Are you a video game enthusiast looking for a headset that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality for gaming features? Discover the Asus ROG Kithara, a model that promises to combine the best of both worlds: high-fidelity audio and an immersive gaming experience. For sound lovers, this proposal from Asus might just be the answer to your expectations.
The 3 must-know facts
Asus, in collaboration with Hifiman, designed the ROG Kithara by drawing inspiration from traditional HiFi headsets while integrating elements tailored to gamers’ needs. The sleek and imposing design is enhanced by an elegant black finish and ovoid shells. The structure, although non-foldable, combines dense plastic and metal for appreciable robustness and flexibility.
For comfort, the headset is equipped with a discreet double headband and a padded headrest. The hybrid cushions, available in fabric/leatherette or velvet versions, ensure excellent breathability and softness. However, the large size of the cushions could be problematic for smaller builds, where a sense of gigantism may be felt.
The ROG Kithara stands out for its audio performance, thanks to its 100 mm planar transducer. The sound signature is balanced, with natural bass, clear mids, and slightly accentuated highs. This configuration offers an immersive sound experience, ideal for video games as well as music listening.
The MEMS microphone, used for the first time in a gaming headset of this size, captures the voice with precision and detail. However, it is advisable to position the microphone well to avoid breath noises and plosives.
The Kithara features standard connectivity with 3.5 mm jack sockets. Asus provides two 1.8 m cables each, one with modular connectivity, the other with a mic input. A USB-C to dual jack adapter is included for devices without a jack interface. However, a 4-pin jack to dual jack adapter is missing, although it can be purchased separately at a low cost.
The simplicity of its wired and passive approach focuses on sound and microphone quality. A longer cable would be desirable for fixed setups where the sound card is distant.
Asus, known primarily for its gaming products, partnered with Hifiman, a major player in the HiFi field, to create the ROG Kithara. This collaboration allowed the integration of advanced technologies like the planar transducer, thus offering a high-quality sound experience often reserved for HiFi headsets.
Hifiman, renowned for its planar speakers, provides the Kithara with its expertise in audio technology. This partnership has given birth to a headset that positions itself advantageously in the market, offering a competitive alternative to high-end models like the Audeze LCD-GX.
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