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Asus ROG Kithara: one-minute evaluate
There are a selection of gaming headsets obtainable that help high-res audio, such because the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, however the brand new Asus ROG Kithara is among the first we’ve seen that basically takes the plunge into the difficult waters of the specialist hi-fi market.
Though it carries the Asus title, and is a part of the corporate’s widespread Republic Of Avid gamers (ROG) model, the Kithara was developed along side HiFiMan, a New York-based producer of critically costly hi-fi gear (based by the fabulously-named Dr Fang, who actually seems like he must be the villain in a Bond film).
HiFiMan is thought within the audiophile marketplace for its give attention to ‘planar-magnetic’ headphones, which offer a extra exact and detailed sound than the cheaper ‘dynamic driver’ designs utilized by most mass-market headphones. And, like many audiophile headphones, the Kithara additionally employs an ‘open-back’ design, which permits sound to cross freely by the earpieces.
Once more, this could possibly be an issue for some individuals, as background noise can leak proper by the earpieces when you’re carrying them, whereas individuals close by may also hear each notice of your music, and each zap, ker-pow, ka-boom of your gaming motion. Nonetheless, the benefit of open-back headphones is that they supply a spacious, atmospheric soundstage that basically immerses you in sound, whether or not it’s a live performance efficiency or an alien planet crawling with zombies.
(Picture credit score: Future/Cliff Joseph)
- ASUS ROG Kithara (Black) at Amazon for $299.99
Asus ROG Kithara: Worth and Availability
- Checklist worth: $299.99 / £284.99 / AU$569
- Cheaper than many high-end gaming headsets
- Focus is on sound high quality, with few extra options
The planar-magnetic drivers utilized by the Kithara symbolize the excessive finish of the hi-fi market and are usually dearer than typical headphones and headsets. Even so, the Kithara’s worth of $299.99 / £284.99 / AU$569 isn’t wildly excessive when in comparison with high-end rivals such because the Razer BlackShark V3 Professional, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional, or Audeze Maxwell 2 headsets.
Keep in mind, although, that almost all gaming headsets additionally present extra options, comparable to Bluetooth for wi-fi connectivity, noise-cancellation, or spatial audio. In distinction, the Kithara is a wired-only headset that spends its complete price range on producing the very best sound high quality, with little in the way in which of added extras.
Asus ROG Kithara: Specs
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Asus ROG Kithara
Worth
$299.99 / £284.99 / AU$569
Weight
14.8oz / 420g
Drivers
100mm Planar Magnetic
Compatibility
PS5*, PS4* Nintendo Change*, Nintendo Change 2*, PC, Mac, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One (audio solely by way of audio jack on Xbox)
(*Microphone requires USB-C adaptor)
Connection sort
Wired solely: 3.5mm audio jack, balanced 4mm, 6.3mm, USB-C
Battery life
N/A
Options
Frequency response of 8Hz – 55KHz; 1.8m gaming cable with increase mic; 1.8m hi-fi cable with 3.5mm, balanced 4mm, 6.3mm, USB-C adaptors (USB-C helps 24-bit/96KHz)
Software program
N/A
Asus ROG Kithara: Design
- Cumbersome 100mm drivers
- Separate cables and adaptor for a gaming rig and hi-fi system
- Restricted console compatibility
That is one occasion the place kind and performance go fully hand-in-hand. The excellent function of the Kithara is its use of HiFiMan’s 100mm planar-magnetic drivers, which places them in a completely completely different league to standard headsets, such because the 40mm drivers used within the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. The precision of the planar-magnetic expertise additionally offers a formidable frequency vary of 8Hz – 55KHz, which works past any gaming headset I’ve used, together with my trusty Grasp & Dynamic MG20, and solely rivalled by hi-fi headphones comparable to Sennheiser’s HDB 630.
The draw back of these humungous drivers is that the Kithara can be one of many greatest and heaviest headsets that I’ve ever used. Sporting the Kithara for the primary time, I used to be bowled over on the sheer dimension of the earpieces, which cowl my ears with a lot room to spare that the Kithara initially slid proper down over my ears and virtually ended up dangling round my neck. It’s heavy too, weighing in at 14.8oz / 420g, which is significantly heavier even than Apple’s metal-clad AirPods Max at 13.6oz / 386g.
