DITA Dream XLS

General Information

Dream XLS is made from titanium, CNC-milled and polished to perfection. Utilizing the brand new DITA Ultra-linear Dynamic Driver Gen. XLS for increased resolution, sensitivity and emotional engagement.

OSLO-XLS is paired with the Dream XLS to provide an expansive soundstage with smooth, melodic and crystal clear highs.

Latest reviews

musiclvr

500+ Head-Fier
DITA Audio XLS Review
Pros: A truly balanced sound with effortless fluidity AND multiple plug termination options too!
Cons: May be cost prohibitive for some.
66C0B338-54D2-4B12-95EF-C980858EA37D.jpeg

DITA Audio Dream XLS IEM Review
DITA Audio initially captured my curiosity years ago when they released their Answer (Truth Edition) in ear monitor (IEM). It was my first gamble into the world of high end IEMs and it turned out to be a winning decision. DITA Audio is a Singaporean company that takes pride in creating well-constructed products to create a sublime experience for their customers. I would agree with that too. I was astonished by the sound of the Answer (Truth Edition) and how it captured hidden details in my music but left its soul intact. I had found iem’s that not only produced great sound, but also utilized impressive materials in their construction too. This became my new standard in personal audio. When DITA Audio announced their latest flagship, the Dream XLS IEMs, I could not help but be curious about what they may sound like. The moment I received them, I could not wait to sit down in my listening chair, cue up my favorite music and discover whether the Dream XLS were worthy successors to their first flagship or not.

E51D61C2-9AFC-46A5-A469-25AD4F5AA10C.jpeg


When you first open the package, you will immediately know that you have something special gazing back at you. You are warmly greeted with a letter written and signed by the co-creators Danny and Desmond of DITA Audio. DITA has thoughtfully included two well-constructed leather carrying cases; one soft and one hard shell. In hand, the IEMs are well weighted and demand that you take a closer look. Displaying an obsidian black and gold mirror finish and milled out of a solid block of titanium, the Dream XLSs are striking to behold. As I uncurled the OSLO-XLS cable (that comes standard with these IEMs) I could not contain my excitement to hear how it will extract the most out of the new DITA Ultra-linear (Gen. XLS) Dynamic Drivers! This cable is made from extruded PC Triple-C copper which is soaked in a squalene suspension of gold and silver nanoparticles! I had yet to experience the sound coming from a cable that contains copper, gold and silver, I think it is the first of its kind?! Adding to the excitement was the fact that you are getting three cables in one via the Awesome Plug which can be terminated in a 4.4mm TRRRS, 2.5mm TRRS, or 3.5mm TRS plugs.

2F42BEBC-1E22-46AB-B40D-4F6C297A9E30.jpeg


1D37EFC1-4086-4A84-9939-400A20E8275B.jpeg


My earliest experiences with headphones were with those that solely incorporated dynamic drivers (DD) so I have become intimately familiar with the sound of DD equipped headphones. The Dream XLSs utilize an inhouse sourced composite diaphragm dynamic driver. Now the greatest standout for me with the Dream XLSs is the upper mid and treble refinement. After living with the Answer (Truth Edition) for years (and the original Dream IEMs for a week), I feel that the treble is what has seen the most refinement. Saying this however, does not minimize the level of authority and sophistication of the midrange and bass that DITA previously developed with the Answer (Truth Edition).

Upon early listening the treble presentation of the Dream XLSs initially seemed upfront. However, after some continued listening, I experienced a treble that offers nuance with ethereal qualities. During poorly mastered or early recordings, the treble is quite honest and forthcoming, dry even. With high resolution tracks one can be completely enveloped in gobs of detail without stridency. No easy feat by any means. Inner details are lay bare without being fatiguing. This type of treble presentation definitely lends itself to the wide soundstage and pin point imaging that is experienced here too. I must say that while watching movies on my iPad with the Chord Mojo handling the audio hand-off, the level of immersion due to the detailed and holographic qualities of the XLS’s was absolutely spellbinding.

