ROG x HiFiMan flagship planar gaming headphones

• Amazon now offers the ROG x HiFiMan flagship planar gaming headset, now $229.99 (was $299.99).
• Prime members get free two-day shipping, and regular members get free shipping on orders over $35 within the contiguous U.S.
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Editor's Pick: It's no surprise that Hi-Fi brands are making gaming headsets—Audeze and Dan Clark Audio have been at it for years. But it's rare to see one carrying a gaming brand's logo, let alone something as iconic as the ROG "Eye of the Gamer."

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Image via @ ROG, copyright belongs to the original owner

The Kithara's biggest selling point is its massive 100mm planar driver. Technically, it integrates HIFIMAN's core Stealth Magnet and NsD nanoscale diaphragm technology. While the brand hasn't officially confirmed which Hi-Fi model it's based on, its ultra-wide 8Hz–55kHz frequency response and low 16Ω impedance with high sensitivity suggest it's closely related to the well-reviewed Ananda or Edition XV architecture.

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Image via @ ROG, copyright belongs to the original owner

For Hi-Fi enthusiasts worried about driving power, the Kithara makes a smart compromise. It doesn't set an extremely high amplification bar like the Arya does for ultimate performance. Its 16Ω low impedance means that even if you plug it directly into a game controller or your computer's motherboard, you can get 70%–80% of this large driver's potential. Of course, it also comes with a 4.4mm balanced cable. For those who want more, if you have a solid DAC/amp setup, switching to the balanced cable will instantly reveal the Kithara's full-range control and transparency—something entirely different from traditional headphones.