Happily, HiFiMan’s expertise involves the rescue, managing to make the Kithara extra snug than I might need anticipated. The headscarf offers loads of room for adjustment, so I used to be rapidly capable of finding a cushty place for the earpieces, and the well-balanced design ensures that the Kithara doesn’t really feel oppressively heavy while you’re carrying it. One good contact is that there are two units of detachable earpieces included within the field – one set with thick reminiscence foam padding and a leatherette end, or a barely smaller set of earpieces coated with a lighter mesh materials. The open-back design of the earpieces additionally offers good air flow, so your head shouldn’t get too swampy throughout lengthy gaming periods. You’ll, nevertheless, find yourself wanting like a Cyberman from Dr Who, as a result of sheer dimension of the headset.
The connectivity choices are a bit sophisticated, although. Wired headphones are usually comparatively easy – you simply plug them into your PC, console or cell units, and off you go. Nonetheless, the Kithara is making an attempt to fulfill each players and audiophiles, so it offers an intensive set of cables and connectors to be used with several types of units.
There are two separate cables within the field – one cable that features a versatile microphone increase for gaming, and a second cable designed for listening to music with hi-fi gear, comparable to an exterior DAC or amplifier. Every earpiece on the Kithara has its personal 3.5mm audio socket, so each cables have a double-ended connector that plugs into the three.5mm connectors on the Kithara earpieces (having detachable cables like this additionally permits audiophiles to make use of their very own specialist cables if they like).
(Picture credit score: Future/Cliff Joseph)
As talked about, the gaming cable features a microphone, and there’s an inline management for adjusting quantity or muting the microphone as properly. This cable has two 3.5mm audio jacks on every finish, and the 2 jacks connected to the inline management plug into the three.5mm connectors on the Kithara’s earpieces.
The opposite finish of the cable plugs into your PC or gaming console, with one 3.5mm jack dealing with microphone enter whereas the opposite handles the audio out of your gaming rig. Some PCs do mix the microphone and audio right into a single 3.5mm connector, however the Kithara additionally features a USB-C-to-dual-3.5mm adaptor, which you should use with any system that has an obtainable USB-C port. Asus states {that a} USB-C interface can present a bit extra energy and quantity for the headphones, so it recommends utilizing the USB-C adaptor at any time when doable. The USB-C adaptor additionally helps high-res audio codecs as much as 24-bit/96KHz, so it could deal with many of the high-res audio obtainable on Spotify, Apple Music, and different providers.
Sadly, this does elevate some compatibility points for console customers. Asus states that when utilizing a PlayStation 4 or PS5, the microphone on the Kithara solely works by way of the USB-C adaptor included within the field. Nonetheless, the microphone doesn’t work with the Xbox in any respect, and audio enter requires the three.5mm audio connector on an Xbox controller, so console homeowners ought to pay shut consideration to the compatibility data on the Asus web site to ensure the Kithara will work with the console you personal.
The second cable is designed to be used with quite a lot of hi-fi and audio units and has a barely completely different design. It does have two 3.5mm jacks on one finish for connecting to the Kithara’s earpieces. Nonetheless, the opposite finish has a particular ‘3-in-1’ connector that can be utilized to attach any of the three.5mm, balanced 4.4mm, or 6.3mm audio adaptors which can be included within the field. Most computer systems, consoles, and cell units will work advantageous with the usual 3.5mm adaptor, however audiophiles could choose to make use of the 4.4mm and 6.3mm adaptors with a DAC, amplifier, or different hi-fi gear.
(Picture credit score: Future/Cliff Joseph)
Asus ROG Kithara: Efficiency
- Planar-magnetic drivers present very good sound high quality
- Open-back design creates a relaxed, open soundstage
- USB-C adaptor helps high-res audio (24-bit/96KHz)
The Kithara arrived simply in time for the brand new season of Diablo 4, and the very first thing I discover as I zone into the capital city of Kyovashad is the sheer readability and element of its sound. The Kithara creates an actual sense of a energetic, bustling city round me, clearly selecting out the sound of clanking metallic from the blacksmith, and the effervescent cauldron of the alchemist once I cease by to replenish on some potions – particulars that I by no means actually discover once I’m utilizing my regular set of exterior audio system with my gaming laptop computer.