When evaluating the midrange I first look to be sure that it isn’t colored. I require that the human voice, piano, and wooden instruments sound correct. The XLSs do this with authority and nuance! Male vocals do not sound boxy or without gravitas. Female vocals soar without any piercing sibilance or sounding thin. Acoustical pieces are brought to life with vibrancy as each note materializes from the blackest background. The XLSs have this soft “W” sound if you will. I found that this allows for a wide soundfield to be enjoyed while being anchored most thoughtfully by a speedy but well weighted bass region. I must say without reservation that the mids are sweet while being uncolored here. They are undoubtedly the star of the show, the XLS’s soul if you will.

tempImageL5LNVX.jpg


I have always anticipated a healthy low end from DD based IEMs heavy handed even. What I am hoping to experience is a bass response that goes low with convincing pace, rhythm, and timing (PRaT). I am a “bass-head” in the sense that I crave a speedy authoritative bass without bleeding into the lower mids; not a bass that is overwhelming, goopy, or one note in its attack. I am happy to report that the bass I’m hearing from the XLSs is that of emotive mastery and executed like a delicate dance flowing with precision and nuance. It has speed with a quick leading edge that doesn’t over stay its welcome by presenting with natural decay and no bloat. It draws you in but doesn’t overwhelm. The sub-bass has the body and weight necessary to promote realism to the experience but most importantly the depth too. As demonstrated in the other sound frequencies, the bass is fleshed out but not domineering exhibiting another deft accomplishment here.

E8202A21-3198-489B-B1E3-B0B1DFD442C5.jpeg


Overall the XLSs provide you with a truly balanced sound with effortless fluidity. One that presents you with an ethereal treble range, mids that evoke raw emotion, and lows that are detailed and representative of the music’s underlying foundation. The build quality instills pride of ownership and the accessories are also well thought out. These iems are telling of the source and amplification gear used in the chain and thus scale well in that regard too. For me these iems present a great value with all things considered and are sure to provide you with years of audio nirvana. I’m sure DITA is quite proud of their latest and in my opinion best effort yet.
Last edited:
mungster
mungster
Finally someone agrees with me that these iems are great. Love them!
mungster
Pros: Wonderful packaging and presentation. Good comfort. Soundstage depth, imaging and macro detail.
Cons: Micro detail lacking versus other, cheaper IEMs. Easily scratched.


I remember meeting Danny and Dennis from DITA Audio back in 2011 or so at the Tokyo FUJIYAAVIC headphone festival, and listening to a prototype of what would eventually become The Answer IEMs. I was very impressed by their attitude, approach and enthusiasm for IEMs. I reviewed The Answer Truth Edition with its permanently attached Van Den Hul cable not long after.

Since then, I'd missed their newer IEMs, but after a presentation in Japan last year by their distributor, S'NEXT (also the manufacturer of the Final brand of headphones and IEMs) I agreed to review a pair of the Dream XLS.

A culmination of all that they have done, the XLS in the name stands for "(e)Xtra Large Soundstage". Presented in a fantastic box with a number of accessories, including a unique set of stickers that convey technical aspects of the design, they very much look the part.

DITA Dream XLS 23.18.jpgDITA Dream XLS 23.44.jpgDITA Dream XLS 24.08.jpgDITA Dream XLS 24.55.jpg

Design-wise, they have a thicker version of the round pill-shape that is standard with their models. The nozzle, thankfully, extends a bit further than the one on The Answer, helping with getting a good seal.

DITA Dream XLS 25.24.jpg

Here's the unboxing video if you want to see everything that is included:



DITA's new Oslo cable is included with the Dream XLS. Using a copper-in-oil set-up, like very old-style cables, I was impressed how it improved the sound with a pair of Campfire Audio Solaris when I tried it briefly at one of the Tokyo shows. With removable plugs at the source end, it can be configured quickly to 4.4mm, 3.5mm or 2.5mm connections by unscrewing the collet and pulling the plug off.

DITA Dream XLS 25.05.jpgDITA Dream XLS 24.19.jpg

For the Dream XLS, it uses a 2-pin set-up which firmly attaches to the IEMs, requiring sufficient force to remove that I don't see the IEMs falling off easily and being lost. The cable is quiet, not transmitting contact noise to the IEMs. That meant, overall, that with the cable around one's ears, ergonomics, at least for me, were pretty good.

