ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming/Audiophile Open-Back Wired Headphones with Mic – ROG-Tuned HIFIMAN Planar Magnetic Drivers, Adjustable Headband, Extra Ear Pads, Compatible with DACs, Amps, PC, Console, Mobile

This is literally the only headset in my life I've ever worn that actually fits my massive head. (For context I am 6'4, 295lbs). I am in shock. That said I have a massive head so I've tried virtuoso XT, nova pro wireless, g50x, audeze maxwell, rog delta II, all had to be returned due to being too tight at the top of my head (I am extremely sensitive to clamp force). There are no "big head" reviewers that really have a big head like mine. Each time I try a headset based on a review saying "SO COZY SO COMFY!!" Is a person with a tiny head and they never fit or work for me. Every single person I watched that review the Kithara made fun of the extra tall frame, saying they look like alien antennas and goofy. Nope, THIS is what makes the Kithara actually usable for me. It looks like a normal headset on my head and my ears actually fit into the cups comfortably. I've been testing these out the last few nights since receiving them and been blown away by the sound quality (my first pair of hifiman headphones) and the COMFORT. These are so light on the head, I gamed for 4 hours straight the other night and didn't even notice the headphones. That's unheated of for me where every other gaming headphone I've used I've simply tolerated in short bursts due to ear pain or head pain after 30min to an hour. These have actually enabled me to game at night again because I don't have to use my speakers only anymore! And it comes with a mic for party chat! (Does sound a little nasally but decent clarity still) Definitely pair this with a solid amp/dac (I'm driving them with the Fosi K7 and switch between Ps5/PC, trust me absolutely worth it) as the included adapter can't quite drive the volume high enough on its own imo. If you have an unconventially large melon for a head like me, look no further. It's a pricy investment between this and an amp, worth it to finally own a pair of headphones I actually WANT to use and CAN use for an extended period. 10/10

batman_77 · 2026-03-21 · via amazon

This will be a great upgrade for customers accustomed to "gamer brand headset" caliber sound. The Kithara, particularly with a DAC/ amp, is entry level audiophile sound that frankly blows the Maxwell 2 away in audio quality with relative ease as well as being less expensive and considerably lighter and more comfortable. I think the Kithara is probably based on HiFiMan's Ananda line and has similar tuning to some of their best high end audiophile headphones like the Arya Stealth and HE1000se that are well known to be S-tier for gaming. The Kithara obviously not at the technical level of those more expensive models, but a less detailed and spacious version of that available at only $299 with some nice accessories is still an exceptional deal. I've tested the Kithara with a couple of DAC/ amps, the Schiit Gunnr and EF600 using a PC, PS5 Pro, and Switch 2, and all sounded great. It should be noted Xbox only gets 3.5mm jack compatibility through the controller, so Xbox owners may be better off with the Maxwell 2, which also has Atmos support. You may need to get some extension cables for a console depending on how far away you sit from your display for the headphone and mic cables, which can be found cheap here on Amazon. The mic is a bit sensitive, but you can address that by turning it away from your mouth and also keeping it at a decent distance away from your mouth, which improves the sound significantly. I'm curious to see the reception for this product because people from the audiophile camp are going to tend to be surprised it's only $299 whereas the Astro and Turtle Beach customers who would probably benefit most from upgrading to the Kithara might think it's too expensive and aren't sure if open back, wired headphones are a good idea for gaming (they definitely are). Although I recommend a DAC/ amp given the nature of planar drivers just need more power to move than dynamic drivers and tend to sound fantastic with extra juice, you could probably get away with a relatively cheap/ small one. I use a Schiit Gunnr with my consoles, but I think a ~$100 DAC/ amp like the Topping DX1 would probably do the job fine given these are more sensitive and thus easier to drive than most planars. It's on the polar opposite end of the spectrum compared to low sensitivity ravenous power vampires like the HE6se or Susvara. I'll note I got a very early batch unit with the loose headband issue seen in early units sent to reviewers that was supposed to have been fixed before final release to the public but apparently wasn't in mine, but this was quickly addressed with a replacement. I'm not going to take a star or two off for that because it doesn't represent the design most people have and what I now have. That shouldn't affect anyone after that first batch shipped that I initially received. If you do have that problem, it's a defect that wasn't supposed to be in the final version. Just get it replaced for a unit without that defect.

AKS · 2026-02-19 · via amazon

I have a headphone obsession and these are my new favorite gaming headphones. They sound fantastic when gaming. I've been playing a lot of Arc Raiders and with these I can really hear what is happening around me. The ear pads on these are big and the headphones themselves are large, but they are comfortable. The mic sounds great, one of the better microphones on gaming headphones, maybe even the best I've heard so far. I love the fact that I can connect these via usb-c to my computer. I also like the volume adjuster and mic mute button on the cord. If I could fault anything, it would be that it doesn't come with a carrying case and it isn't wireless. Now with regard to the sound, it is like wow. These sound so good. They are planar magnetic, but I don't really know what that means. I can tell you that they sound great for watching movies, playing games and listening to music. Even on Zoom business calls they are fantastic. I was previously using the Sony Inzone H9 II headphones which are also nice, but the sound on these is just too good to take them off.

Josh Kerr · 2026-02-12 · via amazon

Best Buy

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