Asus ROG Launches Its First Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headset for Audiophile Gamers

Asus ROG has just unveiled the ROG Kithara, marking its entry into the realm of open-back planar magnetic gaming headsets.

First revealed at CES 2026, this headset was developed in collaboration with HiFIMAN, a renowned Chinese company specializing in planar magnetic audio technology. Unlike the dynamic drivers commonly found in many popular gaming headsets, the Kithara features 100mm planar magnetic drivers with an impressive frequency response of 8Hz to 55kHz. This unique design, paired with its open-back structure, aims to deliver an “uncompromising audiophile-grade sound” for gamers, all for a price of $299.99.

If you’re not well-versed in audiophile jargon, don’t sweat it. A planar magnetic headset utilizes specialized drivers in each earcup. Unlike traditional dynamic speakers, planar drivers employ a conductor wire that spans the diaphragm of the speaker. This configuration, situated between magnets, generates sound waves with reduced interference, resulting in clearer audio—something that audiophiles appreciate, and which is a key feature of the Asus ROG Kithara.

Asus ROG claims that the Kithara offers “exceptionally low distortion” and a soundstage that enhances the subtlety of in-game sounds like footsteps and distant movements. I’m eager to test this out myself once I can get my hands on a pair for review. Complementing its high-quality audio, the Kithara is equipped with an on-cable full-band MEMS boom microphone.

This microphone boasts a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and “minimal distortion,” according to Asus ROG. Given the open-back design, which allows sound to flow naturally from the earcups, I was initially skeptical about the inclusion of a microphone. However, Asus ROG assures that it has separate pathways for audio and microphone inputs to ensure “clear, uninterrupted communication,” so hopefully, it won’t pick up any unwanted background noise.

Like many audiophile headsets—though distinct from the unique wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite—the Asus ROG Kithara is a wired headset. It comes with support for 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm connections, making it versatile for use with gaming PCs, consoles like the PS5, laptops, and even DACs and amplifiers for those interested in gaming and music production.

If you’re ready to dive into this audiophile experience, you can snag the Kithara now at various retailers in the US. However, Asus ROG has yet to announce availability for those in the UK.