DITA Navigator Review – Something Different

Pros –

Beautiful build and design, Integrated magnetic screwdriver, Kickstand, Wide stage, Solid power output and dynamics, Low noise, Fine grain volume control, Textured bass

Cons –

Coloured sound won’t suit all, Larger than most competitors, Kickstand function is somewhat awkward

Verdict –

If you’re looking for a handsome DAC/AMP with a few handy extras and offers a smooth yet detailed sound, the Navigator is a winner.

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About DITA –

DITA Audio is a Singapore-based company established in 1971 that specializes in high-end audio products with superlative craftsmanship. The company invites collaboration in the fields of design, engineering and manufacturing. To this end, they’ve developed numerous IEMs, of which the Answer received the President’s Design Award, Design of the Year in 2015.

Introduction –

DITA has become best known recently for producing stunning in-ear monitors that sit amongst the most renowned single dynamic-driver designs on the market. Their latest model serves as a complement rather than a continuation of that series in the form of the Navigator. This is a portable high-end DAC/AMP that doubles as a multi-tool. It is the first product of its kind, merging audio and EDC in one convenient package. Of course, audio performance hasn’t been neglected with a potent amplifier section and dual ESS DAC setup. Sporting dual FPGA oscillators and a wealth of extra features, the Navigator is seeking to set itself aside from the myriad offerings on the market all using some derivation of ESS or Cirrus SOCs.

The Navigator just launched for $464 SGD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Dita Audio!

Contents –

• Page 1: Intro, Unboxing, Design
• Page 2: Sound and Pairings
• Page 3: Comparisons & Verdict

Specifications –

• DAC: Dual ES9219
• Connectivity: Type-C input, 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced outputs
• Power Output: 340mW @ 32 Ohms 4.4mm, 110mW @ 32 Ohms 3.5mm
• Supports: MQA 16x Native, PCM 768kHz/32bit, DSD256 Native
• Dual FPGA-independent crystal Oscillator Clocks

Behind the Design –

6000 Series Aluminium Construction

The Navigator is made using a  5-axis CNC milling process that promises excellent precision and durability. Aluminium is traditionally seen as an alloy in consumer products, and the metal that it is combined with is designated as the series. 6000 series aluminium is an alloy with magnesium and silicone. It is often used in aircraft and marine applications for its strength and corrosion resistance.

EDC-orientated Design

In addition to being robust due to its construction, the Navigator was also designed to be functional and versatile. This can be seen in the form of an in-built phone stand and a secret integrated magnetic screwdriver. Recessed volume buttons prevent accidental input and guide the fingers for easy pocket use.

Audio

Jitter is any time delay that occurs when converting a digital signal to an analogue voltage sequence that manifests as distortion in the output. FPGA’s are custom programmable integrated circuits that allow the company to fine-tune the performance and can execute actions faster than a traditional SOC. The Navigator uses dual FPGA crystal oscillator clocks that aid much lower jitter, and in turn, reduced distortion as opposed to traditional oscillators. This is paired with dual ES9219 DAC chips that provide true balanced audio output and an integrated low output impedance amplifier circuit.  

Unboxing –

Dita provides a minimal unboxing with clean vector art and a hard exterior. Removing the outer shell reveals the Navigator within a foam inlet. Below is a cardboard box containing a silver-plated USB-C to USB-C cable alongside a metal DITA plate. Available separately is a USB-C to Lightning cable.

Design –

The Navigator is a handsome and beautifully constructed piece of kit as you’d expect from DITA. Its 6000-series aluminium construction grants it superb solidity in the hand yet without excessive weight. The design itself diverges from the streamlined look of the recent Perpetua in favour of a more hard-edged masculine aesthetic that matches their older IEMs. It’s certainly a very rugged-looking device, an impression that is enhanced by the paracord carrying strap.

Besides this, I was impressed by the tight tolerances and well-finished bevels and seams. All edges are smooth and subtly rounded giving it a refined and premium feel in-hand. Though on the larger side for a DAC/AMP, the Navigator of course offers expanded functionality for everyday use. This includes a magnetic screwdriver that seamlessly integrates into the design. A Phillips head comes standard but this can be changed for any bit of your choosing. The tight tolerances and strong magnet meant I never lost the piece on accident, and it blends into the remainder of the housing relatively seamlessly too.

On the back is a kickstand to prop up a smartphone for multimedia use. While I appreciated the magnetic lock, I did wish it had a reverse magnet for opening like that used in many TWS earphone cases. Besides this, the hinge is solid, and the stand works reliably. Do note that the Navigator itself acts as the base which may make it more prone to scratches and somewhat wobbly. The design offers only one angle but held my phone stably and reliably even with a thicker Bellroy leather case installed. On the left-hand side are two large, recessed volume buttons. They share a metal construction and have a knurled texture similar to a barbell for easy differentiation during pocket use. The recessed design is sensible, avoiding accidental presses.

While this doesn’t affect the operation, the buttons do rattle within the housing which simply doesn’t do the rest of the premium design justice. Besides this, logos are laser engraved for harder wearing and the Type-C input and 4.4mm/3.5mm IO are located on either end of the device. Clearly, design was a large factor in this product and the end result is nicely polished, delivering a good mix of portability and functionality. Some may scoff at the EDC inclusions but the added features feel well realised through premium tolerances and finish making the Navigator feel like a meticulously thought-out product overall.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown