ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has officially launched the ROG Kithara, its first high-fidelity planar magnetic gaming headset in the ROG lineup. This product marks a significant advancement in gaming audio technology, developed in collaboration with HIFIMAN, a renowned global pioneer in planar magnetic headphones. The collaboration aims to bring audiophile-level sound quality specifically tailored for gamers.
The ROG Kithara features custom 100mm planar magnetic drivers designed by ROG to deliver exceptionally low distortion and a wide frequency range. This engineering enables the headset to reproduce sound with greater realism and detail, from deep bass to crisp treble, providing players with a balanced and immersive audio experience. Such precision is critical for competitive gaming, where subtle audio cues—like footsteps or gunfire direction—can make a decisive difference.
High-Fidelity Sound for Competitive Advantage
The audio signature of the ROG Kithara balances deep yet smooth bass with clear, high-precision treble. This results in an immersive soundscape that helps gamers accurately detect and locate in-game sounds. The open-back design enhances spatial awareness by creating a wider soundstage and more natural audio separation among bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. This design choice reduces sound reflections and resonance common in closed-back headsets, ensuring consistent and clear audio delivery.
Matching left and right drivers precisely further maintains audio consistency. Gamers benefit from heightened spatial awareness, improving their ability to judge distances and directions during gameplay. These capabilities contribute to elevating the competitive edge of players who rely heavily on audio cues.
Advanced Communication and Connectivity
For communication, the ROG Kithara integrates a full-band MEMS boom microphone embedded on the cable. This microphone captures natural, clear voice with wide frequency response and a high signal-to-noise ratio, minimizing background noise and interference. Clear voice communication is essential for team-based multiplayer games, and this feature ensures that messages are transmitted crisply without distortion.
Connectivity options are versatile with a detachable high-quality cable compatible with 4.4mm balanced connectors, as well as 3.5mm and 6.3mm single-ended jacks. Such flexibility allows the ROG Kithara to connect seamlessly to a wide range of devices including DACs, amplifiers, PCs, laptops, consoles, and mobile devices via a USB-C adapter. This broad compatibility ensures that users can enjoy premium audio across their preferred platforms.
Premium Comfort and Build Quality
The headset’s build incorporates a robust yet comfortable metal structure. The adjustable headband and plush padding, made from high-quality materials, ensure a secure fit during extended gaming sessions. The open-back design also facilitates optimal airflow, preventing heat build-up and discomfort. These features make the ROG Kithara suitable not only for intense gaming but also for high-fidelity music listening.
This combination of durability, comfort, and superior sound quality positions the ROG Kithara as a premium option for gamers seeking to elevate their audio experience. ASUS ROG’s entry into the planar magnetic headset arena reflects its commitment to raising performance standards in gaming peripherals.
Summary of Key Features:
- Custom 100mm planar magnetic drivers with low distortion.
- Open-back design for wide soundstage and natural spatial sound.
- Full-band MEMS boom microphone with high signal-to-noise ratio.
- Detachable cable supporting 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm/6.3mm single-ended connections.
- Robust metal frame with adjustable headband and premium ear padding.
- Wide device compatibility including DACs, PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.
With the ROG Kithara, ASUS ROG is setting a new benchmark in gaming audio technology. The ROG Kithara is a testament to how innovative design and audiophile-grade components can significantly enhance a gamer’s performance and immersive experience. This headset exemplifies ASUS’s ongoing mission to deliver exceptional quality and advanced features for the competitive gaming community.
