DITA Mecha - Heavy Weaponry

4.5⭐️

+ Deep, elevated, and rumbly bass response

+ Front and center vocals absolutely sing

+ Treble energy and air help to balance out the bass

+ Soundstage and body/depth of sound

+ Single DD cohesion on full display

+ Build quality and design 

- Bass might be too dominant for some

- Not the most technically savvy

- Case and tip selection 

- Fit could be better for me (subjective)

- Price for a single driver IEM

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was loaned to me for review by a friend. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A big thank you to Jaytiss for the opportunity!

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

●Dunu DTC480

●BLON V1

●iFi xDSD Gryphon 

●Snowsky Retro Nano 

●iFi GO link Max

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD, Ultra HD, and local FLAC files.

Introduction: 

DITA Audio is an IEM manufacturer based out of Singapore. They also produce cables and DAC/amps as well. Most of their previous IEMs are priced over $1000, but they entered the mid-fi scene last year with the release of arguably their most popular product, the Project M. I had the opportunity to test it at CanJam SoCal 2024 and found it to be quite bright for my tastes. The Mecha was also there, and that is where I first experienced this single dynamic driver release from DITA, which is tuned more style. I was so impressed by my initial impressions that I awarded the Mecha "Biggest Surprise" in my post-CanJam write-up. At the time, there was no concrete price revealed, but now it's priced at $899. That is definitely a sizable investment, so let's break down the Mecha and see how it performs.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The mecha comes in smaller, neon green packaging that helps it stand out among many other sets. The unboxing is pretty straightforward and simple, and inside you'll find the standard affair: IEMs, cable, tips, case, etc. The shells are made of titanium alloy with a brushed matte finish. It's a monochromatic and somewhat understated design, but the shells have some contours and curves that keep it interesting, and it feels very solid and well-built. The left side features DITA's logo, and the right, the company name. The fit is a little tricky for me, but I did find a comfortable fit and seal eventually. The nozzle length is maybe slightly less than average, and the angle could be better, but it really depends on each individual's ears. The nozzle measures 6 mm at its widest point, where there's a small lip for tips. The shells utilize a flat 2-pin connection with a vent located close by for pressure relief. The Mecha comes stock with DITA's new monofilament single-crystal high-purity copper silver-plated Churro cable. It's a non-braided variety and is soft, pliable, and well-made. It does have a bit of memory but is still one of the better stock cables I've come across. It includes a modular connection system with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations. The Mecha also includes five pairs of clear Final Type-E tips. I wish there were more variety, but the little storage case they come in is nice. I tested the stock tips and they are decent, but I ultimately preferred the Eletech Baroque tips as they provided the best fit, seal, and sound quality for me. The included case has a neat design, but I'm not really a fan. The plastic build quality feels a bit cheap, although it's at least lined with silicone to protect the contents. A sturdier case, more in line with the excellent build quality of the shells and cable, would be better. The other accessories include some fun stickers and a Velcro cable tie.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the overall tuning as somewhere between V- and U-shaped, with a somewhat warmer disposition. There's a nice bass shelf, but the elevated upper mids/lower treble helps to balance it out. The note weight is on the thick side, but in a good way and not overly syrupy. This set is pretty easy to drive, especially with the USB-C termination of the stock cable, and can get loud from a simple dongle. The Mecha is not the king of detail retrieval, nor does it try to be. It has a nice balance of technical and musical qualities that is right up my alley, and I never found myself wanting more detail. The soundstage is full and spherical. It has more depth than width, but it's still plenty wide for me. While the timbre may not be the most organic and natural I've heard, it does have a certain effortless quality that hits my ear just right. The imaging is very strong left to right but could use a bit more accuracy with distance. The dynamics are commendable, but the sub-bass response really comes to life at higher volumes, so it may not be a great option for low-volume listening. The separation and layering are superb, and it can easily keep up with complicated tracks. There is also a certain cohesiveness that I expect from a single, full-range dynamic driver configuration, and the Mecha does not disappoint.

This set really does sound great with every source I tried, but I found the best synergy with the iFi xDSD Gryphon using the STD filter. I recently reviewed the Gryphon and found that it has a subtle midrange recession to my ear, which pairs incredibly well with the accentuated midrange of the Mecha. It adds just a touch of extra balance to the entire frequency response, pushing the Mecha to the next tier. But you don't need something as expensive as the Gryphon to achieve great sound quality. It also pairs fantastically with the iFi GO link Max, and even the USB-C termination of the stock cable sounds wonderful.

