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Asus Kithara: Hi-Fi Sound for Gamers?
13 Apr
Summary
- Features 100mm planar-magnetic drivers for superior sound.
- Wired-only design focuses entirely on audio quality.
- Developed with audiophile brand HiFiMan for premium sound.
The Asus ROG Kithara headset targets audiophile gamers with its specialized, wired-only design. Developed in partnership with HiFiMan, a renowned audiophile equipment manufacturer, the Kithara boasts 100mm planar-magnetic drivers. This technology, typically found in high-end headphones, aims to deliver superior sound precision and detail.
The headset eschews common gaming features like Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, and spatial audio, focusing its budget entirely on audio performance. Its open-back design, while allowing sound to leak and external noise to enter, creates a spacious and immersive soundstage crucial for gaming and music listening.
Despite its bulky 100mm drivers and a weight of 14.8oz (420g), the Kithara is designed for comfort with adjustable headbands and interchangeable earpieces. Connectivity is handled via separate cables for gaming (with a microphone) and hi-fi systems, including a USB-C adaptor supporting high-res audio up to 24-bit/96KHz.
Performance-wise, the Kithara excels in delivering clear, detailed soundscapes in games like Diablo 4 and Doom. Its precision also shines when playing high-resolution music, matching the capabilities of traditional hi-fi headphones and offering a rich, detailed listening experience. Priced at $299.99 / £284.99 / AU$569, it competes with other premium gaming headsets while offering a distinct focus on audio fidelity.