DITA Dream XLS 25.33.jpg

Listening

Like the The Answer, the Dream XLS is somewhat tuneable via tip selection. Included are Final Type E tips which, being narrow bore, keep the sound towards the warmer end of what is possible.

With the Type E tips on, the sound is somewhat on the lighter side of things, with the excellent bass intruding only when it is significantly present, and never overing itself. Mid-range and sound stage I found to be great, with a good sense of depth and presentation of instruments.

The treble was best after a few days of run-in, being about right on a lot of acoustic music, but the lighter sound signature being a bit bright for more modern, more brightly mastered music.

While the Dream XLS had a very good sense of depth, and good imaging, I wasn't hearing the "eXtra Large Soundstage" that the name suggested they have. Switching to wider bore tips, such as the JVC Spiral Dot tips, the result was only that the sound became too light, with too little bass, and no improvement in sound stage.

Select Music Impressions

I had on hand a bunch of IEMs with which I could compare, including the Fearless Dawn, Final A8000, Campfire Audio Andromeda MW10, HiFiMan RE2000 and Dunu Luna. I took notes about how a number of tracks sounded on each. I used the Chord Hugo 2 and Cayin N6ii (E02) for listening.

They are written "Artist - Album" with the track included if relevant.

SEED Ensemble - Driftglass

Funnily enough, I discovered this album when discussing the effects of MQA encoding on music. The Dream XLS (with stock narrow-bore tips) produced a greater sense of depth than the A8000, which tends to sound wide, rather than deep, and is a bit too bright. Sharp percussion and beautiful bass rumble, but the soundstage was not "eXtra Large" compared to the others.

The slightly muted treble of the DUNU Luna, on the other hand, seems to mute the impact of drums slightly. The RE2000 has a treble that is too tizzy for this album.

Merge of Equals - Intoxicating

Roon Radio served this up for me, and I'm glad it did. As I sometimes like to delve into Cafe del Mar compilations, this is along those lines. With the exception of the MW10, which is warmer-sounding, most of the IEMs I had on hand tended to be a bit bright and treble-fatiguing. The Fearless Dawn, after the treble had settled down, fills out the bass nicely with plenty of warmth, and the Dunu Luna's slightly muted treble avoided discomfort here, unlike the A8000 which, as usual, was too bright (though some people might like that). To that, the Dream XLS had nothing particular to show, my notes saying "unremarkable".

Miles Davis - Doo Bop - Mystery

Not a high-quality recording, but great jazz all the same. Funnily enough the DITA, not being so bass-strong, is not a good tonal match, but that I put down to the weird mastering of this track, with a lot of bass. The winner for this oddly-mastered, bass-strong track was the Andromeda MW10, with it's glorious mid-range, that made the trumpet sound awesome.

Marc Ribot - Marc Ribot y los Cubanos Postizos - Aurora

Let's talk high-quality latin guitar. The DITA here shined with nice dynamics on notes and good instrument separation, but compared to the Fearless Dawn, A8000 and Andromeda MW10, note nuances (detail) were not as discernible.

The Andromeda MW10 made each note an event, even if the thicker sound wasn't a perfect match. Think old-school JBL speaker-like presentation. The Fearless Dawn's intense, v-shaped presentation brought out the guitar just perfectly. The Final A8000 had remarkable instrument separation, with notes almost floating out of the space they are in.

Jazz in the New Harmonic - Primal Scream - Quiet Desperation

This, very high quality album of dark jazz is most remarkable out of a high-end system. I honestly think to "get" this album requires top-of-the-line equipment, such is the level of nuance audible from each, individual note. This is where the Dream XLS most disappointed me, as those subtle nuances, that make up the expression of the artists, just weren't there. The details of the decay of cymbal hits, for example, and the echos of the sound across the recording space, were just lost. Even if it has good imagining, the lack of those subtleties muted the enjoyment of that. While not as nuanced as the Final A8000, the Fearless Dawn was a step above in detail over the Dream XLS, even if it tends to have a quite aggressive, forward mid-range and treble and strong bass. Since the albums from David Chesky tend to be recorded/mastered with quite a bit of bass, and none of the over-blown treble of a lot of recent music, it matched up beautifully with the Final A8000, even if the soundstage was lacking in depth to some degree. The Andromeda MW10 was my favourite here. Despite having a thicker sound that seems initially to be less nuanced (less treble tends to give that illusion) the slightly bloomy mid-range is very satisfying, and the treble quality outstanding, with excellent overall speed.