●Lows - While the bass of the Mecha is certainly elevated, it's never overbearing. It's done very and is complimentary to the entire tuning. I'd say it's just shy of true basshead level, perhaps more of a tasteful basshead, meaning it's not going to rattle your skull but it can offer a nice temporal bone massage. The low end is more sub-bass focused than mid-bass. The mid-bass definitely adds a good sense of body and warmth to the overall tuning that is right up my alley, but I'd welcome even a little more. There's a great mid-bass thump, but the actual impact is a little on the soft side. The texture is just a touch on the wet side, but it's within my tolerances and doesn't detract from the overall performance. The extension can get deep and low and offers really great sub-bass representation without sounding like a gimmick. There's a nice, deep, and enveloping rumble and reverberation that accompanies it as well. The low end acts like a warm, bassy hug on the right tracks, and I didn't notice any bleed into the midrange. The speed is quick, and it has a slightly slower decay, which I honestly prefer and suits me just fine. It's not the absolute best-performing or most resolving bass I've heard, but it's tight, controlled, and absolutely fantastic for my preferences.

●Mids - The midrange of the Mecha is quite enjoyable, rivaling the bass response but perhaps falling just short. Vocals are clear and forward, but never shouty. They have a certain level of energy and excitement, but are also rich and full-bodied, with a touch of warmth that helps keep them grounded. Both male and female artists are well-represented in the mix, but the latter might have slightly more presence and a bit of huskiness that I find endearing. These properties also translate to midrange instruments. They may not be the most tonally accurate, but they do have a richness and a sort of thick, syrupy quality that makes them very easy to listen to and enjoy for extended periods. The lower mids do take a bit of a backseat to the bass and upper mids, but things like cello and lower brass instruments are still decently well-represented. Overall, the midrange has a distinct blend of richness, warmth, and engagement, offering a comfort level that is hard to describe but easy to enjoy.

●Highs - The treble is not bright, but neither is it dark. It has a crisp and sparkly quality with just the right amount of edge. There may be a little twinge of spice on sibilant-prone tracks, but most of the time it is well-behaved. The extension is not the best, and I find it lacks some air, but it is plenty enough for me since I prefer a rolled-off treble anyway. Cymbals and hi-hats are very well represented without sounding splashy or metallic. Snares and claps are punchy, crisp, well-defined, and have a bit of an edge, but they are not wince-inducing. There is no real sibilance to deal with here, but I did pick up the occasional touch of harshness with "s" and "sh" notes, but it is very track-dependent. The treble of the Mecha has a way of pushing the envelope of my tolerances, but it makes me appreciate it all the more for it. It brings the energy right to the line without crossing it. It also serves as a good counterbalance to the bass, although it still leaves room for the bass to be the star of the show. It can be just a little fatiguing over long sessions, but that could also be more due to my volume level and sensitivity to treble. 

Comparisons: Credit to Super Reviews for the graphs. 

●BGVP Phantom ($900) - This matchup features two IEMs with very different driver configurations: the Phantom's eight-driver quadbrid (2DD, 2BA, 2EST, 2BCD) versus the single DD of the Mecha. The metal shell of the Mecha is definitely more durable than the resin build of the Phantom, although I prefer the Phantom's shell design as it is simply more interesting. They are similarly shaped, but the Mecha offers a slightly deeper insertion, and its nozzle has a lip, which the Phantom lacks. The Mecha is also quite a bit heavier, but I found both to be comfortable for long listening sessions. The accessories are about evenly matched, but I prefer the Phantom's leather case to the Mecha's plastic one. The Mecha has a much more satisfying sub-bass rumble and true subwoofer extension. The Phantom's bass is a bit more balanced between sub- and mid-bass, and the BCD adds a nice body and depth to the low end. The Phantom also has a slightly quicker decay and more mid-bass thump. I enjoy the Phantom's bass, and I think it's probably the strongest aspect of its tuning; however, the Mecha's bass sounds more natural to my ear and is undeniably impressive, especially considering it's a full-range single dynamic driver handling the entire frequency response. The Mecha's lower mids have a little more weight and presence in both male vocals and instruments. The upper midrange is also quite a bit more forward, better aligning with my preferences as a fan of prominent vocals. Female artists sound especially better on the Mecha as they are accentuated without being shouty or thin. The treble is where these two deviate the most for me. Now, graphs are a great tool, but they cannot tell the whole story of how something will sound, and this comparison is a good example of that. While these two graph eerily similarly in the treble, they could not sound more different to my ear. In my experience, driver type can have a big impact. Neither graph shows a ton of air or particularly bright treble, but in ear, the Mecha's upper end falls almost dead center in my preferences, while the Phantom is just way too bright and thin for me. The Mecha still has a touch of excitement in the treble, but absolutely no harshness or thinness. As for technicalities, the Phantom's soundstage is fuller, although the Mecha's is a little more expansive. Detail retrieval and imaging slightly favor the Phantom, but timbre and dynamics favor the Mecha. I think these two are more alike than different, but their differences become more obvious when doing an A/B comparison. Both have healthy bass shelves, but the Mecha has better sub-bass extension and superior rumble. While both offer good vocal presentations, the Phantom can sound a bit recessed in the upper midrange, and the treble is very bright and thin. It really is a marvel how two sets with such different driver configurations can measure similarly but sound so unique. In this case, fewer drivers are better for me, and I find the Mecha's single DD truly impressive.

