Customer Ratings & Reviews

If you’re like me, you probably saw ASUS and “gaming” on another headset and thought, “Oh great—here we go again. Another overhyped, RGB-covered headset with the ROG logo slapped on it.” I’m happy to report that this is actually an excellent headset, a genuinely solid collaboration between ASUS ROG and HIFIMAN. For context, my daily driver is the Audeze Maxwell, a wireless closed-back headset in a similar price range. It’s fantastic, but it offers a very different experience compared to this one. They are both Planar Magnetic Headphones. Out of the box, you get the headset, two sets of ear pads (velour and a hybrid leatherette), two cables, multiple adapters (3.5mm, 4.4mm, and 6.3mm), and a USB-C dongle with separate mic and audio outputs. The ear pads slightly change the sound, so it’s worth trying both. Going in, I expected ASUS to slap their branding on a HIFIMAN design, crank the tuning, and call it a day. Instead, this feels like a proper HIFIMAN headset with subtle ROG design touches; no unnecessary gimmicks. The tuning is where this headset really stands out. Unlike typical gaming headsets, the sound isn’t overly bass-heavy or scooped in the mids. It’s clean, balanced, and detailed. The bass is more restrained, the highs are slightly elevated, and overall it delivers a very natural sound. That said, bass lovers might find it lacking. But this is where planar magnetic drivers shine: fast response, excellent clarity, and strong separation between sounds. Games like Battlefield feel incredibly immersive because of how well everything is layered. And while the bass isn’t boosted, it’s tight and responsive; and these headphones handle EQ very well if you want to tweak the sound. That’s another benefit of planar magnetic design: they can take adjustments without distorting. Build quality is another highlight. There’s almost no plastic here; mostly metal, aluminum, with a spring steel headband. It feels premium without being overdesigned. They aren’t especially hard to drive, but like most planar headphones, they benefit from more power. Motherboard audio will work, but may not get the most out of them. Thankfully, ASUS and HIFIMAN include plenty of options: interchangeable cables for audiophile setups, a boom mic cable for gaming, and a USB-C DAC dongle that performs surprisingly well. For most people, that dongle will be more than enough. The included boom mic is a nice touch. If you already have a dedicated mic, you might not use it, but it completes the “gaming headset” package. One thing to consider; these are open-back headphones. That means little to no isolation you’ll hear your surroundings, and others may hear your audio. This can be a downside in noisy environments, but the trade-off is a much wider soundstage. For gaming, especially FPS titles like Call of Duty or Battlefield, this makes a huge difference in spatial awareness and immersion, not to mention the ability to understand where the sounds are coming from and that gives you an edge! Finally, these are wired headphones. That’s standard in the audiophile world, but it may be a dealbreaker if you prefer wireless convenience. If you can live with a cable, though, the sound quality is worth it. Bottom line: This headset exceeded my expectations. What could have been another branded “gaming” product is actually a thoughtfully designed, high-quality collaboration. ASUS and HIFIMAN clearly respected each other’s strengths, and the result is one of the best value open-back planar headsets around $300. Honestly, I’d take these over some of HIFIMAN’s own offerings.

I'm not an audiophile and never planned to be one. But after buying this product, I get it. If your use-case is specifically only for gaming, this is an amazing product. It is the first headset/headphones/earbuds that truly lets you hear "footsteps" and directional sound in a truly precise way. Does it help me? No, I really just find out where I'm going to get shot from a few milliseconds earlier. But what is great about these is the level of quality & precision of the audio. I'm so used to "bass quantity" and these let you hear "bass quality." --- The explosions and gunfire in Battlefield & Call of Duty are not just huge blasts, but these headphones are much more precise and immersive. I also have been using them to watch movies and shows. With newer movies & shows, the sound is incredible. On older shows/movies, I didn't find any difference (i tried watching the Sopranos and it wasn't any different). But any media that is mastered with precise audio and it's a great experience. In terms of "noise canceling" -- these are not. If you are on an airplane or on a bus or in a busy office etc. -- it will be a problem if you want to block out that sound. But in any other environment, I didn't notice a difference from my noise canceling headphones in terms of any quality. When family members were walking around or talking you can hear them muffled, but these aren't something I feel I need to be in a dead quiet space to wear or use. Now, the thing you should realize before purchasing these is you'll need to buy an AMP. I am not an audiophile and didn't know that would be required to truly get the value out of these. The reason is these types of headphones simply require more "power" that the typical 3.5mm or usb-c adapter can provide on its own. I decided to buy the Fosi Audio one and it was another $200. But there are other cheaper options out there as well. There are a lot of youtube videos about AMPs if you need to know more.

The ASUS ROG Kithara is designed for gamers who are looking for an audiophile experience from their gaming headset/headphones. It has a mecha-aesthetic with a flexible steel skeleton outer frame, adjustable soft headband, metal hangers, and large, open-backed ear cups. As these are wired-only and do not have any wireless capability, the headset comes with an array of accessories for connecting to various devices including two cables, 3 audio jack adapters, and a USB-C adapter. The two cables are made for distinctly different purposes. For gaming, the fabric one features a flexible boom microphone for in-game voice chat and simplifies live streaming and gameplay recording. The mic plugs into the base of the left ear cup, and while it can be attached on the other side, the left and right audio channels would be reversed. The cable has a separate audio connector for the right ear cup, an in-line volume control dial with mute switch, and dual 3.5mm connectors for AUX mic input and stereo output from your source device. If your device doesn’t have both a mic in and headphone out, for example laptops with a combo mic/headphone jack, you can utilize the USB-C DAC adapter, provided it has a compatible USB-C data port. The second cable is a braided 4-wire rubber cord for audio only, which comes with swappable plugs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, and 6.3mm. The ear cups of the Kithara look almost oversized with a 5 inch height and 3.5 inch width, but the ear pads are nearly an inch wide, leaving a generously sized cavity for folks with larger ears. They also swivel to a lay flat position, so they hang comfortably around your neck when you’re not wearing them. The pre-installed pads are hybrid leather and fabric and a second set of velour pads is also included in the box. Both sets are egg-shaped and ergonomically contoured with thicker foam towards the back of the head and slightly less padding in front of the ear, which helps to even out pressure and create a better seal to your head and face. You won’t get complete sound isolation, however, as there will be sound bleeding into and out of the open backs; expect folks around you to be able to hear what you’re listening to even at moderate to low volume. Since you can also hear the environmental sounds around you, these work best in quiet spaces. The inner flexible portion of the headband adjusts in height via sliders that move across 8 fixed increments. I like that it is removable and replaceable if and when it wears out. While the clamping force is low to medium, the headphones are quite weighty at just under 1 lb, and the pads, though soft, put some pressure on the upper corners of my jaw which impacted long-term comfort. Sound quality-wise, these produce a treble-forward sound curve with broad bass support for a pleasingly neutral and flat sound that sharpens the details of sound effects and vocals. There isn’t a ton of sub-bass though, which helps keep the sound clean and avoid muddiness while gaming, but lacks warmth and depth when listening to bass heavy music. The high fidelity audio is powered by HIFIMAN’s 100mm planar magnetic drivers, and the sound is crisp and full across a wide soundstage resulting in a rich, immersive listening experience with little to no distortion even at higher volumes. When gaming with DTS:X 3D Surround Sound enabled, I was able to accurately place the locations of sounds like footsteps and explosions in games like CS2 and Halo Infinite. The microphone quality is fair for a gaming headset. In recordings and group chats, my voice comes through clearly albeit slightly compressed and nasally. It's sensitive enough to pickup some background noise, like keyboard strokes, though the mute switch works as expected. One thing I noticed while adjusting the in-line volume dial was a consistent sharp decrease in volume just below the max setting, which occurs in the left ear first followed by the right, which I found it a bit disorienting. This happens while using the USB-C DAC as well as directly plugged into an AUX-out port. For this reason, I prefer to leave the in-line volume at 100% and adjust the volume via the source device. With both cables though, they were adequately loud for comfortable and safe listening without any additional power boost. This headset is compatible with gaming consoles like PS4/5, Switch, and Xbox. However, note that when used with an Xbox controller, the mic is not supported without an additional mixing adapter, as it requires mic and audio to be passed over a single 3.5mm connector. I did not notice any volume issues when used with my third-party wireless Xbox controller. Overall, these headphones are excellent for both gaming and listening to music. It’s well-balanced, plenty loud, and produces sharp, detailed audio. The dual cable options let you choose if and when you need a mic, and the multiple connectors allow for connectivity to a wide range of devices from mobile phones to consoles. The only thing I wish was included was some sort of protective case for travel as planar magnetic headphones are somewhat delicate.

