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Asus ROG Kithara headset review: Audiophile gaming
appleinsider.com Aug 26, 2026

Asus ROG Kithara headset review: Audiophile gaming

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Asus ROG and Hifiman have collaborated to release the ROG Kithara, a premium wired gaming headset priced at $299.99. The device features Hifiman’s signature 100mm planar-magnetic drivers, resulting in an open-back design with massive ear cups. Weighing 420 grams, the headset utilizes a metal construction to distribute its significant heft. It includes two interchangeable ear pad sets: memory foam with faux leather and a cooler mesh option. Connectivity is strictly wired, offering a 3.5mm gaming cable with an integrated boom microphone and a separate hi-fi cable for music. An included USB-C DAC adapter supports 24-bit/96kHz audio. While compatible with PC, Mac, and various consoles, microphone functionality on consoles requires specific adapters due to single-jack limitations. The review notes that while the audio quality is exceptional for audiophiles, the complex cable management and bulk may hinder its appeal as a traditional gaming peripheral.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The Kithara challenges the industry norm that high-fidelity audio requires sacrificing gaming convenience.
  • · By forcing users to manage multiple cables for basic functionality, it exposes the friction between audiophile standards and modern plug-and-play expectations.
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