ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming/Audiophile Open-Back Wired Headphones with Mic – ROG-Tuned HIFIMAN Planar Magnetic Drivers, Adjustable Headband, Extra Ear Pads, Compatible with DACs, Amps, PC, Console, Mobile

AKSUnited States

Great first entry level midfi/ audiophile headphones/ headset

This will be a great upgrade for customers accustomed to "gamer brand headset" caliber sound. The Kithara, particularly with a DAC/ amp, is entry level audiophile sound that frankly blows the Maxwell 2 away in audio quality with relative ease as well as being less expensive and considerably lighter and more comfortable. I think the Kithara is probably based on HiFiMan's Ananda line and has similar tuning to some of their best high end audiophile headphones like the Arya Stealth and HE1000se that are well known to be S-tier for gaming. The Kithara obviously not at the technical level of those more expensive models, but a less detailed and spacious version of that available at only $299 with some nice accessories is still an exceptional deal. I've tested the Kithara with a couple of DAC/ amps, the Schiit Gunnr and EF600 using a PC, PS5 Pro, and Switch 2, and all sounded great. It should be noted Xbox only gets 3.5mm jack compatibility through the controller, so Xbox owners may be better off with the Maxwell 2, which also has Atmos support. You may need to get some extension cables for a console depending on how far away you sit from your display for the headphone and mic cables, which can be found cheap here on Amazon. The mic is a bit sensitive, but you can address that by turning it away from your mouth and also keeping it at a decent distance away from your mouth, which improves the sound significantly. I'm curious to see the reception for this product because people from the audiophile camp are going to tend to be surprised it's only $299 whereas the Astro and Turtle Beach customers who would probably benefit most from upgrading to the Kithara might think it's too expensive and aren't sure if open back, wired headphones are a good idea for gaming (they definitely are). Although I recommend a DAC/ amp given the nature of planar drivers just need more power to move than dynamic drivers and tend to sound fantastic with extra juice, you could probably get away with a relatively cheap/ small one. I use a Schiit Gunnr with my consoles, but I think a ~$100 DAC/ amp like the Topping DX1 would probably do the job fine given these are more sensitive and thus easier to drive than most planars. It's on the polar opposite end of the spectrum compared to low sensitivity ravenous power vampires like the HE6se or Susvara. I'll note I got a very early batch unit with the loose headband issue seen in early units sent to reviewers that was supposed to have been fixed before final release to the public but apparently wasn't in mine, but this was quickly addressed with a replacement. I'm not going to take a star or two off for that because it doesn't represent the design most people have and what I now have. That shouldn't affect anyone after that first batch shipped that I initially received. If you do have that problem, it's a defect that wasn't supposed to be in the final version. Just get it replaced for a unit without that defect.

Ty HudsonUnited States

These are fantastic headphones for the price

First off full transparency I did not end up keeping these headphones because I have the Hifiman Ananda Nano. However I will tell you this they are fantastic. The build quality is flat out excellent. They are the best Built headphones I've ever owned from hifiman. And I mean everything from the cables to the accessories to the actual headband and Driver covers . These things are built like a tank. They look fantastic. No RGB nonsense . These are grown people headphones. Now let's get into the sound. Short list they sound wonderful if you are just getting into the hobby then you know there is one headphone to rule them all right now and that's the Maxwell's for gaming however these headphones sound better then the Maxwell's. They're open back design gives you a wide Sound Stage with Crystal Clear highs and good deep base now base Rumble is a little bit light but the base that it does have is clear it's not oversaturated and it does not muddy any of the other sound signatures . Explosions sound great. So if they sound so fantastical why did I let them go but quite simply it's because I already had the Amanda Nano and the meze Mic, and if I'm being quite honest that headphone blows this one out the water however that headphone by itself cost $319 and the mezzy cord cost about $100 so as you can see it's about $100 more than the Kithara, but the sound that you get from them are stunning . They have better detail retrieval than these do. However that being said for someone who just wants a really really great sounding planar headphone this is the place to start. If you are already in the hobby , then I would say that these headphones sound like an upgrade to the edition XS. Wider Sound Stage, without the fatiguing treble. Bass and mids are like the Sundaras. Personally I feel like these can be sold without the game in peripherals as an awesome first pair of audio file headphones . But as always don't just trust my word order them and please hear it for yourself.

batman_77United States

Watermelon head approved

This is literally the only headset in my life I've ever worn that actually fits my massive head. (For context I am 6'4, 295lbs). I am in shock. That said I have a massive head so I've tried virtuoso XT, nova pro wireless, g50x, audeze maxwell, rog delta II, all had to be returned due to being too tight at the top of my head (I am extremely sensitive to clamp force). There are no "big head" reviewers that really have a big head like mine. Each time I try a headset based on a review saying "SO COZY SO COMFY!!" Is a person with a tiny head and they never fit or work for me. Every single person I watched that review the Kithara made fun of the extra tall frame, saying they look like alien antennas and goofy. Nope, THIS is what makes the Kithara actually usable for me. It looks like a normal headset on my head and my ears actually fit into the cups comfortably. I've been testing these out the last few nights since receiving them and been blown away by the sound quality (my first pair of hifiman headphones) and the COMFORT. These are so light on the head, I gamed for 4 hours straight the other night and didn't even notice the headphones. That's unheated of for me where every other gaming headphone I've used I've simply tolerated in short bursts due to ear pain or head pain after 30min to an hour. These have actually enabled me to game at night again because I don't have to use my speakers only anymore! And it comes with a mic for party chat! (Does sound a little nasally but decent clarity still) Definitely pair this with a solid amp/dac (I'm driving them with the Fosi K7 and switch between Ps5/PC, trust me absolutely worth it) as the included adapter can't quite drive the volume high enough on its own imo. If you have an unconventially large melon for a head like me, look no further. It's a pricy investment between this and an amp, worth it to finally own a pair of headphones I actually WANT to use and CAN use for an extended period. 10/10

Danny LimUnited States

Top-graded consumer (Open-back) wired gaming audiophile headset

This is by far the best, affordable open-back wired gaming headset I've ever purchased! It comes with MEMS boom microphone, multiple adapters including 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and 6.35mm (1/4) TRS adapter. In addition, the package also includes swappable ear cups to replace with leatherette ear cups for more comfort and bass. You can also adjust headband at your comfortable level. If you want more volume, you may need to connect with 3.5mm to USB adapter, although it's highly recommend to connect with your DAC/AMP in order to not only connect your headphone to computer but also convert from digital to analog signal, and also amplify more volume gain in order to sound better. Yes, it needs to be connected with 4.4mm balanced cable to delivery high fidelity audio quality and sound! It comes at a price of $299.99 USD MSRP and it's not a bad deal. Most of the audiophile headphones are at a price range between $500 $1600 USD MSRP which is way too expensive for consumers. Of course, slight caveat is that if you have too much noise in the background such as road construction, air condition, too many people are having conversation, this may or may not be for you, but that's rare case scenario. As for driver, it uses 100mm Planar Magnetic Driver which obviously sounds more cleaner and better than most 40mm and 50mm driver, especially dynamic driver. However, it only requires at least 16 Ohm to drive this headphone which is adequate for more devices such as computer, phone, console, etc. But sadly, it doesn't come with headphone case which you will need to purchase it separately. All in all, if you want more sound stage with more audio clarity including lows (bass), mids (vocal), and high frequency range, I highly recommend this headphone! Once you fully experience this headphone, you will not go back to traditional close-back headphone.