Not all headphones are created equal, there are those that stand above them all in all their audiophile glory and Asus Kithara stands right there with them. These are sickest headphone that I have used by far. They combine sleek ROG style with crystal clear, open back audio that every shot, foot step and explosion come alive. The Kithara combined designed, quality, and comfort all into one package to provide you with the best gaming/audio experience possible. So, lets go over what the new Asus Kithara have to offer. Setup and Design: First of all, I love the exceptional design and build quality of these headphones, everything from the packaging to the headphones just scream quality. The headphones have a hefty metal construction that weigh almost 1 pound. The headphones also feature an open back that creates such an airy, detailed soundstage allowing you to easily pick up on subtle environmental sounds or footsteps sneaking up behind you. The audio feels open and natural, putting you in the game instead of just hearing it. Inside the box you will find the Asus Rog Kithara headset, Dual 3.5mm-to-dual 3.5mm Boom Mic Cable, Dual 3.5mm with 3-in-1(3.5/6.3mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm balanced) Plug Cable, USB-C to Dual 3.5mm Adapter, 2x Ear Cushion Sets: 1x ROG Hybrid Fabric Set, and 1x ROG Leatherette Set already attached to the headphones. The fabric set is under the foam in the box so don’t throw away the box just yet. The headphones are compatible with multitude of devices ranging from the PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, MAC, android and apple phones and pretty much that will accept a 3.5 mm audio jack or a USC-C connector. The detachable boom mic is another highlight—it’s clear, crisp, and doesn’t pick up unnecessary background noise. When I’m done gaming, I just pop the mic off and use the Kithara to listen to music or watch movies—it delivers clean, spacious audio that works just as well for your playlists as it does for your online battlefield. Comfort: The ear cups on the Kithara are rather large, measuring about 5 inches in height and about 3.5 inches in width allowing room for people with larger ears. Because of the oversized ear cups, the headphones sit around the ear for a more comfortable fit without the pressure and heat build up that usually happens with extended gaming/audio sessions. The headband fits snugly without the unnecessary pressure. Sound Quality: The secret behind the ROG Kithara’s amazing sound isn’t just its open-back design—it’s the tech packed inside those stylish ear cups. Asus co-developed the Kithara with HIFIMAN, featuring the 100mm Planar Magnetic drivers that were designed for audiophile-grade sound and placed them in a gaming headset. Those drivers bring out everything from crisp gunfire to deep, cinematic rumble with astonishing precision and vivid detail. The open back acoustic chamber adds another depth to the audio with these headphones. So, unlike the traditional headphones that trap the sound, the open back design let the air flow naturally, widening the soundstage giving you that “live” audio feel. As much as I love wireless headphones, the wired connection minimizes audio latency and interference. Not so Good: Even though I am a fan and just absolutely love these headphones there are things about the Kithara that may turn away some individuals. First of all, these are rather large headphones and do feel a bit bulky at times. Secondly, while gaming the wires do get a bit bothersome while moving around a bit, because I do get into the game. Lastly, because of the open back design that allows for airier audio, also allows the audio to leak out, so anyone sitting next to me hears what I hear. At the end of the day, the Asus ROG Kithara isn’t just another gaming headset—it’s a full-on audio experience. While, it may have some minor drawbacks, those aren’t enough to overcome the shear audiophile trance these headphones put you in. If you’re ready to level up your sound, the Kithara is the headset that makes ordinary audio feel legendary.

The ASUS ROG Kithara paired up with HiFiMan's planar headphone expertise, offering a strictly wired, open-back experience designed for pure audiophile-grade sound rather than software gimmicks. Let's see how this unique, premium headset performs. Overview and Specs ========================== There's no doubt that the ROG Kithara is a premium gaming headset. Yes, it's wired-only, and instead of standard dynamic drivers, it boasts massive 100mm HiFiMan planar magnetic drivers with a frequency response of 8Hz to 55kHz. Planar drivers are known for their low distortion, detailed bass, and accurate transient response. It comes with a detachable MEMS boom mic and an impressive bundle of cables and connectors, including 3.5mm, 6.3mm, a 4.4mm balanced plug, and a USB-C adapter that gives you a place to plug in the separate headphone and mic connections. Feel free to use whatever you need to connect to your PC, PS5 or Switch! Best of all, it requires absolutely no software to run—you can plug it into practically anything and it works straight out of the box. As a gamer that likes multiple brands, this was a big relief - no need to install yet another app! Design and Build ========================== The headset features a gunmetal frame and a suspension-style headband, giving it a high-end, studio-quality look. The vented open-back earcups even resemble the rear vents of the Asus ROG Ally X and are a unique take on the slotted planar headphones of competing brands. Despite weighing a substantial 420g, I thought they were surprisingly lightweight and well-balanced on the head, remaining comfortable during long gaming sessions. I think the suspension headband works perfectly to keep the all-metal build feeling light, but don't go banging your head to the music too much! There's no strong clamping force, so it's comfortable, but I have had them slide a bit during some intense listening and gaming sessions. It includes two sets of earpads (breathable mesh/leatherette and softer velour) so you can tailor the acoustic feel and comfort. Additionally, the earcups cannot be folded down for travel, and there's no hard case or carrying case included. Chances are, you're not taking this with you when you're traveling since they're open-backed anyway. Performance ========================== Performance is where the Asus ROG Kithara truly shine. The open-back design and planar drivers create a spacious, airy soundstage with very good positional accuracy, making it seem easy to pinpoint footsteps and gunshots in competitive games. I can't say it made me a better player in the frantic games like Fortnite, but I really enjoyed the detailed sound and music in the Sniper series where the details like walking on gravel, footsteps in offices, soldier's chatter, and the bold music all sounded great. The planar drivers help avoid artificial, muddy bass, instead offering detailed low-end bass and mid bass where it was easy to separate the instrument types and sounds. The midrange and vocals were spot-on, and the highs were a touch bright for my tastes, but your mileage may vary. Overall, I'd consider this closer to a "reference" headphone than the bass-heavy ones I typically lean to for a fun music listening session. The detachable MEMS mic is also pretty darn good, delivering crystal-clear voice comms for gaming and possibly streaming. It also did a pretty good job rejecting background noises like mechanical keyboard clatter and frantic mouse clicking. I wouldn't use the mic for voiceover work, but it's definitely good enough for gaming with your friends (and enemies). For those coming from closed back headphones, because it is an open-back headset, there is zero noise isolation! You will hear everything happening in your room, and everyone else will hear your game audio or music. Additionally, its volume output can depend heavily on your source device, with the included USB-C adapter providing noticeably more power and volume than plugging it directly into most PC audio jacks, though they are low impedance and should run well enough on anything. Note - don't forget that there's an analog volume wheel on the gaming headset wires! If your volume is low, check that first! Summary ========================== The Asus ROG Kithara is a highly specialized, top-tier headset for gamers who value reference-grade audio quality over modern wireless conveniences. If you play in a quiet room and don't mind a wired connection, it's a rare all-in-one device that can pull double-duty as a gaming headset and as an accurate music listening headset. I'd say that if you value music more than gaming, these are the headphones for you and they're priced aggressively if you think about the technology and other competitors in the market. If you're more of a gamer than an audiophile, you may prefer the "modern conveniences" of 2.4Ghz wireless, BT wireless, and other software-powered features. Strengths: Incredible 100mm planar magnetic drivers, spacious and accurate soundstage, premium build that remains comfortable despite its size, huge array of included connectors, operates perfectly without installing any software. Weaknesses: Expensive, wired-only connection, open-back design offers no noise isolation and leaks sound, lacks features like wireless or active noise cancelling, no storage pouch included for the cables. This could be a cable nightmare for some desktop setups.