Conclusion

DITA Dream XLSD75_9697.jpg

After I posted my video review of the Dream XLS, one viewer commented on how happy they were with their purchase.
I disagree with this review. I bought the dreams XLS about 2 months ago, paired it with Astell & Kern SP2000 copper version. I listen to mostly atmospheric post rock such as Alcest, progressive metal/ rock such as Opeth and Orphaned land, etc. The dreams XLS sounds very natural and musical, the instruments layering and positioning are very accurate, almost 3D like, which is unmatched by other “ Top of the line” IEMs. I have compared them to Fir M5, 64 audio tia trio, 64 audio Nio, campfire audio andromeda, Solaris, beyerdynamic t9ie, Noble sultan, final A8000, and even the Sony Z1r, none has that kind of 3D layerings and transparent qualities. The acoustic guitars especially sound magical on these, and the high notes feel airy and transparent. They do really well when the music has a lot of different instruments going on. Try to listen to the intro and vocals on Opeth’s songs “Burden”, “Face of Melinda”, “isolation years”, you’ll notice that. And the best thing is they are not fatiguing even after hours of listening. That being said, these pair need at least 200 hours burn in time
From my perspective, the Dream XLS on its own, has great imaging, and its lighter sound signature and fantastic dynamic-driver bass make it very enjoyable to listen to a lot of music with. However, the lack of micro-detail compared to other, often cheaper IEMs, as well as the inability to tune the IEMs with wider-bore tips without losing too much of the already-restrained bass, makes me feel that the Dream XLS, isn't good value at $2299. Harsh as it is to say it, if DITA had not bothered with the fancy box and stickers, and sold the Dream XLS at $999, I reckon they would have a winner.

Attachments

  • DITA Dream XLS 23.32.jpg
    DITA Dream XLS 23.32.jpg
    222 KB · Views: 0
  • DITA Dream XLS 23.55.jpg
    DITA Dream XLS 23.55.jpg
    196.6 KB · Views: 0
  • DITA Dream XLS 24.35.jpg
    DITA Dream XLS 24.35.jpg
    213.5 KB · Views: 0
  • DITA Dream XLS 24.45.jpg
    DITA Dream XLS 24.45.jpg
    187.2 KB · Views: 0
  • DITA Dream XLS 25.14.jpg
    DITA Dream XLS 25.14.jpg
    178 KB · Views: 0
IgeNeLL
IgeNeLL
I have audited it and base on my experience it is a little disappointing to the hyped review over the forum.
The sound signature is mid centric lack of both top&bottom end extension.
The mid-range signature is thick, lack clarity and detail.
The stock cable is not good.

yong_shun

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: »Neutral and balanced sound signature
»Excellent build quality
»Accurate and precise bass response
»Uncolored and natural midrange for vocal monitoring
»High quality stock cable
»Smooth and well extended highs
»Tons of useful accessories
»Awesome plug implementation to make stock cable usable for various DAPs
»Huge soundstage
Cons: »Might be bright for those who have lower tolerance to treble
»High price
The Dream XLS is DITA’s new flagship – a cumulation of experience throughout the years from the original Answer to the Dream Gen.1. By applying lessons learnt from the original Dream and with new technology implementation, the Dream XLS can definitely meet your expectation for a flagship model.

Disclaimer
This article is originally posted on Headphonesty. Thank you, Project Perfection Pte Ltd, authorised distributor for DITA Audio for loaning me the Dita Dream XLS in-ear monitors (IEMs). It was loaned to me in exchange for my honest review and opinion. The unit will be returned to Project Perfection after this review.

Introduction
Established in 1971, Packagers Pte. Ltd, parent company of DITA Audio, has 49 years of research and experience in automation and engineering. DITA Audio adopts the experience and methodology from the parent company to build audio products that are supreme in both build and sonic quality. Besides the experience from Packagers, DITA is constantly driving collaboration ventures with potential parties in different sectors – to enhance design, engineering and manufacturing.

