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ASUS has had a strong year for releases, and the ROG Kithara Gaming Headphones are no exception. The wired, open-back headphones came from a collaboration between audiophile experts at HIFIMAN and ASUS ROG. The result is a pair of incredible, clean, and sleek planar magnetic headphones that deliver incredible sound.
ROG and HIFIMAN have turned opening and using a pair of gaming headphones into a full experience with extra ear pads, multiple adapter plugs, a swappable primary cable, a USB-C adapter, and a plug-and-play microphone. The set is reasonably priced for an audiophile-grade option, making it great for gamers who also enjoy listening to music with HiFi integrity.
After testing the headphones for the past four months, I have genuinely come to love them, though there is one setback I hope to see ROG address in any future versions, as it has had a fairly big impact on my daily use of the Kithara.
Key Details
- Developer: ASUS ROG and HIFIMAN
- Style: Wired
- Price: $299.99
- Isolation: Open Back
- Headset Type: 3.5mm
- Microphone: Yes, disconnectable
- Gaming Support: PC, MAC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Driver Style: Planar Magnetic
- Driver Size: 100mm
- Audiophile Grade: Yes
- Review Sample Provided: Yes
The ROG Kithara Headphones Come With Everything You Need
There is nothing more frustrating than purchasing a set of headphones, only to realize that you are missing half the extras to make them function. ROG has gone above and beyond with the Kithara and has included every single thing you will need to use the headphones with any device.
In fact, opening the box is like working through a series of holiday gifts. Upon opening the lid, you are greeted by the headphones’ official quality test sheet. Under this are the plug cables for 3.5mm, 6.3mm, and 4.4mm balanced.
Under this area is the headset itself, the additional cables, and the microphone. By removing the packing foam, I found the spare ear covers, which are stored in a small box to prevent them from being squished.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised to find I had everything I needed to use the headphones with any of my devices. This includes the 4.4mm balanced plug that is compatible with my Fosi Audio K7 desktop amp. This 4.4mm plug had a huge impact on my overall experience with the headphones, which are elevated to a different tier of quality when paired with a solid amp.
The Kithara headphones are easy and intuitive to set up and use. Thanks to a lack of wireless and Bluetooth setups, I was able to plug in and get down to business.
Related: ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless Keyboard Review – Lovely Out of The Box, Unmatched With Customization
Incredible Wired Sound With A Not So Great Headband
The ROG Kithara headphones have a nice, quality build. The headband and headpieces are made of a lightweight metal. Despite the use of heavier materials, I was delighted to find that the headset itself doesn’t weigh much. While a bit heavier than some plastic options, it still sits comfortably without digging in or dragging.
I absolutely love the ear cushions on the Kithara. They are large, plush, and the leather accents add a flair of sophistication that is striking both while being worn or while displayed on a desk. The cable for the headphones is covered in a protective coating, ensuring it can rub or stretch without damaging the connection.
Which brings us to the connection situation with these headphones. I was fairly surprised when I realized the Kithara was a wired-only gaming headset. However, I wasn’t disappointed. A wired connection delivers better sound thanks to a lack of compression when sending and receiving information using Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. I have always preferred wired headphones, and generally don’t like it when gaming headsets don’t offer it as an option. It also allows you to use the headphones with an amp. This is critical for reaching the true potential of audiophile sound options, as most basic PC sound cards don’t have the capacity to deliver HiFi sound.
I think that the choice to make the Kithara wired was excellent, and it makes these headphones stand out. While it can take some getting used to, it provides a better listening experience.
However, there is one area where the Kithara drops the ball on build and overall design. The adjustable headrest piece on the headband of the headphones is miserable to use. This strip of material is plenty comfortable when sitting on the top of my head, but the adjuster clips that hold it in place on either side of the headband slip and slide constantly. When in use, I regularly hear the “snap” of the band moving on the adjustment pegs, and it drives me crazy.
If these clips were more secure, it would resolve everything, but they are too loose to support the weight of the headphones, and that can be a big deal for folks who need their equipment to stay put. It’s a frustrating blemish on an otherwise excellently designed set of headphones.
Open-Back Sound Has Me Melting
The truly curious part of the Kithara ROG headphones comes in one of the key details of its design. The open-backed ear pieces paired with Planar Magnetic drivers. Open-back gaming headphones may seem like an odd choice in the era of noise isolation. However, open-back headphones have the ability to create a unique soundstage with less isolation feedback. This can transform how a space sounds when gaming.
While not ideal for those who may be gaming in noisy areas, if you can slip into a quiet room or shut your office door, the Kithara will take you on a mind-blowing journey.
My first time playing Diablo IV while wearing these headphones altered how I play games with ambiance. The sound of enemies creeping up behind you is projected for immersion, while the clang of a sword to the left or right is critical in countering or defending at the exact right moment.
Meanwhile, if you are playing a game like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the delivery of the stunning soundtrack will drown you in emotions. These headphones are the perfect blend of gaming joy and audiophile musical obsession, and the open-back delivery of sound is critical to the quality achieved.
Final Score – 9/10
The ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headphones are a solid mixture of quality, usability, and functionality. They are perfect for audiophiles who game, or gamers who want to level up their musical experiences. The planar magnetic drivers and wired cable sound delivery are incredible. For the price, they easily stand out among other gaming headset options on the market.
While the headband adjustment issues aren’t the best, everything else about this headset shines. It is great for those who love atmospheric gaming, or who want to pair a headset with an amp and really see a difference in quality. The mic on this headset is okay, but I preferred keeping it disconnected in favor of my desk mic. However, those who need a headset mic will get exactly what they need from it.
The ASUS ROG Kithara headphones are fantastic, and while different from other options on the market, they combine audio quality and gamer functionality in a way that makes them a solid choice.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the ASUS ROG Kithara Headphones for the purpose of this review**
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