As an audiophile, I can say that my experience with this ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headset has been great so far, more specifically in terms of sound quality and comfort. The unboxing experience was impressive. ASUS has well-designed packaging, in a way that not only adding a premium presentation upon unboxing but also adding great protection. The headset is securely housed in a foam base, and all the other accessories are neatly organized and well protected. Inside the box, there is a wide selection of cables and accessories, such as a dual 3.5 mm boom microphone cable with a detachable microphone, which includes inline controls for voice communication. There is also a braided balanced audio cable with interchangeable connectors. These interchangeable connectors are a standard 3.5 mm plug, a 6.3 mm plug commonly used with amplifiers, and a 4.4 mm balanced plug designed for high-end DACs and audiophile systems. In addition to a USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter, enabling the headset to connect to devices that only have a USB-C port while still supporting both audio output and microphone input. The USB-C adaptor has a label on each of the 3.5 ports indicating which is for mic and which is for audio, which is good. Also, there are two sets of velour ear cushions besides the default leatherette or hybrid fabric. Personally, I preferred and continued using the leatherette set for the comfort that I found during my experience. Right off the bat, this ROG Kithara is a premium gaming headset designed for those who value audiophile-level sound quality as well as a gaming-focused experience. To add a signature sound quality, ASUS collaborated with HiFiMAN to equip the headset with 100 mm planar magnetic drivers that give these headphones a high-end audiophile sound. This collaboration makes the Kithara stand out by blending the performance of audiophile headphones with the functionality of a gaming headset, rather than following the traditional gaming headset design. In addition to its open-back design, which allows air and sound to pass through the ear cups. However, this was my first experience using an open-back headset, as I usually prefer closed-back designs, but after using this Kithara for several days, my perspective changed. The open-back design provided me with a very comfortable experience during extended gaming sessions, besides its role in creating a larger, more natural soundstage, making the audio feel spacious and immersive. During my gaming, I was able to clearly identify the direction of footsteps, gunfire, and environmental sounds. That being said, these open-back headphones allow sound to leak out, meaning people sitting around me were able to hear what I was listening to, and I was able to hear the noise around me. I own an Xbox Series X, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and two gaming PCs, which allowed me to test this Kithara across several platforms. For both my PS5 and PC, I used the dual 3.5 mm boom microphone cable connected through the USB-C adapter, and overall, the setup worked well with clear audio and reliable microphone performance. However, one downside to this is that the USB-C adapter must be connected directly to the console rather than through the DualSense controller on PS5, which makes the setup a bit inconvenient in my case. Since my PS5 is connected to the TV and placed some distance away from my recliner chair. In terms of build quality and comfort, the ROG Kithara is constructed with premium materials with a solid, durable frame. The ear cushions are replaceable and comfy. My final words, the ASUS ROG Kithara is an excellent option for gamers who prioritize high-quality audio and immersive sound. Its audiophile-grade drivers, spacious soundstage, and premium build quality help it stands out in the gaming headset market. Also, the open-back design may not be ideal for noisy environments, but it remains a strong choice for users who want a headset that performs exceptionally well for both gaming and music listening.

These headphones grabbed my attention immediately the moment I opened the box. If you go by the image on the packaging, it’s actually a bit deceiving, it looks plain and simple. But in reality, that simplicity translates into a premium, high-end design. The build quality is exquisite, from the metal frame to the magnetic speaker drivers. I’ve tested many gaming headsets over the years, but I wasn’t familiar with the HIFIMAN driver technology used here. After doing some research, I learned these types of drivers are typically found in high-end audiophile headphones and earphones, which definitely explains the sound quality. The Kithara gaming headset is strictly wired. It works great with PC, and is also compatible with PS5, phones, and Xbox, with the limitation that Xbox only supports audio, not the microphone. Setup is as simple as it gets, no software required. Just connect the audio and mic cables, plug in the USB-C adapter, and you’re ready to go. The main cable is braided, very flexible, and feels durable. You also get an additional balanced audio cable with three different adapters if you prefer using it as a standard headset. Comfort is another strong point. The earpads are a mix of leatherette and fabric, soft and comfortable, but I personally preferred the included all fabric set, which felt even softer. The earcups are large and easily accommodate bigger ears, and the elastic headband distributes weight well. Even after hours of use, I didn’t experience any fatigue. There’s no active noise cancellation, but there is a natural level of passive noise damping. It gives a feel similar to being in a recording studio or an acoustically treated room. Sound quality is where these headphones truly shine. The level of fidelity is noticeably different from typical gaming headsets. I play a lot of shooters, where hearing footsteps and positional audio is critical, and while these deliver on that, they also go beyond with a richer, more detailed sound. I was able to notice background details I hadn’t picked up before. Everything sounds clear, crisp, and well-balanced. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and even at high volumes, there’s no distortion. The inline controls on the main cable include a mute switch and volume rocker, although I still found myself using my keyboard controls for convenience. The boom mic captured voices clearly with a natural tone and did a great job minimizing background noise. It worked well for both gaming and phone calls. I mainly used them on my gaming PC, where they performed flawlessly. They also worked great on my phone. I didn’t test them much on Xbox due to the mic limitation. For music, however, they are absolutely outstanding. Overall, if you don’t mind a wired setup and are looking for a gaming headset with true audiophile-level sound quality, the ASUS ROG Kithara will not disappoint. They’re well-built, extremely comfortable, and deliver exceptional sound performance. While they lack software customization options found in many wireless gaming headsets, they more than make up for it with pure audio fidelity, especially when paired with a good internal or external DAC. In the box, you get the Kithara headset, an extra set of earcups, microphone cable, balanced audio cable, three balanced adapters, a sound signature certificate, and the instructions and manuals.