In 2015, the Answer was awarded the President’s Design Award for its exemplary quality in build and thoughtful user experience consideration. In Singapore, the President’s Design Award is the highest honor for designs across all design disciplines. The award recognises the outstanding contributions by a group of people that is working hard to yield a difference to the lives of both Singaporeans and people around the world.

DITA Audio did not stop there. With the recognition from fellow Singaporeans, DITA continues their journey to conquer the audiophile communities around the world. With the lesson learnt in designing the first generation of Dream and experiences from various collaboration ventures such as collaborating with the venerable Dutch cable company, Van Den Hul, DITA launched their latest Flagship, Dream XLS to update their current lineup.

From sound signature to design and appearance, every facet of the Dream XLS is a labor of love and DITA’s endeavour to bring all it knows to your listening sessions. Let’s explore the Dream XLS in this article!

Unboxing
The outer box of DITA Dream XLS

The outer box of DITA Dream XLS

The luxury box with gold and black colour combination

The luxury box with gold and black colour combination

Unboxing-Side-1100x825.jpg

“XLS” on the side of the box

Opening the heavy, luxurious box, the inside is separated into two sections – Dream XLS with cable attached is in the upper section and other accessories such as cases and ear tips occupy the lower section.

Dream XLS makes its first appearance

Dream XLS makes its first appearance

A short notes from co-creators

A short notes from co-creators

The service pack and Dream XLS occupy the top section of the box while other accessories occupy the remaining half.

The service pack and Dream XLS occupy the top section of the box while other accessories occupy the remaining half.

Here are the accessories that you can expect in the box:
Service Pack

Service Pack

Warranty card and manual are stored in service pack
Warranty card and manual are stored in service pack

The soft case

The soft case

The soft case

The soft case

The hard case

The hard case

The hard case

The hard case

Storing Dream XLS in the soft pouch

Storing Dream XLS in the soft pouch

Storing Dream XLS in the hard case

Storing Dream XLS in the hard case

Box for ear tips, awesome plugs, fibre cloth and spare meshes for nozzle

Box for ear tips, awesome plugs, fibre cloth and spare meshes for nozzle

Box for ear tips, awesome plugs, fibre cloth and spare meshes for nozzle

Box for ear tips, awesome plugs, fibre cloth and spare meshes for nozzle

Technical Specification
Build
Chassis
Made entirely in Japan, the Dream XLS has an intricate, computer numerical controlled (CNC)-milled Titanium chassis with sapphire crystal faceplates created specifically for the XLS. For a dream class product, DITA only uses materials that their research deem worthy. For this expression of sound, titanium lends it’s flavor for exceptional smoothness and resolution. The chassis is hand polished to a mirror shine.

Computer numerical controlled (CNC)-milled Titanium chassis with sapphire crystal faceplate
Computer numerical controlled (CNC)-milled Titanium chassis with sapphire crystal faceplate

The build of Dream XLS is indeed very solid – a smooth surface with the titanium glowing. It immediately shows the flagship characteristic of Dream XLS. On top of the shell, users can find the recessed 2-pin connector. I did some cable rollings and 0.78mm 2-pin cables fit well with Dream XLS.

The 2-pin connector on top of the shell

The 2-pin connector on top of the shell

The titanium nozzle is in one piece with the shell. The diameter of the nozzle can be considered averagely wide. Most of my ear tips such as SpinFit CP145 and MandarinES Symbio F can fit the nozzle well. There is a lip on the nozzle to provide a secure catch to the ear tips.

The nozzle of Dream XLS

The nozzle of Dream XLS

The nozzle of Dream XLS

The nozzle of Dream XLS

Dream XLS with MandarinES Symbio F ear tips

Dream XLS with MandarinES Symbio F ear tips

Dynamic Driver
The Dream XLS features the DITA Ultra-linear composite Dynamic Driver Gen XLS, which is specially designed by DITA for Dream XLS. According to DITA Audio, the improved composite dynamic driver improves resolution, sensitivity and emotional engagement. When the DITA Ultra-linear composite driver is paired with the titanium acoustic chamber, the driver is allowed to utilize the characteristics of titanium; fast, dynamic and control.

