DITA Project M Review – Machine

Comparisons –

Jomo Cappuccino ($299): The Cappuccino similarly strives for a sense of balance and forgiveness but pursues this in a different manner. The bass is notably warmer and has less sub-bass emphasis. The Project M is more dynamic accordingly, delivering bolder and more structured notes. The Cappuccino is meanwhile warmer and fuller but still has quite a natural timbre. The Project M’s bass is overall more pleasing technically as it has higher note definition and better separation while the Cappuccino comes across as syrupy and more relaxed. The midrange is a touch more present on the Cappuccino giving it better tri-frequency balance overall.

Despite this, the Project M has a cleaner and more defined voicing. The Cappuccino is medium warm but still clear and open. It is reasonably articulate and overall, just mildly coloured. This gives it a more forgiving yet still natural voicing with an uptick of fullness and warmth whilst maintaining decent clarity and separation. The Project M is more neutral in terms of tone and note size being more separated and defined accordingly. It has slightly better detail retrieval but is actually a touch more laid-back despite being clearer.

The top-end is more present on the Project M. Both earphones have a similar sense of detail in the lower treble and foreground. The Cappuccino has a more realistic note body and texture but has a darker, smoother mid-treble above. The Project M is thinner but more defined. It has a sharper transient response with superior fine detail retrieval at the expense of being thinner and less textured. The Project M also has better extension and sparkle with the Cappuccino rolling off sooner. The Project M has a slightly larger soundstage. The Cappuccino layers a bit better while the Project M has better separation throughout.

Moondrop Blesing 3 ($319): The Blessing 3 is likely the biggest competitor to the Project M coming in at a very similar price, it sports a far more complex driver setup. However, as always this does not tell the full story. The Project M comes across as more U-shaped, the Blessing 3 a bit more balanced with greater mid-presence. The Project M has a touch more bass presence, and its bass tuning is more even. The Blessing 3 has a more isolated sub-bass shelf. It has slightly higher note definition, but the Project M has better dynamics and a more natural tuning.

 Both have excellent tightness on a similarly impressive level for the price. The midrange voicing is very similar in summary. The Blessing 3 has more vocal presence and higher transparency. It also has a slightly higher resolution of fine details and textures. The Project M is a bit more forgiving, having a denser, smoother upper midrange but similar tonal cleanliness. Both are a touch dry but neither bothers exceedingly in terms of voicing and timbre.

The top-end is similarly present on both but stands out more on the Project M as its midrange is more laid-back. The Blessing 3 has a more focused foreground detail presentation with a crisper note presentation. It has more fine detail retrieval in the foreground. By comparison, the Project M is airier and brings the smaller background details more to the fore. The Project M is also slightly more sparkly at the very top. The soundstage dimensions are quite similar with the Project M being a bit more holographic, the Blessing 3 having better layering.

JVC + DROP HA-FWX1 ($449): JVC’s wooden DD IEMs have a big cult following and for good reason, they offer a unique timbre and tone with great musicality. If accuracy is your goal, neither IEMs will suit but the Project M is much closer. The FWX1 is more V-shaped and notably warmer. Both earphones have excellent dynamics. The FWX1 has a more affirmative note attack, slamming a little harder but decays slower. It has a bigger, warmer mid-bass sounding woollier and tubbier but also more textured.

The Project M is quicker, more defined, and more separated. It is more responsive and better suited towards quicker-paced tracks. The FWX1 has a much warmer and roomier midrange. At the same time, its upper-midrange and lower-treble are more present. In turn, both earphones have a similar vocal presence, being laid-back but vastly differing voicings. The Project M is lean, defined and neutrally toned. It is smooth but still a clearly expressed in ear. The FWX1 is warm, full, and articulate. Its top-end redeems clarity but overall, it sounds far more forgiving and more full-bodied than the Project M.

The Project M has the advantage on the technical aspects due to its more neutral midrange voicing and note size. Despite the top-end being more emphasized on the FWX1 on measurement, its treble is much smoother than the Project M. It has a nicely defined lower treble but a dark background above and not the best extension. The Project M has a thinner note presentation but much better extension and fine detail retrieval. Both have similarly sized stages, the FWX1 having a bit more width and slightly better layering. The Project M has much better separation and sharper localisation.

Verdict –

The Project M has been almost universally praised and for good reason, it delivers a high-end experience at a midrange price. While it lacks the linearity to truly punch into the kilobuck range, the Project M is nonetheless an earphone that successfully marries versatility with listenability. DITA has always excelled with this and the usual strengths of their earphones are on full display here despite the drop in price. While the treble will be too bright and thin for some, it doesn’t stand out as something that will polarise the majority. The Project M will also not suit those wanting a warm, full-bodied sound. Rather, the it is a lean, responsive, and defined sound that controls intensity by injecting an extra layer of smoothness. It offers a class-leading bass performance and timbre, a clear yet smooth midrange and a sparkly and extended top-end. The hybrid setup doesn’t detract from the magic of DITA’s PM1+ driver and the new resin shell is comfortable and visually distinct. I also appreciate the addition of a quality cable, case and modular connectors that all contribute towards a very well-rounded package. The Project M is a triumph in streamlining production and design whilst maintaining quality and identity.

The Project M is available from DITA Audio (International) and Minidisc (Aus) for $325 USD/$549 AUD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with CFA and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.

Track List – 

Billie Eilish – dont smile at me

Bob Seger – Night Moves

Courtney Barnett – Rae Street

Cream – Wheels of Fire

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hotel California

Elton John – Honky Chateau

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

H.E.R – I Used To Know Her

Jasen – BYE

John Mayer – Continuum

Kanye West – Ye

Missy Higgins – The Sound of White

Radiohead – OK Computer

TALA – ain’t leavin` without you

The Beatles – Abbey Road

The weeknd – After Hours

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride