DITA Navigator Review – Something Different

Comparisons –

Hidizs S9 Pro ($119): The S9 Pro is a more neutral DAC/AMP. It offers a bit less output power and no internal volume control but a similarly strong noise performance in addition to a low output impedance. The bass extends a touch better on the Navigator, delivering a more robust sub-bass slam. Meanwhile, the S9 Pro has a slightly more aggressive note attack in the mid-bass so it retains a nice kick. The midrange is a touch clearer and more extended on the S9 Pro, lacking the density and body of the Navigator. Despite this, the Navigator has slightly better resolving power of fine detail but does have a more relaxed voicing. The treble is a touch more vibrant on the S9 Pro.

While both have a similar sense of crunch and bite in the lower-treble, the S9 Pro offers a bit more aid and shimmer above. The Navigator offers similar resolving power here overall but presented in a more easy-going manner. The soundstage is a touch wider on the Navigator but the S9 Pro images a touch better with slightly sharper direction. The Navigator has better separation and fine details are slightly easier to discern on complex passages.

Cayin RU6 ($249): The RU6 offers a unique R-2R DAC alongside a discrete amplifier developed by Cayin. It also shares a low output impedance and has a relatively low noise floor though the Navigator is a better performer in this regard if you have especially sensitive IEMs. Sonically, the RU6 is more laid-back and has a warmer tone. Its bass doesn’t slam as hard at the very bottom but it has a bigger mid-bass with a bit more punch and attack. The Navigator is more controlled and slightly faster. It has better dynamics and responsiveness.

The midrange is slightly more laid-back on the RU6 and has a warmer tone that gives everything a bit more fuzz. The Navigator is slightly more transparent tonally while still retaining a full and smooth voicing. The treble is slightly more present on the Navigator and showcases a bit more fine detail retrieval. The RU6 also doesn’t extend quite as far but has better soundstage width. The Navigator layers a bit better in return and has better separation.

Verdict –

The Navigator is a beautifully made product with a unique form factor and a competitive sonic performance. While some have scoffed at the raw specifications, audio manufacturers prove time and again that it is the implementation that counts and this is especially so for portable devices where space and power consumption play such a large role. DITA has chosen to approach this with their dual FPGA oscillator design that has created one of the more resolving sounds I’ve heard from a portable source. Moreover, it does so with a beautifully balanced yet musical sound signature characterised by a subtle introduction of body and smoothness. Some sources are more neutral, some offer slightly sharper positioning and most are more compact. The added features to some may be a gimmick to others, however, it is hard to deny that this is a fun product yet one that doesn’t sacrifice function in so doing. 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.

The Navigator is available from Dita Audio (International) for $464 SGD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Dita and receive no earnings from purchases through this link.