DITA Dream XLS with Van Nuys Case

DITA Dream XLS with Van Nuys Case

Cable
An Oil Soaked Long-crystal Oxygen-free for Dream XLS (OSLO-XLS) cable is specially optimized and provided for the Dream XLS. Based on a Pure Copper-Continuous Crystal Construction (PC-Triple C) high purity copper that is extruded and soaked in a squalene suspension of gold and silver nanoparticles, it results in smoothening microscopic surface irregularities and eventually yielding a better contact and smoother signal transfer.

The sleeve of the cable is improved to be smooth and easy to manage. The Dream XLS comes with the full suite of an Awesome Plug to suit your digital audio player (DAP) out of the box.

The Awesome Plug is DITA’s future-proof solution to the traditional earphone plug, allowing the hobbyist to use a multitude of configurations on the plugs end. The plug is interchangeable and available in 2.5mm TRRS, 3.5mm TRS and 4.4mm TRRRS. The 90-degree nature of the plug is kept functional and minimally intrusive when used directly with smart devices.
OSLO-XLS

OSLO-XLS

Dream XLS 2-Pin Connector

Dream XLS 2-Pin Connector

The awesome plug

The awesome plug

Splitter with

Splitter with “XLS”

Fit and Isolation
The Dream XLS has a slightly shallower fit. I always prefer a deeper insertion for better passive noise cancellation and isolation. The provided Final Audio Type-E ear tips can provide a good fit for me but the insertion is slightly too shallow. After a series of ear tips rolling, I settled down with SpinFit CP145 and MandarinES Symbio F. Both of them are giving me outstanding isolation with deep insertion.

With suitable ear tips, Dream XLS can provide good passive noise cancellation and isolation. I managed to bring Dream XLS out for some walks before the circuit breaker implemented in Singapore. It’s able to block out most of the surrounding noise from buses and railway systems. I can enjoy my music with Dream XLS during commuting.

Sound Analysis
For this review, I listened to Dream XLS extensively with it paired to Lotoo Paw 6000, Lotoo Paw S1 and iBasso DX220. I did a 200 hours burn-in for Dream XLS with my Lotoo Paw 6000. My Paw 6000 arrived a few days before Dream XLS and I did the burn-in together. Kenneth from Project Perfection especially recommended me the Paw 6000-Dream XLS pairing.

Lotoo Paw 6000, Psw S1, iBasso DX220 and DITA Dream XLS

Lotoo Paw 6000, Psw S1, iBasso DX220 and DITA Dream XLS

Rated at 22 Ohms for impedance and 104db for sensitivity, Dream XLS is not hard to be driven. However, here’s my experience – I did audition with my Opus #3, which is less powerful compared to the three mentioned models. The sound signature of Dream XLS becomes thin and lean, which is quite different from the output of more powerful sources.

Then, I attached my Opus #3 to a dedicated amplifier, ALO Audio RX and the result is more promising now – close to what I get from the three mentioned models.

Feed the Dream XLS with sufficient power and you will not be disappointed. It will sing sweetly and smoothly. Tested and proven!


DITA Dream XLS with Lotoo Paw 6000

DITA Dream XLS with Lotoo Paw 6000

Sound Signature
Dream XLS has a neutral and well balanced sound signature. You are not getting any extra decibels from any frequencies. The presentation is natural and lively – minimum coloration can be observed during this period of extensive listening with Dream XLS.

Let’s talk about the texture of Dream XLS. I will define texture as how the tempo, melodic, and harmonic materials are layered in a composition, thus determining the overall quality of the sound from the IEMs. Dream XLS has good thickness in terms of texture – instruments are well-layered and delivered to the users. The presentation has a rich body.

DITA Dream XLS

DITA Dream XLS

Soundstage
For those who are not aware, the term XLS in the model name stands for Xtra Large Soundstage, which is mentioned in the title of this article. Without disappointment, Dream XLS presents the music with bold and unexaggerated wide soundstage.

No congestion and collision, every note in the track has its dedicated position and delivered to the user accurately. This is how precise the presentation of Dream XLS is.

The presentation from Dream XLS is very accurate. I can identify the positions of instruments and vocals effortlessly. In more complicated genres like rock bands, Dream XLS can handle every note from different instruments well, delivering them in good layering, without congestion and sacrificion.