Right out of the box you are left with a magnitude of different plug in options, these headphones will work with almost anything wired. (6.3, 4.4 & 3.5 mm swappable plugs), or standard usb-c for pc's. While this headset does work with PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (via the 3.5mm controller jack, the mic does not, so it's more for listening on those systems. The mic isn't able to work with them (On the computer however, the whole thing functions (mic & audio). The style of this headset is great, it's not too heavy and not too light, the headphones swivel 90 degrees (can lay flat), which is nice to avoid damaging them like some headsets that don't do this. The outer shell is made of a metal grill which is pretty cool, and the ear cushions are probably the softest i have ever used, in fact i can 100% say that out of the 30 or so headsets i have used over the years, these are by far the most cushioned. Now in that same sentence I have to state, that I have small ears, and the design of this headset is a little odd, it's cups are more of an oval shape than circular, so the snugness or fit on my head is a little off. It almost feels like the pads feel loose on my head, its not like they fall off, just i don't get that super snug feeling, which leaves them a little loose feeling. This is in no way a dealbreaker for using them however, as they provide great sound, listening to music the audio feels impactful, voices and instruments are clear and the bass sounds are sharp. The open back does leak a little bit of this sound when in loud environments, but that's to be expected with an open back headset, i mean...its coined open back for a reason.... Pros: Visually appealing stylish design with metal grills Multiple plugins provide an almost guaranteed match to use on everything you own Clarity of sound, honestly puts this headset in the top of its category Cons: Oddly shaped ear cups Inability to use mic on consoles (*but understandably so) Bass is good, but not as boomy as I was expecting Overall these are really solid, the design, audio, execution, all is there. Some things are lacking but not enough to really complain about. The price tag is a bit high, but what isn't these days, plus the quality of these are going to be better than most headphones you've purchased in the past. I personally really enjoy this headset listening to my record collection, the sound is amazing, and then transferring them over to my pc for a night of gaming, they're lightweight enough to enjoy for a long session of both or either and I would recommend giving these a try, ASUS really tried hard to make these a very good pair of headphones and I think they did a perfect job.

Unboxing and first use- These are well packed and presented in a premium box with cabling, mic options and included adaptors. I plugged in the mic connected to my work pc in a few seconds and prepared for the first meeting of the day. I expected to have to re-adjust but a few clicks once and I was set. I tested the audio prior to a meeting and realized the mic is extrememly "flat" and sensative, you will want to keep it far to the side of your mouth. Audio Quality - These are on par with a few headsets that I have tried that are all at least 50 percent more than this headset costs. The sound stage these generate for audio is fantastic. The open back design allows for environmental sound to come through and avoids the closed in "ear muffler" feeling of closed back headphones. When driven by PC output - the overall audio is very good at a low to mid volume. When driven by a DAC and small amplifier. They really come alive and achieve more. They perform much better than I expected on a PC and console output considering the driver size. Overall - These are one of only a few headsets I can and will wear for hours on end. I initally tested by listening to music and taking work meetings with them on, I was able to forget I was wearing them for long periods of time. I generally can't stand wearing earbuds or ill fitting headsets for more than an hour or two. My best prior headset was barely comfortable for watching the average length feature film. I left this headset on continiously for 8 hours one day this week without issue. Connecting - Balanced and unbalanced connections supported and all cables are included. The cables are high quality and well protected. What I love - Audio Quality - Excellent, an exceptionally good value for the price ! Overall comfort of fit is better than every other gaming headset I have used. Room for improvement - Extension Cables may be needed for console use. Color coded tips but no correcsponding color coding on receptacles

If three words could sum up this Asus ROG Kithara Wired headset, it is probably the title of my review: versatile, specialized, costly. This is the kind of headset that leaves me with the impression that anyone who is on this website reading this review is already a different kind of gamer and audio product user; someone with a lot of discernment and insight into the world of gaming audio products and who has specific interests in using a wired, open-back headset like this as their daily driver for gaming and other users. With that in mind, I will admit that, while I have reviewed numerous headsets, this is the one that has left me most intrigued and simultaneously puzzled. The reason is that, in this age of ridiculously expensive PC gaming due to the 2025-2026 “RAMageddon” and other expensive PC components, it is hard to know exactly how and to whom to recommend a multiple-hundred-dollar headset like this. This headset is, of course, usable by all kinds of gaming products from PS5 to Xbox to some handhelds too, but my suspicion is that PC gamers would be most drawn to this headset. The build quality of this headset is nearly peerless among the various flagship headsets I have reviewed. The build quality here is on par with some of the finest non-gaming headphones I have reviewed, too, such as the Px7 S2e’s from Bowers & Wilkins. Every click of the suspension headband feels perfectly precise, and every metal and alloy used in the headset is perfectly finished and feels excellent in the hand. I do not detect any plastic or polymer in the build of this headset, except for the headphone and mic plugs. The headset itself is so comfortable out of the box. I have a medium-sized head for a man, and this headset fits me perfectly on the second-to-lowest headband adjustment. For those with larger domes and ears, you will appreciate the size of these fabric ear cups and the large range of adjustability. A random wish I had, though, is for there to be a way to lock in my adjustment. The natural way I grab the headset when I take it off my head almost always puts it a couple of clicks away from what I prefer, which can be a nuisance. I am sure this could be gotten used to over time, but I still wanted to mention it. I should also mention that, as shown in the picture, because I have this on the nearly lowest suspension setting, I have a hoop of the metal headset frame sticking over two inches above my head. It looks just a tad funny, but that is my experience, and it won’t be everyone else’s experience. I can tell that this microphone has incredible potential, and part of my issue is that I am just lacking the patience to fiddle with it or use third-party software to dial in the experience, but thus far, I am having trouble with it being overenthusiastic about picking up my ' s ' sounds. I have done a few audio recordings with OBS, and I almost sound like the gopher from Winnie the Pooh with how much it picks up. Even my $100 daily-drive wireless gaming headset I use does a better job of eliminating the lisps. I have the pop filter attached by the way, and same result, so I just thought I would mention it here. I should also mention in this section that I love how, also included, is a unique braided cable for just headphone use without the microphone attached and with multiple plugs to boot; very cool! An important note, given that this headset is pre-tuned from the factory, is that its volume depends heavily on the audio output interface and the specific device you are using. Plugged into my gaming PC via the USB-C dongle adapter or into the PC’s 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack, I am unfortunately unable to achieve as high a volume as I would like. Plugged into my 2021 MacBook M1 Pro 14’s 3.5mm headphone jack, I get excellent volume. With my PC, however, I am going to experiment more with connections, possibly even down to getting a new PCIe expansion slot sound card. Ultimately, your experience and mileage may vary. Lossless audio from Spotify sounds incredible in this connection modality and will definitely keep me coming back for more. Tales of Luria by Sail North sounds like I am sitting in the recording studio with them, and Auld Lang Syne by Home Free is presented to my ears in a way that can also bring on tears. More about the audio experience is that this headset is not meant for bass-heads. While the mids and trebles are beyond pleasing and balanced in the mix of audio, explosions in games like Arc Raiders are just missing that low end I like and music isn’t really going to have you bobbing your head to the low end notes either. It doesn’t mean that the audio experience is bad; you are just getting something quite specific here that does not target that demographic. It should go without saying, but this headset is also not for those seeking to noise-cancel or block out external sounds. The open-back audio experience is for those who are okay with environmental noise making its way in. Personally, I love this as I prefer to hear my voice when I am speaking over voice comms like Discord, and this is a very smooth and organic way of monitoring my voice versus having to turn the side tone up on a headset with ANC, etc. Altogether, I would rate this headset 4.5 out of 5 if it were an option, but I think that given my ignorance to some of the true potential of this headset, I will upgrade up to 5 stars. The half-a-star reduction is really just on the grounds of the lack of bass and the cost of the headset, but I think if neither of these aspects is material to you, then this would absolutely be worth picking up and giving a shot! Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy this headset!

