Connection and comfort
How to connect the ROG Kithara
Faced with the multiple solutions on offer, let’s detail and prioritize the connection options. Let’s not forget that this headset doesn’t offer a wireless connection. What’s more, even with USB, no software is required.
The most common: 3.5 mm
This is the most common “jack” connection. It’s found on the vast majority of PCs, consoles and other devices. So it has the advantage of near-universality. On the other hand, these sockets sometimes conceal power supplies that are not optimized for audio. On PCs, for example, it all depends on the quality of the integrated sound card.
DAC or external amplifier: 6.35 or 4.4 mm
For this type of headphone, even with low impedance, this is the recommended option. A good digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a comfortable power reserve, or even a dedicated amplifier, will enable you to make the most of the Kithara’s full potential. The connector should be adapted to the DAC. If the DAC has a 4.4 mm balanced output, this should be preferred. In addition to greater power, we’ll benefit from a better signal-to-noise ratio and better channel separation. Planar headphones generally benefit from these advantages.
Asus USB-C adapter
An excellent plug & play option on paper. This USB-C to dual 3.5 mm jack adapter, included in the bundle, is nothing less than a DAC and ADC(Audio to Digital Converter). As such, it enables headphones to be powered without the need to purchase additional hardware, and also allows the microphone to be connected (few audiophile DACs support a microphone). Practical, provided quality and power are up to scratch. It’s small, but models like the AudioQuest Dragonfly have proved that it’s possible to get good results with a compact footprint.
And the microphone?
The microphone is installed on a dedicated cable, with volume controls. These are in fact two cables for separating audio and microphone signals, a very good point. There are three options for connecting them:
- Directly to the PC’s audio and microphone outputs. Here we find the advantages and disadvantages seen above
- Via the USB-C dongle , the simplest and most efficient solution
- Audio on the external DAC and microphone on the PC, very impractical, especially as the cable is not long (1.8 m).
Asus ROG Kithara: comfort
The ROG Kithara adopts the headband and headband system found on much of the Hifiman range. A fixed metal headband supports a mobile leatherette headband. This arrangement is effective in distributing our helmet’s 420g. The weight is not noticeable. However, the adjustment of the headband lacks firmness and tends to slip out of place when the helmet is put on or taken off. The unique headband of previous Hifiman generations seemed more effective and just as comfortable.
On the head, the helmet is extremely comfortable. It applies no unpleasant pressure around the ears or on the top of the skull. Long gaming or listening sessions won’t be a problem. Two types of ear pads are supplied (leatherette and fabric). The choice will depend on individual tastes, as both are equally comfortable. Eyeglass wearers will probably prefer fabric. We tend to choose leatherette models, because of their impact on the sound signature. We’ll discuss this point in more detail below.
The Kithara does not offer a wireless connection. The choice of cable is therefore important. The good news is that both the twisted Hifi cable and the braided gaming cable are well made and, above all, do not cause any unwanted noise when in contact with the desk or clothing. However, the microphone cable could have been longer. Depending on the layout of the setup, it may be difficult to connect it to the PC’s microphone port. For hi-fi use, it’s perfectly feasible to replace the original cable with another model. The double 3.5 mm jack connector on the headphone side is a widespread standard. However, to take advantage of the microphone, you’ll need to use the cable supplied by Asus.