DITA Dream XLS

DITA Dream XLS

Lows

Unlike typical dynamic driver powered IEMs, Dream XLS does not have bombastic bass response. The bass characteristic of Dream XLS is lean and tight, which results in an accurate and precise presentation.

The Dream XLS has a fast attacking and decaying bass, which is different from conventional dynamic driver IEMs. This could be one of the dynamic driver IEMs with the least bass quantity I experienced. It’s definitely not a basshead-level IEMs.

The sub-bass has a good extension, creating a good depth in terms of soundstage. It hits tightly and deeply, without causing any effect to other frequencies. It’s like a good shadow to the track – present but not affecting. The rumbles from the sub-bass can definitely be felt. I would call it a high quality sub-bass.

Listening to Bon Jovi’s Brokenpromiseland, the ending sub-bass has very good rumbles and I can feel it.

The mid-bass is slightly forward compared to the sub-bass. The speed is as fast as the sub-bass. The fast decay controls the bass region very well, minimizing the bleeding towards the mids. The overall comment I give to the bass region is clean, clear and well-controlled. Precision is the key word to describe the bass!

DITA Dream XLS on Van Nuys pouch

DITA Dream XLS on Van Nuys pouch

Mids
Dream XLS shines with its astonishing mids presentation – natural, rich and transparent vocals won my heart.

I will definitely list the mids presentation of Dream XLS as its unique selling point. The mids have a rich body and are very natural – just like listening to a live presentation. It’s well-balanced between analytically dry and colored wet. The lower midrange is firm and well-penetrating. I have to recommend Dream XLS for this particular recording – The Greatest Basso from Zhao Peng. It created an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) effect for me.

ASMR signifies the subjective experience of “low-grade euphoria” characterized by “a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin”. It’s most commonly triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, and less commonly by intentional attention control.
The upper mids are transparent – spacious and airy. It has similar characteristics to the highs, which I will elaborate more in the next section. Listening to female vocals, the presentation is smoothly soft, tickling the eardrums. It has good penetration, just like the lower midrange.

I auditioned Norah Jones’ latest album Begin Again with Dream XLS. The vocals are presented with a rich body and preserved sufficient amount of air. The fidelity is outstanding!

DITA Dream XLS with Lotoo Paw S1

DITA Dream XLS with Lotoo Paw S1

Highs
The highs of Dream XLS is very well-extended and the decays have been handled controllably. There is no distortion in the high frequencies. There is sufficient air and space injected in the highs, creating a spacious soundstage that is full of air. This could be a secret weapon to create a Xtra Large Soundstage for Dream XLS.

The presentation of highs is natural – it’s not extended stiffly and exaggeratedly. Listening to Beethoven’s 5 Secrets by The Piano Guys, the woodwinds instruments used (flute and oboe) are presented smoothly and with rich texture. It is close to how those instruments should sound in reality. For string instruments like violin, the delivery is smooth, too.

I don’t experience any fatigue for long listening of three to four hours daily during the review period. I might have a better treble tolerance as I always prefer a brighter sound signature. For those who are fans of darker sound signature, the slightly forward treble could cause fatigue.

DITA Dream XLS

DITA Dream XLS

Verdict
The DITA Dream XLS is, indeed, the flagship model from DITA Audio, in both build and sonic quality. The high fidelity presentation with astonishing build, Dream XLS can definitely challenge flagship IEMs from various manufacturers. If my bank account allows, I would like to acquire it without a doubt.

The cumulation of a decade of dynamic driver IEM work by Dita Audio: Dream XLS combines the best of all their releases with additional space and soundstage.

DITA Dream XLS is retailing at USD$2299. You can purchase it from DITA Audio Official Website.

With the launch of Dream XLS, DITA Audio once again proves to the world that the matured state of the dynamic driver used in audiophile-grade sound reproduction is a testament to the longevity and practical benefits of it. Well done, DITA Audio!

The cumulation of a decade of dynamic driver IEM work by Dita Audio: Dream XLS combines the best of all their releases with additional space and soundstage

The cumulation of a decade of dynamic driver IEM work by Dita Audio: Dream XLS combines the best of all their releases with additional space and soundstage
Last edited:

Comments

There are no comments to display.
Back
Top