DITA Project M Review – Machine

Pros –

High-quality accessories, Comfortable and visually stunning design, Class leading bass performance, Great separation, Sparkly and nicely extended treble

Cons –

Brighter and thinner treble won’t suit all, Sounds best with dedicated amplification

Verdict –

The Project M is a triumph in streamlining production and design whilst maintaining quality and identity.

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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 long held a reputation for delivering high-quality metal-shell dynamic driver IEMs. They’ve religiously stuck to this formula to the extent that their TOTL Perpetua assumed a similarly streamlined approach. The Project M shakes up both their approach to design and driver type. It implements a resin shell promising enhanced ergonomics and a hybrid driver platform combining a customised dynamic driver and a single Knowles BA. The Project M comes with a cable made by Cardas and is equipped with a miniaturized Tanos Systainer carrying case. DITA audio promises 10 years of parts availability also, a unique addition that should inspire confidence for long-term owners. Perhaps most of all, the Project M is one of the most affordable IEMs ever offered by DITA and seeks to replicate the charm of the Dream at a far more attainable price point.

The Project M is available for $325 USD at the time of writing. You can read more about it and secure one for yourself at DITA Audio!

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Asher very much for reaching out to organise a review of the new Project M. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

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

Specifications –

• Drivers: PM1+ 9.8mm DD, Knowles 33518 BA
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 107 dB

Behind the Design –

PM1 Driver System

At the heart of the Project M is the PM1+ driver comprising of a 9.8mm custom-developed dynamic driver. This is housed within a stainless-steel driver enclosure with a back vent communicating with the rear of the resin housing. DITA has gone for a minimalist approach to acoustic design, focussing on both the drivers and surrounding acoustics. Branching off from the steel chamber is a custom moulded transfer tube and aluminium nozzle. The DD is a full-range unit but is paired with a Knowles 33518 BA driver.

This is a common unit but its implementation is what matters. It appears to cross over only in the treble around 5 and 12kHz. This offers both wide end-to-end extension and better coherence. It also tapers down the intensity of the 8kHz peak as this is handled by the more forgiving DD. The BA appears to be placed right within the nozzle as wires are visible running through the sound tube from the DD. This gives it a sort of spoutless design, effectively increasing efficiency and extension.

Systainer

DITA’s new carrying case is made by TANOS from Germany who specialise in tool containers. They’ve made a miniaturized version for the Project M that not only provides excellent protection but also a fantastic aesthetic. The containers are sold separately by DITA and are stackable meaning you can buy a set to protect and organise more of your IEM collection.

Cardas Derived Cable

The Project M comes with the MOCCA cable that sports Cardas ultra-pure grade 1 copper conductors. Not only this, it features Awesome Plug V2 which is DITA’s modular source-end connector. Out of the box, the Project M suits both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended sources.

Unboxing –

DITA always provide an alluring experience with the unboxing, and this is reinforced with the Project M. Removing the outer sleeve and sliding the lid off the box reveals the earphones, Tanos case and Final Audio E-tips within a foam inlet. It’s a streamlined setup but each component represents great quality. Final Audio’s E tips are some of my personal favourites and DITA include 5 pairs within a plastic case that helps to keep everything organised. These tips are also custom-made for DITA sporting a trick glow-in-the-dark jacket and a slightly firmer sound tube than regular E-tips.

The systainer case from Tanos is another headline feature of the Project M sporting a space-age design and custom silicone liner that is non-scratch and anti-shock. Dita sells this case separately for a very reasonable $25. It has weather sealing and a stackable design should you be lucky enough to own multiple sets of IEMs. Finally, the MOCCA cable is custom-built specifically for the Project M by Cardas. It has a 4-pin modular source-end termination dubbed Awesome Plug V2 and both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced connectors are included in the box.

Design –

As opposed to the muscular chassis of the older DITA earphones, the Project M swings further in the direction of the svelte and smoothly formed Perpetua. It does so with a flawless resin-filled shell that provides a window into the stainless-steel driver chamber within. Altogether, it feels like you’re getting two earphones in one, merging the comfort and sculptability of resin with the premium weighted feel of metal. DITA’s execution also deserves applause, boasting a flawless gloss coat and a bubble-free interior. The Project M offers a striking design that exudes quality despite lacking the metal cladding of its predecessors.

Up top are 0.78mm 2-pin connectors that provide wide aftermarket cable support. The included cable, however, leaves very little to be desired sporting an excellent look and feel. It sports Cardas conductors and a matte jacket which provides a unique and premium feel.  It has excellent pliability with minimal spring and memory that lets it coil easily for storage whilst resisting tangles. The pre-moulded ear guides are comfortable and the silver hardware matches the earpieces well. Of note, are the modular source connectors that use a typical 4-pin connector. They notably assume a right-angle form factor and offer a threaded fastener that ensures a reliable connection. One downside is that the 2-pin connectors are recessed meaning the cable isn’t compatible with other IEMs.

Fit & Isolation –

The Project M has a similar external shape to your average medium-sized pod-style IEM. However, the angled driver housing inside makes it difficult to portray this in photographs. This is a smooth and rounded housing with sculpted features that accommodate the anatomy of the outer ear. It isn’t especially compact but tapers down nicely around the nozzle region promoting a deep, stable fit and minimising hotspot formation. There were no contentious design features and overall, this is a very different style of earphone than prior DITA IEMs.

The nozzle is elongated and well-angled further contributing to this impression. There is a small vent at the rear of the housing which offers some pressure relief that aids wearing comfort and ensures no driver flex is apparent. The isolation is average for a vented in-ear making them suitable for daily use, commute and public transport as seems the earphones were created for. It also allows some external noise in for spatial awareness. Conversely, those wanting the highest isolation for travel and especially noisy environments may find noise attenuation inadequate.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown