ASUS ROG Kithara (A702 ROG KITHARA/BLK) vs Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox version)
Will you use Xbox controller chat or a PC/DAC, and will the headset be used in a private room or a shared/noisy space where ambient sound and sound leakage matter?
Products compared
ASIN B0GG53SPJC
ASUS ROG Kithara (A702 ROG KITHARA/BLK)
You use a PC/DAC setup that can take Kithara’s separate audio and microphone connections, or you need its selectable wired plug formats.
Last observed offer
$247.99
List Price: $299.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
ASIN B0GNSHCPPY
Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox version)
You use Xbox Series S|X and want the Maxwell 2 Xbox version’s documented wireless-dongle or compatible-gamepad AUX route.
Last observed offer
$349.00
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: 90 mm
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
Prices are per listed package. Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-22 · Source checked 2026-10-22 02:59 UTC
The main trade-off
Kithara is a wired open-back headset with separate PC/DAC audio and mic connections; Maxwell 2 Xbox adds documented Xbox wireless/AUX routes and a closed-back design. ASUS says open backs pass some environmental sound and may leak, while its general closed-back guidance favors shared or noisy spaces; that is design guidance, not a measured comparison of these headsets.
Quick verdict
For a PC/DAC desk with separate audio and microphone connections, the wired ROG Kithara is the more fitting layout. For Xbox play where the documented wireless-dongle path and party-chat Game/Chat Mix matter, the Maxwell 2 Xbox version has the clearer setup fit. For a shared/noisy room, its closed-back construction better matches ASUS’s general design guidance; ASUS says Kithara’s open back lets some environmental sound pass and may leak sound, and advises against noisy use. This is qualitative guidance, not a measured comparison of the two headsets.
Choose ASUS ROG Kithara (A702 ROG KITHARA/BLK) if
- You use a PC/DAC setup that can take Kithara’s separate audio and microphone connections, or you need its selectable wired plug formats.
- You specifically want open-back construction and can use it in a quieter/private setting where ambient sound passing through and some leakage are acceptable.
- You accept that ASUS lists Kithara’s Xbox controller connection as audio only, with the microphone unsupported there.
Choose Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox version) if
- You use Xbox Series S|X and want the Maxwell 2 Xbox version’s documented wireless-dongle or compatible-gamepad AUX route.
- You want Xbox party-chat Game/Chat Mix control, which Audeze says is available while party chat is active.
- You use a shared/noisy room and prefer closed-back construction; ASUS’s general design explanation says closed backs provide stronger isolation and minimal leakage, but does not quantify Maxwell 2’s performance.
When the recommendation changes
- If Xbox-controller microphone support is required, ASUS lists Kithara’s controller connection as audio only; the Xbox Maxwell 2 has the documented Xbox-specific wireless and game/chat path.
- If the headset will be used in a shared or noisy room, ASUS advises avoiding Kithara’s open-back design because some environmental sound passes through and sound may leak. Its general guidance describes closed-back designs as better suited to shared/noisy environments; Maxwell 2 is identified as closed-back. This is a qualitative design fit, not a measured isolation or leakage result for this pair.
The differences that matter
| Decision point | ASUS ROG Kithara (A702 ROG KITHARA/BLK) | Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox version) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection And Session Workflow | ROG Kithara is a wired headset. ASUS lists a cable with swappable 4.4 mm balanced, 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm plugs, a separate dual-3.5 mm boom-mic cable, and a USB-C-to-dual-3.5 mm adapter. For Xbox controller use, ASUS lists 3.5 mm audio only and says microphone support is not supported.[1] | The selected Maxwell 2 Xbox version supports its wireless dongle or 3.5 mm AUX through a compatible Xbox gamepad; the product page also lists USB-C digital audio and 3.5 mm TRRS active analog. Its box contents list the dongle, detachable boom mic, and cables. Xbox Game/Chat Mix is available only during party chat.[2, 3, 4] |
What this changes: A desk PC or DAC setup can use Kithara's documented separate audio/mic wiring and selectable plugs. For Xbox play where the listed wireless-dongle route and Game/Chat Mix matter, the Xbox Maxwell 2 has a more directly documented setup. Do not assume Kithara's mic works through an Xbox controller or that Maxwell's active analog connection works with power off.[1, 2, 3, 4] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Open Back Environment And Isolation Fit | ASUS identifies ROG Kithara as open-back. Its FAQ says open-back earcups allow air and sound through, offer little noise isolation, and may leak sound; it recommends avoiding use in noisy environments.[1] | Audeze identifies the selected Maxwell 2 version as closed-back. ASUS’s general open-versus-closed explanation says closed-back designs provide stronger isolation and minimal leakage and are better suited to shared or noisy environments; this is not a measured result for Maxwell 2.[2] |
What this changes: For a quiet/private room where open-back construction and some sound passing through are acceptable, Kithara matches that design preference. For a shared/noisy room where a more enclosed design is preferred, Maxwell 2’s closed-back construction matches ASUS’s general closed-back guidance. Neither source measures the actual isolation or leakage of this exact pair, so treat this as qualitative design fit rather than a performance winner.[1, 2] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
Best for your routine
PC/DAC desk setup using separate audio and mic connections
Best fit: ASUS ROG Kithara (A702 ROG KITHARA/BLK)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
ASUS documents Kithara's dual-3.5 mm microphone cable and PC microphone support over dual 3.5 mm or USB-C; choose it when that wiring fits the actual computer or DAC setup.
