In this article, I review the DITA Project M IEM. Project M is a hybrid dual-driver IEM with 1DD+1BA and clear resin shells. It’s priced at $325.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by DITA Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

DITA Project M

In the Box

• DITA Project M IEMs
• MOCCA 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• 5* pairs of silicone eartips
• Systainer Carry Case

Design

Project M comes with visually striking clear resin shells. Internally, the IEMs boast a 9.8mm dynamic driver and a single Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver, both enclosed in a stainless-steel chamber.

Despite being reasonably large, the Project M shells are comfortable for my ears. Passive noise isolation is above average so you can enjoy your music without interruptions.

DITA is known for creating unique high-quality cables to accompany their IEMs and for Project M, they paired it with the MOCCA cable that’s constructed using Cardas conductors. Furthermore, the cable is equipped with DITA’s APV2 modular plug system which allows you to easily switch between the included 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Cayin RU6, HiBy R3 II and SMSL DO300EX. Project M requires a bit more driving power than average so it’s worthwhile using a proper source, especially because it scales quite well.

The DITA Project M takes a less conventional approach to tuning than its contemporary peers. It’s U-shaped but is more linear across the spectrum than we’re used to seeing. This results in a balanced sound, with the bass, mids, and treble all presented prominently together. The outcome is a sound that is warm and lively, yet smooth in its overall presentation.

Bass

The bass is technically impressive, with rapid, well-defined notes and a rich texture. It’s not going to please bassheads looking for outright abundance but it has impressive sub-bass extension that’s nicely balanced with a punchy mid-bass. Listening to Hadouk Trio’s “Aerozen“, the bass sounds full, rich and thoroughly engaging.

Bass notes are slightly rounded, giving them lifelike onset and decay, along with a good sense of power and weight while only being boosted slightly above neutral in quantity.

Midrange

The Project M’s midrange is positioned forward in the mix, allowing it to share space with the bass and giving it extra warmth and body, counterbalancing the abundant treble. Male vocals trade a bit of richness for greater transparency while female vocals are present and expressive.

Midrange notes sound surprisingly full-bodied considering the overall brightness of Project M’s tuning. The upper-midrange lift contributes to a vibrant, clear presentation while maintaining a surprising tolerance for the gritty distortion found in tracks like “Red Forest” by If These Trees Could Talk, even for me, although I’m fairly sensitive to such harshness.

Treble

If you’re familiar with Project M, you’ve likely heard about its brightness. This is true—PM delivers a distinctively bright and clear tone, but it’s not due to harshness or a lack of body. Instead, it’s the result of a forward treble tuning that brings the highs to the forefront, right alongside the mids and bass.

Despite its forwardness, the treble is smooth and inviting, with a gentle warmth that’s free from harshness or sharpness. Rounded notes and a soft touch characterize the highs, making Project M a treble lover’s dream.

Soundstage & Technicalities

Project M doesn’t have a particularly large soundstage but it’s adept at highlighting instrument and vocal positions which are enhanced by its excellent instrument separation. Gamers will love the precision of PM’s imaging and the way it can simultaneously highlight enemy footsteps and the immersive impact of powerful explosions.

Comparisons

Xenns Mangird Tea 2 ($349)

The Mangird Tea 2 (review here) is a hybrid 7-driver IEM with a 1DD+6BA config. My first impression when doing A/B testing with these 2 is that the Tea 2 is much less forward in its presentation, whereas Project M is more upfront and intimate.

Tea 2 has an elevated sub-bass that transitions linearly to the mid-bass, similar to the PM but the Tea 2’s bass feels thicker and slower. Then it rises more quickly in the upper mids, and although it’s a spacious midrange, it can get shouty with female vocals and electric guitars.

The Tea 2’s treble is more relaxed – it gets its clarity from the boosted upper midrange, whereas Project M puts its treble in the spotlight. Yet I found the PM’s treble timbre sounded less metallic and more natural. Both of these IEMs can be unforgiving and will reveal sibilance on poorly recorded tracks.

Tea 2 has slightly larger soundstage dimensions but the Project M has better vocal density and presence. Both have good detail retrieval, but Project M gets the edge in this regard.

Verdict

The DITA Project M defies the industry’s copycat approach, delivering a distinct and captivating sound profile. This results in a vibrant and engaging IEM that is rich in detail and showcases impressive technical capabilities. The stunning transparent shells, which echo its sonic clarity, along with a high-quality modular cable, further enhance its appeal. For anyone seeking a unique tuning and who appreciates a forward treble presentation, Project M comes highly recommended.