Asus isn’t the first manufacturer to attempt to bridge the gap between the gaming and audiophile worlds. But with the ROG Kithara, it has joined forces with one of the biggest names in consumer audiophiles: Hifiman. On paper, pooling Hifiman’s audio expertise with Asus’s gaming experience has everything going for it. We have every right to expect a remarkable product. But what about in practice?
Asus ROG Kithara: the promise
By teaming up with Hifiman, a brand renowned for its magnetic planar transducers, Asus promises to integrate this technology at the highest level. Orthodynamic headphones (magnetic planar), which Hifiman has made its specialty, are distinct from dynamic headphones, which are in the majority in the gaming world .
Dynamic headphones are based on a membrane attached to a moving coil. This membrane is set in motion by a magnetic field, itself generated by a current flowing through the coil. In planar headphones, the much thinner diaphragm is placed between magnets. Theoretically, they enable more uniform loading of the diaphragm, and a faster, more precise response over a wide frequency range.
In practice, we expect the following from this type of headphone:
- Drier bass, easy incursions into the sub-bass
- Highly detailed midrange, excellent for vocals
- Precise, but sometimes flat highs
- Wide soundstage, especially for open models (like the Kithara)
- Delicate power supply: low impedance, but very low sensitivity. The choice of source is often of the utmost importance
- High weight
- High price
There are many exceptions to these general rules, especially in the high-end and very high-end domains.
ROG Kithara specifications
The Kithara is characterized by :
- 16-ohm impedance, making it theoretically easy to drive (but bear in mind the nuances outlined above)
- Frequency response 8 Hz – 55 kHz, in line with Hifiman’s average frequency range.
- Open format
- Weight 420 g
- Price €320
- ROG-optimized” 100 mm Stealth Magnet planar transducers
It’s not clear from our research whether these transducers have been developed specifically for the Kithara, or are derived from an existing Hifiman model. The two brands communicate little on the subject. There are several models with similar dimensions( oblong 130 x 100 mmdrivers ), notably the Ananda Stealth Magnet, which boasts the same impedance and frequency response. In any case, they all benefit from Hifiman’s recent Stealth Magnet technology. This type of magnet, whose shape limits disturbances to the sound wave, has proved its worth and is used in top-of-the-range models.
For once, this ROG product doesn’t seem excessively expensive on the market. Indeed, the Hifiman Ananda Stealth Magnet can be found for €260, but with a much less complete bundle , fewer connection options, and no microphone.
Asus ROG Kithara : bundle
The ROG Kithara is delivered in a cardboard box that follows the usual aesthetic codes of the range. On unpacking, the bundle impresses and immediately asserts the product’s audiophile ambitions. Beneath a sheet presenting the headset’s frequency response, we find a foam protector housing the accessories:
- 6.35 mm unbalanced plug
- 4.4 mm balanced plug
- 3.5 mm unbalanced plug
- Common balanced cable with interchangeable tip
- Cable with microphone and integrated controls 1.8 m
- USB-C adapter
- Velvet cushions (in addition to the imitation leathers installed on the headset)
- Instructions and certificates
Rarely have we seen such a comprehensive range of equipment, even on much more expensive models. Note, however, the absence of a carrying case.