Xbox Series S|X setup using the Xbox-version wireless dongle and party-chat controls
Best fit: Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox version)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Audeze documents the Xbox Maxwell 2 dongle or compatible-gamepad AUX routes and party-chat Game/Chat Mix for the Xbox version.
A quieter/private room where you specifically want an open-back design and accept some sound passing through
Best fit: ASUS ROG Kithara (A702 ROG KITHARA/BLK)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
ASUS describes Kithara as open-back and says this design allows environmental sound through; use it only where that openness and possible leakage suit the room. This is not a measured sound-quality or isolation result.
A shared/noisy room where a closed-back design is preferred
Best fit: Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset (Xbox version)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Audeze identifies Maxwell 2 as closed-back, and ASUS’s general design guidance describes closed-back designs as better suited to shared/noisy environments. The guidance is qualitative and does not measure this pair’s actual isolation or leakage.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
Compare the current exact offers and their seller and condition; any premium should be justified by the connection route and cup design you actually need, not by unmeasured sound claims.
There is not enough price history to recommend buying now or waiting. Compare the latest exact offers, seller, and condition before purchasing.
Limitations
- No side-by-side tests were performed for sound, microphone quality, noise isolation, sound leakage, or battery runtime; no performance winner is claimed.
- Audeze labels Maxwell 2's 3.5 mm analog input active, but the reviewed documentation does not establish whether it operates with the headset powered off. Do not assume it is an unpowered fallback.
- Kithara's official Xbox controller connection is listed for audio only; microphone support is listed as unsupported.
- Current offer conditions can change; compare the exact selected variant, seller, and condition before buying.
- ASUS gives qualitative design guidance: open-back earcups allow environmental sound through, offer little isolation, may leak, and are not recommended for noisy environments; the same page describes closed-back designs as better for shared/noisy settings. Audeze identifies Maxwell 2 as closed-back. No model-to-model isolation or leakage measurement was used, so actual amounts are unknown.
Questions shoppers ask
Can I use the ROG Kithara boom microphone through an Xbox controller?
ASUS's usage table lists the Xbox controller's 3.5 mm connection as audio only and microphone support as unsupported. If Xbox headset chat is essential, confirm a different microphone route or choose a setup whose Xbox chat path is documented.
Does Maxwell 2's 3.5 mm analog cable work when the headset is off?
Audeze labels the analog connection active and explains how to select AUX, but the material checked here does not say whether the headset works with power off. Verify that point with Audeze if unpowered analog use is a requirement.
Which cup design better fits a shared or noisy room?
ASUS says Kithara’s open-back earcups allow some environmental sound through, offer little noise isolation, may leak sound, and should be avoided in noisy environments. Audeze identifies this Maxwell 2 version as closed-back; ASUS’s general design guidance describes closed backs as better suited to shared/noisy spaces. This does not quantify either headset’s actual isolation or leakage.
Methodology and sources
Compared official connection tables, Xbox support instructions, listed package contents, active analog labeling, and the two headsets’ open-back/closed-back identification. ASUS’s FAQ gives qualitative general guidance on environmental sound passing through, possible leakage, and shared/noisy-room suitability; it is not a measured isolation test of this pair. No comparative sound, microphone, isolation, or runtime tests were performed.
AI assistance organized the published manufacturer specifications and setup guidance. Pickoryx did not test either headset.
View 4 sources
- 1.ROG Kithara Gaming HeadsetASUS ROG · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-22 02:59 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Product description; Separate Signal Inputs; Broad Compatibility and Plug-and-Play Convenience; Suggested Usage Scenarios; FAQ: “What’s the difference between open-back and closed-back earcup designs?”: Identifies ROG Kithara as open-back and describes the included swappable plug cable, dual-3.5 mm boom-mic cable and USB-C-to-dual-3.5 mm adapter. Its usage table says Xbox controller use is audio only and mic support is not supported. The FAQ says open-back earcups allow air and sound through, provide little noise isolation and may leak; it advises avoiding noisy environments. Its general comparison says closed-back designs provide stronger isolation/minimal leakage and are better for shared or noisy settings. These are qualitative design statements, not a measured comparison of this pair.
- 2.Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming HeadsetAudeze · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-22 02:45 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Compatibility; Audio; Connection; Package Includes: The product page lists the Xbox variant, identifies Maxwell 2 as closed-back, lists USB-C low-latency wireless and wired-digital paths plus 3.5 mm TRRS active analog, and includes a wireless dongle, boom mic, USB-C cables/adaptor, and TRRS analog cable in the bundle.
- 3.Maxwell 2 User Guide - Maxwell 2 (Xbox)Audeze Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-22 02:45 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Maxwell 2 (Xbox); Game/Chat Mix: For Xbox Series S|X, the Xbox-version guide lists connection by wireless dongle or 3.5 mm AUX via compatible gamepads. It says Game/Chat Mix is available only while a party chat is active.
- 4.Maxwell 2 User Guide - Wired ConnectionsAudeze Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-22 02:45 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- USB Connection; AUX Connection: A USB cable with an active data connection switches Maxwell 2 into USB mode. Plugging an AUX cable into the correct headset port switches it to AUX mode; the recessed front 3.5 mm port is for the boom mic, not AUX.