M’s balance of the frequency and technical proficiency doesn’t preclude it from being emotionally charged and musically gifted. Instruments come across nicely as well. Strings of all types of sound edgy without sounding coarse or abrasive. Percussion has just enough snap and energy on attack to provide a satisfying percussive hit. Snares have that nice “pang”, cymbals have good body too. Woodwinds sound great as well. The thing the Project-M does a bit different from other sets is it has the ability to position instrumentation on equal footing with everything else across the midrange. Nothing is overtly emphasized or over accentuated. I wouldn’t call any one area more forward than the next. Thankfully there is great space for instruments to operate with very defined and clean lines between instruments too. I find that the timbre is great, energy is nice, and the midrange has a nicely open feel to it.
Downsides to the Midrange
If I were to come up with some downsides, I’d probably say that some folks will want a warmer and darker sounding midrange with better smoothness and thicker note body. Not everyone will want the Project-M’s rendition of the midrange. On the same note, some may want an even leaner, more analytical sound in this area. The truth is, nothing is for everyone, but I can surely see why many folks will adore this set. I also hear the faintest bit of sibilance from time to time, but it is so far and few in between that I don’t feel it necessary to make sibilance a “con”. Other than what I’ve spoken about another issue for some may be a slight lack in dynamism. The Project-M is not going to color the sound a whole lot and much of what you hear is going to be a result of the actual recording you are listening to. The Project-M will replay what is given to it and will do so by the book. With that all said, I think Dita did a fine job, I really do. The mids have fantastic pinpoint imaging with very good separation of instruments and voices. Like I’ve said a few times, the Project-M does a nice job of balancing a clean, resolute & detailed sound with a non-offensive, musical and even smooth sound at times. I’m impressed.
Treble Region
The treble is pretty special folks. I find the treble region to be nicely airy and open sounding with plenty of brilliance, but also, I don’t find it offensive or too sharp either. It looks like Dita tuned this set to walk that fine line. Instruments have good separation, and the timbre is close to natural throughout. Extension is another great quality on the Project-M too. As I’ve said many times already, the overall sound is balanced and even. So, there’s no great peaks which will add sharpness or any overly saturated areas of the treble. There is no forced resolution or forced details up top by emphasizing the treble above the rest of the mix. Having said that, I do feel the actual body of treble notes are clean, rounded, and have very nice placement in the sound field, for the most part. Let’s put it this way, I didn’t hear anything that was “off” to my ears.
Not bad at all…
The treble region is also very dexterous and agile with a very speedy note decay which does cut off some harmonics to some instruments, but I feel this is a nice caveat to have. This speed really does help the Project-M in illuminating details in a natural way and not in a forced way. I love that. I feel the drivers are of very good quality on this set. Nothing feels forced folks. It’s just resolute, clean and timberaly accurate with enough dynamics and extension to keep things interesting. I wouldn’t necessarily call the treble region smooth or crisp either. I’d actually simply refer to it as natural. Which is kind of the running theme of this set. Imaging is also very well placed as there’s actual layering which occurs, as the depth is there to create some front to back distinction.
Examples
Listening to “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef is one of those tracks which isn’t recorded to the utmost of quality. This is something which comes across while listening. While the Project-M is more than able to keep up with this song in all its modulations of different treble activity, it still shows the scars of a bad recording. At least the file I have. However, listening to Billy Strings’ track “Secrets” the Project-M puts on a clinic of speed and timbre integrity all the while never skipping a beat. The Project-M sounds crisp when it needs to be crisp and does so with very nice timing and cadence.
Downsides to the Treble Region
Honestly, I’ve had a hard time coming up with actual issues up top. I really feel it is a nice treble. However, this will not be for treble heads. As nice as the tuning is, it also isn’t overly accentuated and may seem to lack a bit of treble bite for some folks. The treble also isn’t overly punchy either. The beauty of this treble is its ability to remain cohesive and fit the overall tuning, along with some other great qualities. However, those who adore that energetic and vibrant type of treble that has defined note edges and brilliance throughout may want to keep looking. Having said that, the Project-M isn’t without brilliance either. Just toned down a bit. Altogether, this is a job well done.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The stage size of the Dita Project-M is certainly one of its strengths in my opinion. We have good extension in the sub-bass, good extension in the treble, you have good depth too which all equates to a soundstage which is above average in all ways. I find the width is outside of my ears which makes for a good and wide presentation. Height is average to above average as well. The midrange is a bit closer to the listener due to the nice balance across the mix and so I do feel that the stage is somewhat intimate in that regard. The stereo image is close, but also wide, tall and pretty deep. I find layering of instruments and vocals to be very well done. Even against some of the very nice iems in its price point.