This my first open back headset I have ever owned. I have tested a great amount of headset from the past but Asus ROG Kithara is something new that my ears are ready for all the amazing quality sounds im about to receive! ASUS ROG decided to partner with Hifiman to produce their latest high end Audiophile open back gaming headset. UNBOXING: first impressions the unboxing this feels premium it’s perfect sealed and the headset and all accessories are well secured. you get a dual 3.5 mm to USB C adapter. a microphone cable with both separated mic and audio plugs. headed phone cable is also swappable plug from 4.4 mm balance plug, 6.3mm and 3.5mm. the length of the cable is fairly long for way I use headset on my pc setup with the length of 6ft long. the design of ROG Kithara alone speaks premium to be, you get a soft headband with adjustable metal frame that look and feels great, you also get another set of earpad incase the leatherette that comes equipped is not what you preferred. EXPERIENCE: i’ve been using and dedicated a great amount of time with IEM before jumping on using the ROG Kithara, so first thing I tested was using the 3.5mm on the back of my stream deck for audio. honestly right away quality and clearity alone was very noticeable for me atleast from using IEM. ive tested ROG Kithara with music as well from listening to Linkin park Album including my favorite song “Session” from them. hearing a much wider detail for me what got me hooked. Also playing and just listening to background noises on Arc Riders this headset delivers excellence. but once I plugged this to an actual DAC im just like “oh wow yeah I definitely dig this” kind of moment for me, I am using the 4.4mm balance plug with Fosi Zh3 and wow I dont think ROG Kithara will be leaving my gaming setup for a long while. ive tested the microphone that came withthe package, from my experience they sounded good to me as a gaming headset playing Arc, Battlefield and Marathon to test it out on all those game including Discord friends had no issue with the quality that was producing on my end. but I have a dedicated mic so ROG Kithara will be only for audio. CONCLUSION: just a reminder for those who are intrested this is a open back headset so people can hear what you are listening to, thats one thing to keep in mind if youre new to this like myself. and wow I honestly say I was very surprised and the experience ive had for this past few days with this gaming headset, im a very competitive guy when it comes to gaming and audio is the number one feature that I always make sure I get the advantage of. hearing foot steps with this on Marathon is a huge win situation. having a DAC to pair it sounded so clear on the feedback im getting in game without some hissy sounds coming in. forgot the mention but I love the switchable plug, I truly do, the quality of the braided cable does not feels cheap. the comfortability on my head is great I can last wearing this for hours compared to other gaming headset out there. I love the build quality the looks its very minimalist, it is a gaming headset but it does not shove a look of a aggressive gaming headset does. for me comfort alone was 10/10 they look and feel amazing top it off with amazing audio and now you have a clear winning package to offer. when it comes to using the mic for chat its good but if you’re spending this much for a headset at this rate I would still recommend a dedicated microphone to talk into. ROG Kithara is perfect for having DAC that gives you more flexibility on how you would like the audio to sound. this a great package all around.

The Asus ROG Kithara headphones are very nicely boxed and packed. The wires, a number of adapters and the headphones are in form fitting foam. There are three plug adapters, one USB C adapter, and two wires. One for stereo listening, and the other has an attached mic for gaming, communication. The adapters are high quality, and threaded. There is 3.5mm, 6.4mm, 4.4mm balanced. I was impressed with the overall look and the quality of construction. The ear cups are quite large to accommodate the “ROG Tuned” HiFiMan planar magnetic drivers. The drivers are 100 millimeters, 16 OHM, with an incredible 8Hz to 55KHz. It comes with frequency response measurement, quick start, and additional ear cushions. Keep in mind, I found these can handle a bit more power than some other headphones. The headband is constructed of metal spring bands, with a “click” adjustable inner soft band for support against your head. However, I had to put the inner band in lowest position for support. The overall clamping force is fairly light being distributed over these large pads, and can be used for extended periods, even over glasses. They are open back headphones, so ambient sounds can be heard from outside – and people nearby may hear you as well. The ear cups can rotate flat. As for sound quality.....Excellent! I have numerous headphones, and all have some “coloration” to the sound. But these really deliver. And, yes, I am currently using these.... Although designed for gaming, these are also “audiophile” quality. I auditioned these with rock, classical, jazz music, and gaming. I can say these do reproduce sound accurately. Although the bass is not necessarily for a “bass head” it is clean, low and deep - not “muddy” as some headphones can sound. The lows are accurate. The mid-range is clear but has a little more “presence”, and treble rings out. Great for gaming as well as true audiophile listening. The mic also offers full frequency response as well. When gaming, brings the action right to the front - explosions and action seem more realistic. The only drawback I could mention is the size and weight - may slide on your head with movement. And, because of open back, these are not sound isolating. These minor points are far outweighed by the build quality, and awesome sound reproduction. Although a bit expensive, these are well worth the investment, and I would recommend – not just for gaming, but music as well.