I am unsure I would name Diablo 4 a real open-world recreation, however the soundscape actually opens up as I head out by the city gates. A crow squawks as I cross by, and I hear the sound of flapping wings panning over my head because it takes off. I additionally discover – for the very first time – the rattling armour and protect of my trusty companion, Raheir, as he jogs alongside behind me. The Kithara would not have the spatial audio options of dearer rivals such because the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi, however the open-back earpieces are extremely efficient at creating a way of house as I run alongside the street, together with the crashing sound of a waterfall over to the left of me.
I get my first style of fight as a band of Rogues pops up out of nowhere, and the very first thing I discover is the ability of these chunky 100mm drivers as I hearth off a few lightning bolts. I solely have the sport quantity set to 50%, however that is greater than sufficient because the chaos of fight erupts throughout me. And there is readability in addition to energy, capturing the satisfying fizz of power as my bolts swirl round, bouncing from enemy to enemy. My sorcerer is a typical glass canon, so I set off my Earthen Bulwark magical protect, and it seems like a slab of concrete being dragged alongside the bottom because it swirls round me.
I’ve acquired handy it to the sound design group on Diablo 4, as they’ve finished an excellent job of holding all of the clashing sounds clear and balanced, and the Kithara is a superb match for the sport because it has the precision wanted to select all of the sonic particulars of swords and shields, and the magical power of my spells as all of them conflict in fight.
Editor’s notice – PS5 efficiency
Alongside Cliff’s extraordinarily thorough and deep testing of the Asus ROG Kithara on a bunch of platforms, I’ve additionally been capable of put the headset by its paces on PS5. Efficiency on Sony’s current-gen console seems to be to be a giant deal to Asus, with a devoted badge adorning the Kithara’s field – and largely it performs brilliantly. The audio high quality is superb and provides glorious, crisp, and detailed audio that is a pleasure to expertise. Nonetheless, the connectivity, cable setup, and the truth that you possibly can solely use the headset’s microphone when plugged into the PS5’s USB-C port maintain it again and make the logistics of utilizing the headset a little bit of a problem, particularly in ‘conventional’ under-the-TV setups.
Rob Dwiar, Managing Editor, TechRadar Gaming
The sound design on Doom: The Darkish Ages is, admittedly, rather less refined, however the Kithara digs deep for the opening music, touchdown the grinding sound of fuzz-drenched guitars with actual weight, whereas the martial beat of drums units the temper for the mayhem to come back.
I am extra of a role-playing video games (RPG) man today, however the gonzo adrenaline rush of the Doom video games is difficult to withstand, and I benefit from the metallic thud of the protect cost that softens up my enemies as I return to the sport’s opening part in Khalim. I resolve to get some goal observe within the Ripatorium mode, selecting Unchained Predator by Ending Transfer from the Jukebox. It isn’t my favorite musical style, however the observe’s chugging guitar riffs cleverly sync with the bullets spewing from my pulse rifle, and the sheer gritty energy of the guitar and drums will fulfill even probably the most die-hard metal-heads. And, as talked about, the Kithara’s outsized drivers have sufficient energy to essentially make your ears bleed.
However, in fact, the Kithara is designed for audiophiles who will get pleasure from a spread of various musical genres, so I seize my iPad with Apple Music and change to the hi-fi cable that can be included within the field. I begin with the bouncing bass of Billie Eilish on Unhealthy Man, powered by an iFi Go Hyperlink Max DAC with a balanced 4mm connector.
The deep digital bass that opens the observe is agency and exact, however the rhythm is relaxed sufficient to bounce alongside like a playful pet, and it instantly will get my ft tapping. The bass isn’t overwhelming, although, and there’s a extremely crisp sound to the finger-snaps that lead by the refrain, and a easy, whispery high quality on Billie’s vocals. Planar-magnetic headphones are typically criticized for weak bass, however the Kithara can maintain its head up with planar-magnetic rivals such because the Audeze Maxwell 2, because it lands the ultimate part of the music with a sluggish, juddering bass pulse that hits like a pile-driver.
