DITA Project M Review – Machine

Sound –

Testing Methodology: Measured using Arta via IEC 711 coupler to Startech external sound card. 7-9KHz peaks may be artifacts/emphasized due to my measurement setup which I found to be the case here. Measurements besides channel balance are volume-matched at 1KHz. Fit depth normalized to my best abilities to reduce coupler resonance. Still, due to these factors, my measurements may not accurately reflect the earphones or measurements taken by others.

Tonality –

It seems that reviewers have become averse to describing IEMs as V-shaped as this descriptor can be synonymous with a poorly balanced or undesirable tuning. However, this is just the rough framework as the execution most defines the character of the IEM. The Project M has a likeable sound that is robust, clean, and clear yet not overly forward in the midrange. It marries this with a present and airy top-end forming a light V-shaped tonality when combined with the pulled back lower-midrange and smaller pinna gain. Bass is a highlight, offering excellent power and tightness with a dip above maintaining separation from the midrange and overall tonal transparency. The midrange has good density and a smoother articulation preventing intensity and fatigue. This works well in the context of the Project M’s enhanced high-end giving it an airy and detailed character. As the image isn’t mired by excessive brightness, the IEM beautifully balances its qualities to provide a detailed yet coherent and versatile sound.

Bass –

DITA make a good dynamic driver IEM and it’s clear that this expertise hasn’t been diluted in the slightest when making the Project M. The tuning is very agreeable from the outset, sporting a sub-bass focus that progressively falls off until a nadir in the lower midrange. Bass sits just in front of the midrange and a touch behind the treble. As the sub-bass shelf isn’t isolated, the timbre isn’t overly skewed. The mid-bass tuning especially is incredibly well judged being neither thin nor bloated but finding a medium between. Accordingly, notes are presented in a more even metred and natural manner than most competitors, many of which I find to over-emphasize either the sub or mid-bass. The tone, meanwhile, remains relatively neutral with just a bit more slam, pressure and weight at the very bottom providing a dynamic and engaging character.

The actual driver quality is also very impressive. A common motif I hear from manufacturers is that driver enclosure material plays a large role in sound quality. I subjectively find that metal IEMs tend to offer a more controlled and structured sound in the bass especially, and this is the case here. The Project M simply sounds tight. It has an assertive attack and decays quickly enabling a highly defined note presentation. Combined with the well-judged tuning, the earphone offers excellent texture and body for slower tracks alongside strong separation and definition for faster ones. There isn’t too much to say here as the Project M simply offers a delightful union between likeable, versatile tuning and excellent note quality making it a top pick for bass lovers around this asking price.

Mids –

The midrange is an interesting proposition as it is tonally transparent and well-defined but also smooth and laid-back. I find it quite appealing as it is clear and defined but not shouty or intense in the slightest – the Project M is neither forgiving nor revealing but finds itself in a medium between. I will also laud DITA for providing an earphone that has a consistent character track to track. I never found its erroneous qualities especially bothering and its strengths are similarly always on display. The lower-mid dip really defines the midrange as it is responsible for diminishing notes size meaning the Project M sounds a touch thin. Accordingly, there is a slight overtone of dryness which is its greatest fallibility in terms of midrange timbre. Some may find the Project M’s male vocals lack some gusto in turn. However, the upside is a very pleasing sense of space and separation alongside a squeaky-clean tone. I will also allay fears of this being a metallic or unnatural-sounding earphone.

The Project M implements a nadir at 4 and 6kHz. The nadirs imbue a greater sense of density and smoothness into the sound which effectively counteracts the loss of body due to the lower midrange and minimises sibilance and shout. A 3kHz hump below ensures ample mid presence and a natural voicing whilst the smoother upper midrange dials back intensity and fatigue. The brighter mid-treble and small 5kHz bump does mean that the Project M is still relatively articulate, so it doesn’t lack openness or clarity. It isn’t a glossy and revealing sound despite this but rather prides itself on high definition set to high coherence. Vocals uphold ample size and presence at all times but never steal the show. The midrange does lack that last iota of fine detail retrieval provided by hybrid IEMs but the tonality and layering are plenty involving. The Project M doesn’t push its midrange front and centre but delivers a pleasing set of qualities that strike as natural and musically enjoyable if not entirely accurate.

Highs –

The Project M has been broadly labelled a brighter earphone and that had me concerned walking into this review as someone who enjoys generally smoother sounds. However, I didn’t subjectively find the treble to be grating at all nor does it stand out excessively within the sound. It does depend on your point of reference as the Project M has the upper-treble zest of a high-end IEM, an area where many midrange competitors roll off entirely. In turn, if you want a taste of that air and sparkle, there are few IEMs at this price point that deliver like the Project M. It does have some emphasis here too, which does result in a slightly tizzy sound with a hint of grain at times. The Project M doesn’t have the cleanest, most contrasted background nor the more accurate note timbre but an energetic presentation with heaps of detail all around. There is a convincing sparkle and commendable top-end extension.

To counterbalance this approach, the lower treble has been toned down and, therefore, notes aren’t overly sharpened. Presence is derived more from the dual mid and upper-treble peaks which gives notes a light, airy character. Treble is on the thinner side as a result of this, which does come to the detriment of note texture. However, note also aren’t exceedingly brittle or strident. The Project M delivers a fast transient response producing high note definition. Accordingly, it offers heaps of background detail and a good amount of micro detail too. While not a perfect execution due to the lack of overall linearity, the Project M wears the façade of a far pricier IEM and, in many respects, has the raw technical chops to convince that it is one. It doesn’t quite offer the tonal refinement of such but remains a very impressive execution that technically outpaces most competitors and still pleases in terms of balance and timbre.

Soundstage –

Due to the brighter background, the Project M doesn’t craft the broadest dimensions but offers an involving imaging experience all the same. Width extends just beyond the head and depth extends in equal measure offering a nicely proportioned stage. Layers are generally well-defined within the midrange, however, treble does lack delineation at times due to the brighter tuning that brings background details to the fore – it’s all a give and take. Besides this, vocals are nicely centred and directional cues are tack-sharp. The Project M has excellent separation due to its controlled bass, well-metered tuning and generally defined note presentation. It does so without sounding too sparse and upholds an organised image during complex passages.

Driveability –

The Project M offers an average 32 Ohm impedance and a 107dB sensitivity. As a result, it is neither overly difficult to drive nor overly source-sensitive in terms of impedance and noise. The Project M happily sings from portable sources.

Output Impedance Sensitivity

The Project M’s impedance curve is effectively flat meaning it will provide a consistent sound from a variety of sources. This is, of course, given that the source itself provides a linear output. This is a great result and means the Project M can be enjoyed from a wider range of sources.

Driving Power

The Project M does scale very well with a high-quality source and does need some power to shine. It still sounds perfectly fine from a portable source, but I was surprised by the difference in switching to my desktop stack. Immediately, bass extends deeper, and the soundstage opens up in dimensions. The voicing and overall tonal balance remain similar but the increase in dynamics especially is notable, therefore, dedicated amplification or a more powerful portable source is best to bring out the Project M’s potential.

Suggested Pair Ups

The Project M has a flat impedance curve meaning it sounds consistent from any linear source. In addition, it isn’t exceedingly hiss sensitive. With that said, the Project M does enjoy a bit of power so smaller dongle-style portable sources will benefit from an in-line amp. I did personally prefer the Project M from slightly smoother and fuller sources like DITA’s own Navigator over dead neutral sources. However, it is forgiving enough to thrive on a neutral source too, especially if you want the most detailed and separated sound.

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