My pick: Mecha 

●Letshuoer Mystic 8 ($989) - Here we have a single full-range DD versus an 8 BA configuration. Both sets have decent unboxing experiences and accessories. I'd give Dita's modular Churro cable the nod over the Mystic 8's cable, but the latter has a better tip selection and a sturdier case. Both have metal shells, but their designs are starkly different. The Mecha does feel a bit more durable, and the brushed matte finish seems better poised to withstand normal wear and tear. The Mystic 8's aesthetic is quite unique, and I personally think it is the better-looking of the two. The Mecha's shell is a little bigger, and the nozzle is a bit shorter. The Mystic 8 offers a better fit for me due to the shell shape and angle of the nozzle. Like their overall designs, the sound signatures of these two are also quite different. The Mecha is U-shaped with bold bass and an emphasis on the upper mids/lower treble. In comparison, the Mystic 8 lacks a certain amount of energy and engagement, as it pretty strictly adheres to a neutral tuning. The bass is probably where these two deviate most. Not only is the quantity higher on the Mecha, it also offers better sub-bass extension, more mid-bass warmth, and superior rumble and reverberation. The Mystic 8, though, does have slightly better resolution and speed, and a faster decay. The midrange is probably the strongest aspect of the Mystic 8's tuning. It has strong instrument timbre, and both male and female vocals are well-represented, with just enough emphasis to stand out. Personally, I like my vocals to be a bit more forward and prominent, with a touch of warmth and a certain soulfulness and musicality that the Mecha provides well. The midrange is a bit flatter on the Mystic 8 and lacks the same depth as the Mecha, although it does have a cleaner bass-to-midrange transition and a bit more lower-midrange emphasis. In the treble, the Mystic 8 continues that sense of neutrality and balance, while the Mecha has a bit more energy and emphasis in the lower and mid-treble, but also less air and extension. However, the more boisterous bass response of the Mecha serves as a great counterbalance to the added treble energy, and it actually comes across as less bright than the Mystic 8. Things like cymbals, hi-hats, and snares are a bit thinner and slightly harsh at high volumes on the Mystic 8 compared to the Mecha. As for the technicalities, the Mystic 8 has slightly better timbre, imaging, separation, and detail retrieval, whereas the Mecha offers superior dynamics, soundstage depth, and note weight. This matchup really comes down to tuning preference. The Mystic 8 adheres well to a neutral tuning, and the entire frequency response is very well-balanced, coherent, and enjoyable. But the Mecha hits many points of my preferred tuning. The bass is quite bold, with great rumble and reverberation; the vocals are more accentuated and forward, and the treble is rolled off with just a hint of sparkle and energy to keep it interesting. Add in a deeper and more immersive soundstage, and the Mecha is simply too good to ignore.

My pick: Mecha

In conclusion:

The DITA Mecha is a really impressive full-range single dynamic driver IEM. In fact, I feel confident in saying that it is the best single-driver IEM of any type that I have heard to date. The build quality of the titanium shells is very strong, and the understated, somewhat industrial design is uniquely eye-catching. The modular Churro cable is also one of the better stock cables I have come across. While build quality, design, and accessories are all important factors to consider, the real draw of any IEM is its tuning, and the Mecha definitely delivers on that front. It has a certain degree of fullness, warmth, musicality, and engagement that is rare to find in any IEM, let alone one with a single driver. The bass is elevated and bold, with a great sense of fullness. The midrange accentuates and showcases vocals, helping them stand out even among the boosted bass. The treble offers just enough sparkle and air to create a finely tuned balance without sibilance or a bright tilt. For me, the Mecha is the epitome of a bassy all-rounder that suits my library very well. It is also somewhat forgiving of poorly recorded tracks, and it has a certain cinematic quality that makes it great for movies. While I am personally not a big EDM fan, the Mecha has an undeniable synergy with this genre and it might be the perfect pairing. Every EDM track I tested sounded phenomenal, especially the bass, which was never overbearing but far from shy. Also, there were no bothersome or peaky treble notes. It is no understatement to say that I absolutely enjoyed my time with the Mecha, and what DITA has created is a testament to the quality of performance a single driver is capable of delivering. While it is a truly great set, it is still not a perfect one, if such a thing exists. I found the fit to be a bit shallow for my ear, and I would have liked a little more warmth and a little less overall treble energy. I also wish it were a little cheaper, as it could be a real market disrupter around $600–$700. That being said, I am confident that lovers of both bass and vocals will find much to love in the Mecha, and I give it a glowing recommendation.