A brand new high-res mixture of Queen’s Seven Seas Of Rhye not too long ago turned up on Apple Music, and the Kithara proves that it could match the ability and precision of conventional hi-fi headphones such because the Sennheiser HDB 630 because it actually lets rip on Brian Might’s swooping energy chords. It could actually deal with Queen’s multi-tracked harmonies too, catching all of the completely different layers of sound, and making room for Roger Taylor’s shrieking falsetto because it leads into the guitar break.
The old-school strategy of the Kithara received’t swimsuit everybody, and the shortage of Bluetooth and noise-cancellation options means that it’ll primarily attraction to wired-only purists. However, in the event you’re an audiophile who actually prefers the standard of conventional wired headphones, then the readability, precision and spacious sound of the Kithara are onerous to beat at this worth.
(Picture credit score: Future/Cliff Joseph)
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If the Asus ROG Kithara won’t be fairly for you, then try these advantageous options as glorious audiophile choices.
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Asus ROG Kithara
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Audeze Maxwell 2
Worth
$299.99 / £284.99 / AU$569
$599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349
$329 / £319 / about AU$450
Weight
14.8oz / 420g
13.4oz / 380g
17.3oz / 490g
Drivers
100mm Planar Magnetic
40mm carbon fiber with brass encompass
90mm Planar Magnetic
Compatibility
PS5*, PS4* Nintendo Change*, Nintendo Change 2*, PC, Mac, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One (audio solely by way of audio jack on Xbox)
(*Microphone requires USB-C adaptor)
PS5, PS4, Xbox Collection X|S, Nintendo Change 2, Nintendo Change, PC, Mac, Cellular
Ps or Xbox, Nintendo Change, Nintendo Change 2, PC, Mac, Cellular
Connection sort
Wired solely: 3.5mm audio jack, balanced 4mm, 6.3mm, USB-C
Hello-Res wi-fi (2.4Ghz by way of dongle), Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio, LC3, LC3+)
Wi-fi (2.4Ghz by way of dongle), Wired (USB-C & audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 (LC3plus /
LC3 / LDAC / AAC)
Battery life
N/A
As much as 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Energy System
80+ hours
Options
Frequency response of 8Hz – 55KHz; 1.8m gaming cable with increase mic; 1.8m hi-fi cable with 3.5mm, balanced 4mm, 6.3mm, USB-C adaptors (USB-C helps 24-bit/96KHz)
Licensed Hello-Res audio (96kHz/24-bit), 40mm carbon fiber, brass ring encompass drivers, ClearCast Gen 2.X – Retractable Increase Mic and Good-Switching On-Ear Beamforming Microphone with AI noise rejecting, ANC, Omniplay GameHub (join 4 units concurrently)
Removable hypercardiod mic, beamforming mic with bodily and AI discount, FILTER™ Noise Discount Know-how, embedded Dolby Atmos license (Xbox),
Software program
N/A
SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC), SteelSeries Arctis Companion App (iOS & Android)
Audeze HQ (PC)
How I examined the Asus ROG Kithara
- Examined over two weeks, gaming and streaming audio
- Used on PC, Mac and cell units, on quite a lot of video games and listening to high-res music on Apple Music
- In contrast instantly with the Grasp & Dynamic MG20 and Sennheiser HDB 630, in addition to different gaming headsets and headphones
I’m fortunate sufficient to check hi-fi high quality headphones on a reasonably common foundation, so I used to be capable of evaluate the Asus Kithara with gaming headsets such because the Grasp & Dynamic MG20, in addition to extra typical headphones from Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins.
As talked about, I used to be keen to check the Kithara by leaping into the brand new season of Diablo 4 on my Alienware gaming laptop computer. Diablo has taken up most of my gaming time in current weeks, however I additionally paid a return go to to Doom: The Darkish Ages. And, consider it or not, I additionally spend a good period of time reviewing video games on the Mac, permitting me to revisit Baldur’s Gate 3 and the zombie hordes of Resident Evil 3. And I used to be capable of cowl each bases with Dying Stranding, which has a splendidly eerie and atmospheric ambient soundtrack, alongside the gorgeous, melancholy song-writing of Low Roar.
I additionally use a Mac for work all day lengthy, so the Kithara was usually plugged into my Mac mini so as to stream music from Apple Music, starting from the high-res bombast of Queen to the classical class of Max Richter.
First reviewed March 2026
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ASUS ROG Kithara: Worth Comparability