To briefly sum up my thoughts, I really like these cans. I think they pretty much bring everything to the table, with a complete package while also sounding excellent, and I also think most people would be very pleased with them. Right out the box, well, I guess inside the box, everything gives a hint of quality. The headphones are packaged very well, and they give you everything you might need with a nice selection of plugs, cables, adapters, and two types of earpads. Plugs have some screw options, cables are good quality, and things are labeled. You are ready to go, and quickly. Just not on the go, as they did not include any type of travel bag. A little miss there. As for the headphones themselves, they seem well built and I think Asus made some nice materials choices. I think they should stand up overtime. The size should be good for most, and I appreciate the larger size ear cups. Helps with fit, and comfort, and makes wearing them with glasses much easier. The headband is a little different than most I have used, but I have had little issue getting used to it. The clamping force is good, not overly strong. The size adjustment is the typical “click” type you see, and while it is not an issue, it may be a bit weaker than I would like. They often, so far at least, need adjusting on nearly every wear. Not really an issue, just something to note. Overall, I think these are very comfortable in use for me and don’t get noticeably hot, even during longer sessions. Well done here. Now, how do they sound? Well, I think excellent. Going in, I was quite curious given the mix of Asus and HIFIMAN, both of whom I have experience with. Despite that initial…uncertainty, I can now say I am very pleased. I think they deliver some power, accurately, and deliver a nice overall sound. The lows are there, not crazy, but with some umph and clean, mids are clear, and the highs deliver without tininess. They just sound good is the best way to put it I guess. Honestly, I think that is one oi their best qualities, they are great in game, but also just for music, which one cannot always say. Its nice versatility. They are open back, which I have not really used in the past, but on some level, I think they give you more clarity and better directional sound quality than most headphones I have used prior. I can more easily tell not only where things are coming from but also differentiate between all the layers of sound. I did not really expect that. Regardless, it is a good thing. Further, given their nature, I am slightly (but not really) more aware of my outside world, and there is some leakage. I guess this assumed, but I wanted to bring it up. As for the microphone, I have seen some people who don’t like it, but I think it is quite good. It does pick up some external sounds like your keyboard, cable noise, etc…and I do think placement is very important here, but overall, it sounds good to me. I suppose this may be a personal thing. Ultimately, I really just like these headphones. They are built well, come with some nice accessories, perform well, and, most importantly, sound excellent. I think for all of that, the versatility they provide, and for all that you get (I do wish there was a travel bag), to me, the value is definitely there.

I’ve never really been a fan of open back headphones because I like to isolate myself. I don’t want to hear my typing or the A/C kick on. However, one thing that is unique to openback headphones is that they make the sound feel more natural. Like it is coming from outside and not right beside your ear. Then it really makes me question other sound effects, like was that something that actually fell in my room or was that the game? These ASUS ROG Kithara headphones are quite the beast compared to most of the other ones I have tried recently. They are only about 4g heavier than the mostly plastic built ones I use, but in hand, they just feel hefty. Once on the head, I don’t notice much of a difference and they have a wider earcup than typical. The headband across the top is pretty comfortable as well and not just a thin strap like so many. I do wish the adjustment part of it was a little more tight as I often find myself clicking it out of position when I go to adjust or when picking them up. But, it is easy enough to move it back to fit. In the box you get 2 different wires. One is cloth braided and has a microphone attached, the other is just open braided and has a unique end to it, but no microphone. The unique end lets you screw attach one of the three 3.5mm, 4.4mm. Or 6.3mm plugs to it. This is just for straight listening to whatever device you want. Then, you also get a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter that makes it easier to use on most modern day electronics. You can even just plug it into your cellphone and it works. My USB A to C adapter on my old hub didn’t work out so well, as it seems to need a bit more power than what it could handle, but pretty sure that is just an issue with my dated equipment there. These headphones are certainly crisp and clear though. Doing an audio range test felt smooth all the way through. However, part of being open back is that the volume seems soft. So, depending on the environment you are in, you might feel like they are not loud enough. With the cloth braided cable with microphone, you do get a volume slider and mute switch right where the cable combines. However, sometimes I felt like I wanted to turn it up just a bit more and there was nothing that I could do from my computer to make that happen. Another thing I felt is missing, but seems to be common with open back headphones, is not having that punchy bass feel. Despite still hearing bass down to 10hz in the test, in regular audio listening, I just didn’t feel it. But, listening to high quality soundtracks, I felt like I was hearing every single tinge of a sound instead of it feeling muddled into one. That is where the planar magnets make the difference. This is where they really shine too. As the audio really sounds accurate to everything. As for the microphone, it works, but not the best. It doesn’t have any built-in cancellation, so it picks up everything and sounds a bit hollow to some users. But, it does make it a headset instead of just headphones. If you are really into the audio, it would be best to have a standalone mic. However, since I’m not producing any videos myself, it is great for being able to talk to others while I’m listening to every single leaf rustle by me in the game. Overall, these headphones are amazing. Crystal clear and very defined audio. I have literally had to check over my shoulder while watching some shows to make sure the audio was not really in the room with me. Also, be sure to check the bottom of the box for the other set of ear pads. It’s not so obvious they are underneath all the packaging.

It's a little weird to be using a wired headset these days. It seems like pretty much everything out there now runs on Bluetooth, is loaded with noise canceling, equalizer features and controlled by buggy management software. So the ROG Kithara might seem lacking, since there's no fancy spatial audio, and it's tied to your device with wires, and yeah, it is. Wired is absolutely a dealbreaker for a lot of people, and if you're one of those, there are other options you should probably be looking at. But if you're willing to overlook what it's lacking in favor of what it offers, you'll be surprised at the sound quality these headphones put out. I don't consider myself an audiophile, but I do feel like I've got a pretty good ear for sound, and these headphones might have converted me. I've owned a variety of "high quality" headphones from other manufacturers in the past, paying up to $300 for what I now see amounted to a lot of advanced features tied to mediocre sound quality. The first time I plugged these in and threw one of my favorite songs on, I was honestly kind of blown away by the difference. It felt like I was hearing it for the first time. So doing a little research I found that these headphones were developed in a partnership with HiFiMan. If you're an audiophile, you already know who they are. If you don't, turns out they're a seriously high-end manufacturer of HiFi products, and not something I'd have expected from a "gamer" headset. The one thing I'm not sure how I feel about is the open-back design. Not only does it allow basically every outside sound through, it also means everyone nearby can hear every note coming out of your headphones. Overall though, I'm seriously impressed with these at the price, and while ASUS definitely cut a lot of the modern features I've come to expect, it's clear that they threw every saved cent at producing the highest quality sound output they could manage. If you can deal with going old school with your connections, I highly recommend it.

Packing is top-notch. Everything is beautiful and feels similar to unboxing four-figure cans. Each item, piece of information whether it be a disclaimer or spec reference to the headphones themselves feels like it was made with the utmost care and quality being at the forefront of it all. Placement of items, on the other hand... NOTE: There is a set of foam ear cushions *under* the foam everything sits in, you will want to remove EVERYTHING from the box so you don't miss it. With that out of the way, straight out of the gate you're met with a very high level of build quality, and you haven't even touched the ASUS ROG Kitharas yet. Everyone is going to regurgitate the specs, and while I'll mention a couple main things, I'm going to concentrate on how the Kitharas perform. Being that these are wired, you get connectors for just about every possible day-to-day situation you will encounter. There's a detachable mic with basic in-line controls (mute + volume). In my title I say "features might not..." and this is an element of that. While you get amazing build and sound quality, there are some usual things found on other gaming headsets at this price-point that you simply do not get with the ROG Kithara. But aside from that, everything is lovely and I don't really have any complaints or gripes. The design is muted (no pun intended) and understated, a lovely change of pace from the usual gaming headset which tends to be *quite* over-the-top. These look classy and elegant...::chefs kiss:: They come pre-installed with some leatherette cushions, but as mentioned above there are some fabric cushions hiding under the foam if you prefer that material. I played a number of games, listened to a few albums across a range of genres, and finally watched a couple films using them and not once did the Kithara not impress me. The open-back nature of them was something I was a little skeptical about going into things, thinking it would potentially let in too much outside noise. And while I wasn't really in any sort of noisy environment, that worry never came to fruition. They kept me completely engrossed in what was going on every single second. These are not bass heavy out of the box, so unless you go in and tweek your EQ to perform as such, these will give you a lovely natural sound reproduction. Easy recommendation, you will not be disappointed with these. Just keep in mind they do not have allllllll the bells and whistles of some competitors. But they make up for it as they sound a heck of a lot better.