Separation / Imaging
Another strength. In fact, you might as well call all technicalities… Strengths. The Project-M does have an open sound. Plenty of space within the psycho-acoustically rendered sound field for instruments to sound partitioned off from one another to a degree. I hear nothing congested, or at least nothing that is overly cramped. Obviously in more congested tracks things will come across a hair more pushed together though. I did hear some tracks that gave the Project-M a run for its money, and I did sense some slight blending of sounds. That said, most sets will sound the exact same way in those tracks. I feel the Project-M does an admirable job of creating compartmentalized regions within my mind space. Imaging follows suit wonderfully. Nothing is off to my ears. Left to right and front to back is well delineated placing the elements on the stage in precise locations. Of course, some tracks are better at showing this off and some genres are more apt to have better imaging too. However, in the grand scheme of things the Dita Project-M does very well in both separation as well as imaging.
Detail Retrieval
I’m sure you know what I will say here. The Project-M does an above average job of providing good detail retrieval across the spectrum. Whether you are looking at the bass, midrange, or the treble region. Again, we have good space, clean lines, great resolution, faster transients, proper placement of elements on a stage, and the sound is very well balanced. In my opinion, these are all ingredients for good detail retrieval. The best part is that Dita tuned this set in such a way that doesn’t necessarily sacrifice musicality for technical abilities. Not completely anyways, the Project-M still has a very melodic and emotional quality to it.
Final thoughts on the sound
I don’t usually give a “final thoughts on the sound” section, but I wanted to today so, bear with me folks. The Dita Project-M is simply impressive. Still… despite that, there will certainly be folks who don’t jive with the sound. This isn’t the most energetic, dynamic or outright fun sound. You don’t have that big booming bass. Nor do you have an electric treble region full of sparkles and shining brilliance. Not everyone is going to want to fork over $325 for such a tuning. With all that said, I feel this set is very mature. Front to back, top to bottom… Dita put on a clinic folks! To be 100% honest, I don’t think I’ve heard such a tuning within the price point, on any set. Of course I haven’t heard em’ all. The balance that I keep speaking of is almost off-putting at first. It took me a while to really engage and find the beauty of this sound. Let me not mince any of my words though, the Project-M is a fantastic iem. Truly. I feel that Dita covered all bases sonically. Every way you spin the Dita Project-M is great. Whether it’s the build, the design, the unboxing, or the sound. It’s all very well done. I salute Dita and now… I have to try out some more of their iems! Nice work.
Is it worth the asking price?
The big question. This will always be the number 1 question asked, other than if there are better sets “at” or “around” the price point. Let me answer that fast and decisively… Yes, it’s worth every penny that Dita is asking and no, you won’t find a set like this at the Project-M’s price point. Not that I’ve heard anyways. I have not heard them all. However, there are a huge swath of folks who have to save up a very long time to afford something this expensive. It’s just the truth. To those people taking a risk on a tuning that isn’t a “run o’ the mill” type sound is pretty anxiety inducing. They could take my word for it, but that is risky. I’ve been able to spend over a month dissecting this sound, soaking in it, trying a ton of different sources, like a kid in a candy store. So, I understand wholeheartedly if you are the type who’d want something with a more popular sound, more fun, more dynamic. With that said, I cannot responsibly say that the Dita Project-M isn’t worth the asking price. It’s 110% worth that price folks.
The Why…
Because the Dita Project-M has a fantastic unboxing with great tips, a dope and totally unique carrying case and one of my now…favorite cables. Love that cable. To add to that, the build is beyond exceptional. Do you know that not one bubble appears in that crystal clear resin? It is so perfectly transparent that I could probably use it as a magnifying glass if I tried hard enough. It’s perfect folks! The driver inside is so sweet looking, the shape is so different from anything else on the market and I’m not even at the good part yet! My word! Folks, the best part of the Project-M is undoubtedly the sound (if it aligns with your preferences). Each area of the mix is accounted for, each is a perfectly measured and weighed part to a wonderful whole. Each section (bass, mids, treble) has its own unique characteristics that blends cohesively with each other in the most natural way for the price. Granted, you could spend a lot more money and yes, you will find something better. But friends, the Project-M costs a mere $325 with one of the best warranties I’ve ever heard of. Dita gives you a 10-year parts or replacement warranty! What?! It’s a no-brainer if you can afford it. In my opinion anyways.
Set apart
Now, there are some absolutely phenomenal iems priced around the Dita Project-M. I have a few in my collection. However, none of those gives me exactly what the Project-M can give. In my collection, I certainly have some more fun iems, even better technical iems. I have sets that do a better job at vocals, at rumbly bass. I have sets that offer better detail retrieval and they all cost around the same price, give or take. What they don’t always have is that crystal clear balance where all elements of the stage operate apart from each other in the sound field, yet cohesively merge in such a Technically Musical manner. Definitely check out other reviews, I am certain not everyone is going to feel as strong as I do about this. Without question some reviewers will be less enthusiastic. Again, I cannot responsibly say to any of you that the Project-M isn’t worth the money they are asking.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Dita Project-M ratings below, that would be $300-$350 hybrid style iems. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $300-$350 US is not the largest scope of iems, and so seeing a 9 is reasonable depending on the set. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 9.8 Built exceptionally well.
–Look: 9.9 Is this the best looking iem in its price point?
–Accessories: 9.6 Very nice unboxing.
–Overall: 9.8🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.5 Within the top class in timbre.
–Bass: 8.8 Quality over quantity.
–Midrange: 9.4 Very resolute with great presence.
–Treble: 9.2 Sparkly with nice extension.
–Technicalities: 9.4 Technically a fine set.
–Musicality: 8.6 Fantastic musicality for the tuning.
–Overall: 9.2🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
Remember, these ratings are all opinions folks. In fact, this entire review is an “opinion piece”. Please try to take this into account because I don’t want to lead any of you wrong. Remember, the breadth of my understanding about audio may not be as great and vast as some other reviewers. Shoot, it may be a lot vaster too. We all haven’t been down the same journey through audio. This is so important, probably the most important difference between reviewers. So, these are my opinions from my perspective, and I stand by them. At any rate, the ratings above are tallied against other hybrid iems between $300 and $350 US. That’s a good-sized scope of sets, but not so large that it’s going to push ratings down all that much. You see a lot of “9’s” above. Maybe the most I’ve put on a set until now. The ratings that aren’t “9’s” are also pretty damn close. I don’t feel there is a whole lot to explain here as the ratings are self-explanatory, but there are a couple that I may have to explain myself on.
Explain Yourself!
I have to start with the bass. A “8.8” is actually a high rating for something that isn’t the most convex and quantity isn’t the most emphasized. In fact, I could use a bit more to be honest. However, this is such a tactful and precise bass region that has good density, it’s speedy and is very agile and clean. I was actually going to rate it much higher, but I thought about the quantity. It needs just a touch more. Of course, that would impact the entirety of the rest of the mix, and possibly throw the beauty of this set (balance) out of whack. You’d then have to tinker with the pinna rise or treble and… “8.8” is good enough. The bass is good enough. Another area where I’ll probably get some private messages from some of you (I always do) is in the “Treble” Rating. I gave this set a lofty “9.2”. I know treble heads will be thinking I’m nuts. However, I stand by it. Timbre up top is nice, great extension, separation, Imaging and enough brilliance to bring openness and airiness to the overall sound. Every rating above is debatable but I do stand by them all.
Conclusion
To conclude this full review of the Dita Project-M, I want to thank the amazing folks at Dita Audio as well as YouTube’s Ted Superchonk for providing the Project-M in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have been more than happy to spend time with this set folks. Of course, this is just a tour unit and so… off it goes to the next person in line. What a bitter-sweet reality of tour units. Anyways, I have been honored to check out this set and had a great time giving my opinion on it. So, thank you Dita! Folks, I couldn’t be more impressed with Dita Audio as a brand. They seem to have an obvious love for music. Do you know they have a room built specifically for listening to music to give a reference for their engineers and sound technicians to almost re-calibrate? The emphasis on music is something that I love to see. But the standard they represent is just as awesome. Every move they make has a purpose behind it. I over romanticize everything, but I think I’m being pretty conservative when I say that Dita Audio is next level and I’m so glad they decided to create something that is more accessible to more people.
Other perspectives
Please check out other thoughts of the Project-M as not everyone is going to have the same feelings towards this set. We are all very much different as each of us has different tastes or likes and dislikes. We may have different gear, different music libraries, our hearing isn’t always the same and like I stated earlier, we haven’t all been down the same journey in audio. The point is, we all perceive music differently. So, do yourself a favor and read, listen to, or watch other thoughts regarding the Dita Project-M. That’s it friends, take good care, stay safe and always… God Bless!