If you're the type of gamer that always wears their headphones with one ear cup off to the side so you can hear what's going on in your house, these headphones (or another open back headphone, I'm sure) might be what you're looking for. Setup is pretty easy but there's a lot of versatility here so it might depend on how you want to set things up. I'm on a PC and I stream so I wire mine straight into my mixer. There's even options available for that. If you're going with a basic setup without a mic, there's a twisted cable (not sure I love the twisted cable. Would have preferred some kind of braided cable, personally) and then 3 "tips" you can plug in and screw to the end. You got standard 3.5mm stereo end as well as another 3.5mm that appears to support a microphone (don't quote me on that) but then you have the larger 1/4" tip as well so you should be able to plug these into whatever you like. You can also go with just a regular USB-C connection or you get a (much nicer) braided cable with a microphone attached for games you need a microphone and you don't have another one. A lot of different options to fit your needs. They're all pretty much plug and play. Usage is pretty much just put them on your head. There's no controls on the headphones at all (these are meant to be wires headphones so I'm pretty sure that's normal). There's a giant R and L on the inside of the cups so you can easily tell which side they go on. The one thing I like the least about using these is that the wire plugs into each cup instead of just one side and having the other side routed through the headband in some way. It's not a deal breaker but I've been so used to headphones that only have a single cable on one side that I still get caught up occasionally when taking these off if I'm not actively thinking about it. Sound is pretty good. It's much quieter at a baseline than headphones that are meant to immerse you. It's not too quiet for me but if you're looking for something to blast into your ears, these might not be in. The strangest thing for me was instantly hearing my voice when I spoke. Not through a side-tone or having the voice fed back into my ears, but just hearing my voice and not hearing it much differently than when I'm not wearing headphones. It's very hard to describe the weirdness of it but these are the first open-back headphones I've tried and I still feel it after a week of usage. I also think I like it. Sticking on that point. I know there are gamers out there who just have one of their ear cups off of one of their ears all the time. It's just how they where their headphones, for the most part. For those people, I really think a pair of these would be wonderful. If you want to stay present in your house while gaming and want to continue to hear everything going on around you without the need for a "transparency mode". Everything just feels like you're not even wearing headphones but you can still hear everything in your game perfectly. If I didn't feel the headphones on my head, I'd probably forget they were on because my hearing isn't being affected at all by them. Comfort is fairly good. I've done a few 5-6 hour streams with them without feeling any discomfort. They aren't so light that they can't be felt when they're on but they're comfortable enough that I never really think about it. The ear cups are fairly large so adjusting the head strap does take a little bit of time to get them to fit over your ears the way you like them. Overall, I'm really happy with these headphones. I've tested a lot of gaming headsets and always fall back to one set really. That set is closed-back and these are starting to make me question whether I should be looking at more open-back headphones going forward. If you're in the market for a pair of headphones that sound good but don't make you feel like you're ignoring the rest of the world or your family while you're gaming, these are certainly worth a look.

Caveat: This is not new news because this is the same for all over ear headphones but these guys get hot on your ears. They have a mesh surface but they use a pleather on the sides. They do have an extra set of foam but they’re microfiber so a little better. Would have loved to see full mesh earcups. Ok that aside, great headset. You can tell some care went into the design and especially the headband. It reminds me slightly of how Steelseries does theirs but I like that moving the inner loop that sits on top of your head still keeps the outer metal band in position. This keeps the earcups from becoming tighter as you adjust the headband for your head. Microphone setup is built into the cable, would have liked the ability to remove it separately but it’s securely placed so not too big a deal. Improvement here is that the aux plugs have both a sound and mic split or you can connect to the included adapter and push it to usb c. (Note if you feel like the mic splitter isn’t working, check the on cable mute button!) Volume and mute sliding switch are robust and feel like they’ll far outlast the rest of the earphones so not a normal point of failure like you see in others

I’ve long been a connoisseur of premium headphones, but it always felt a little “off” using a $3000 headset for a frantic FPS on my laptop or home gaming rig. So, when ASUS announced they were partnering with HiFiMAN, I was intrigued as I had not sampled their headsets before. So, does it get a full-throated recommendation from a self-professed head-fi nut and PC gamer? Honestly, I’m…still a little on the fence; it has a lot going for it, but ultimately the Kithara just wasn’t for me. What we have here is something with ROG branding that would fall near the lower end of HiFiMAN’s vaunted planar-magnetic headset range, a little south of their current XV planars. Planar-magnetic headphones tend to be favored for their accuracy, detail, speed/transient response, and spacious 3D soundstage. They can be tuned low to emphasize bass, but few with a modest price tag have the kind of low-end heft for true bass-heads, providing visceral, sternum-shaking bass from a kick-drum or explosion. That pretty much describes what is going on here. For those used to a more “gamey” sound signature–a bombastic sonic assault on your senses, you might be a little underwhelmed at first when you hear what is happening with the Kithara. But what you are actually getting is quite a bit of high *quality* sound at the expense of some sound *quantity*, especially at the low end. The Kithara comes with an individualized certificate with the exact “sonic fingerprint” of the headset measured at the factory. A quick glance at the response curve indicated familiar planar-style behavior–linear bass (snappy, articulate, not boosted or boomy); a lifted midsection starting around 1.6KHz with a peak at ~3.2KHz before a steep roll off after ~7KHz. This performance prevents disguising detail as excessive brightness with a lot of high-end “sparkle” that some find ultra-fatiguing. However, the extra boost in the upper midrange is often characterized as “shouty”. Whether you will find them harsh with material other than game SFX will be a matter of personal taste. I found the Kitharas quite wonderful with female vocals which tend to get a bit nasal and hollow on really shouty headphones. And while the Kitharas aren’t bass cannons, there was enough solid “oomph” to make for a very engaging and enjoyable soundfield that felt really well-suited to music, movies, and active, thickly layered game soundfields. Bass was tight, snappy, and quick–it wasn’t a BOOMING bassline, so this is mostly where quality over quantity kicked in. The boost in the high-mids contributed to a sense of enhanced clarity, even aggressiveness, that I’m guessing ASUS thought would speak to the gaming crowd. Their marketing materials indicate the Kithara is “ROG-tuned” to help extract extra detail (voices, footsteps, etc.) during gaming without resorting to extremes like an artificial “superhuman hearing” setting. The overall feel was a bit more organic rather than “processed.” If that sounds interesting, you will probably enjoy the Kitharas as they bridged the gap nicely between musicality and the resolution, clarity, and dynamics to support a really active gaming soundtrack with both subtle and in-your-face SFX. The Kithara features pretty impressive build quality for its price. The headset feels solid–really solid, with a lot of reassuring metal construction. There are no highly stylized shapes or RGB–were it not for the silver “R” on the outer grills, you would be hard-pressed to tell they were gaming-oriented at all. The earpads are angled and fairly large; they fully enclosed both of my ears. The stock pads have an outer ring of textured leatherette, microfiber for skin contact, and fenestrated leatherette on the inside. These pads offer a slight bass boost and blacker/quieter background because they provide a more complete seal against the skin. You also get a set of all-velour pads. I found the velour to provide the widest soundstage, and they didn’t get quite as warm after longer play sessions. Pad swapping is fairly easy as they snap into the earcup frames with a series of small nubs. It’s not a completely effortless swap, but it’s nice to have the option of rolling pads to help dial in sound and comfort. Cabling is not captive, giving you quite a bit of flexibility. You get a higher-end feeling braided cable with a quick-change set of tips (6.3mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm balanced) to suit all kinds of setups. Cable connectors are 2.5mm mono, so aftermarket replacement or custom cables are easy to come by. The longer, fabric-sleeved cable does not have interchangeable tips. It features a flexible boom mic with foam breath guard connected directly to the left earcup jack and separate breakouts for mic and audio jacks. The included dongle supports signals up to 24-bit/96KHz, enough to handle many high-def streaming services. The mic tops out at 16-bit/48KHz. I know some reviews have thrown shade at the mic’s sound quality, but other than just a bit of nasally hollowness, voice quality was generally good. It won’t replace a dedicated broadcast-quality microphone, but it’s more than passable for co-op games or Discord. The mic cable has an inline volume dial and slide-to-mute switch, but the controller is also the cable splitter for the left and right leads. This puts the volume dial and mute slider right up underneath your chin making adjustments a little awkward. And because the controls completely obscured once the headset was worn, I routinely forgot I had muted the mic because I couldn’t see the switch. Obviously, YMMV. Thankfully, there is no bloatware to install; however, even a flimsy cloth carrying bag would have been appreciated as you will always have at least one extra cable and at least two spare tips to keep track of. The pack-in dongle was fine, and the Kithara is easy enough to drive with a regular laptop or game system headphone jack, but hook these up to a separate DAC/amp and the Kitharas really started to shine. I paired mine with a Questyle M15i, iBasso DC Elite, and Questyle CMA18 portable DAC/amp units and they really opened these cans up to feel much more dynamic and musical. Unfortunately, there are a few other issues that really dragged down the entire package for me. First, the earpads are fastened with small plastic clips; it would not take much force for one of the little retaining teeth to break. Second, the pads themselves are fairly shallow–I could feel the inside of the earcup against my ears. Third, while interchangeable headphone tips are appreciated, the electrical connections between the cable and plug tips are just four ultra-thin copper studs. It only takes a VERY slight amount of force during a tip change–like accidentally twisting a little to free a stubborn tip from the metal shell–to bend one or more of those copper studs (ask me how I know). But the dealbreaker for me was the headband. It has only a very thin layer of padding underneath the microfiber backing which didn’t contribute much in the way of cushioning/comfort. Plus, unlike a true suspension headband that flexes and stretches when worn, the Kithara uses small catches inside the headband fasteners to hold the headband in place. The system wasn’t foolproof as the slightest touch to adjust for fit or comfort caused the catches to give way and slide the headband up to its largest setting. This also made the Kitharas unexpectedly uncomfortable [for me] because the lack of flex meant the headphones were not adjusting to my natural movements during gameplay. The lack of upward force otherwise provided by a flexible headband meant my ears bore the weight of the headset as well. Both the crown of my head and my ears grew sore after 20-30 minutes. These issues were monumentally disappointing because the Kitharas felt like one of the most comfortable gaming headsets I had ever worn when first putting them on. Of course, all of this might be due to my own oddball anatomy, so I strongly encourage you to try before a blind buy. That said, if sizing isn’t a problem for you, and you value sound quality over brute force, the Kitharas are a really capable headset. For that reason, I still recommend these headphones due to the excellent (though more audiophile-leaning) tuning and wide soundstage.

As both a gamer and identifying as an audiophile, i was very excited to try the ASUS ROG Kithara Audiophile Open-Back Headphones. What we have here is a collaboration between ASUS and HIFIMAN. I was left feeling I experienced the best of both worlds. ASUS brought their experience making top tier gaming accessories while HIFIMAN brought their expertise in delivery high end audio. Gaming Perspective: ASUS bundled in two types of audio cable connections. 1 that supports a balanced, high fidelity signal when using the 4.4mm plug. This cable also supports the use of either 6.3mm or 3.5mm plugs or USB C. The USB C connector can be used with a mobile phone, laptop, or even a Playstation 5 where typical plugs do are not supported. The standard plugs connect using a unique plus that locks in place with a twisting connector making swapping between input types easy. The second cable include a mic. This cable is especially unique as it separates the audio signal from the mic signal eliminating cross talk and further clarifying the audio streams. I found the mic to be excellent at picking up my voice, it was sensitive enough I didn't have to place the mic directly on my mouth, but far enough away, it eliminated accidental noise making it a perfect blend. The ability to use a mic or completely remove it depending on the game being played is something I prefer as a gamer. ASUS also includes two types of ear cups. One leather and one cloth. The leather cups are attached by default, the part of the cup that touches the head is still made of a cloth material, this eliminates sticking and sweating effect. The leather offers a tighter seal offering more dynamic bass than the cloth. The cloth add extra breathability for those who get hotter when gaming for long periods of time. I found both cups to be very comfortable and served their unique purposes nicely. The HIFIMAN impact is clear the moment you listen. The open back allows for a very wide and dynamic sound stage, eliminating reverberation you get from traditional cans. This offers extremely clear and detailed sound. The range of 5Hz-55kHz is instantly recognizable as sounds are natural, vibrant. The sound signature was on the warmer side, eliminating harsh sharp sounds that would be offensive or damaging to the ears, yet sounds in the higher range are still precise and meaningful, just pleasant. While open back headphones do not offer the same "boom" of low end bass as closed back do, the ROG Kithara's offered accurate and meaningful bass, adding dynamics to explosions, car engines, or even bass in a song. Having lack of any wireless further eliminates the possibility of distortion and relying on wiring exclusively, this brings absolute sound purity. This also eliminates the needs for drivers or other software to control the headset. Install and usage couldn't be simpler. The headband is also extremely comfortable with low compression feel. I did not find these needed a break in period like other headphones before they became comfortable. They adjust well and have a large range of sizing options. Overall, the Kithara headphones are an amazing blend of incredible sound with the right amount of gaming features. These headphones will certainly appeal to the more audio focused set of gamers, but may also help to bring appreciation for fine audio to a group who may not have considered it before. Even if you are not a gamer, the price point to sound quality is good enough to satisfy even a non gaming audiophile who has no plans to use the mic or other gaming characteristics.