Asus ROG Gjallar looks better than it sounds
The ROG Gjallar: Asus Launches Its First Premium Gaming Soundbar
The world of high-end PC audio just got a new contender. Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) division has officially dropped its first premium soundbar, the Gjallar, marking a bold move into the competitive soundbar market. Positioned as a full 2.1.2 system, it promises immersive audio for serious gamers, retailing at a hefty $599.99.
But when you enter the realm of $600 gaming gear, expectations are astronomically high. The question isn’t just whether the Gjallar plays sound—it’s whether it delivers an experience that justifies the premium price tag. With a soundbar, the goal is to move beyond simple noise and deliver a true auditory landscape, and the Gjallar attempts this with a creative, albeit polarizing, design.
Aesthetically, the Gjallar takes a straightforward, boxy approach. Finished in all black, it features a subtle lightbar that streaks the center with the signature ROG logo, giving it a distinct, if somewhat minimalist, gaming aesthetic. While some might find the design too blocky, others embrace the understated, functional look. It’s a design choice that clearly prioritizes function over flashy curves, settling into the category of functional gaming hardware rather than pure aesthetic indulgence.
Underneath the sleek exterior lies a robust system. The Gjallar is built around a powerful 2.1.2 configuration, featuring a wireless 65W 6.5-inch subwoofer that delivers deep, impactful bass, paired with the main soundbar drivers and up-firing elements that aim to create a multi-dimensional soundstage. Connectivity is handled with ease, offering a comprehensive suite of modern inputs including HDMI 2.1 with eARC, optical-in, AUX-in, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring seamless integration with any PC, console, or mobile device.
The true command center of the Gjallar is the integrated audio control hub. This hub isn’t just a remote; it’s an all-in-one device featuring a large volume knob and LCD display. It handles everything from media controls and RGB effects to complex EQ adjustments. It even incorporates built-in beamforming microphones with advanced acoustic echo cancellation, designed to filter out ambient noise and focus solely on the voice.
Customization is key, and Asus provides tools to unlock the system’s potential via their Gear Link software. Users can adjust the EQ, set lighting presets, fine-tune the subwoofer level, and manage power settings. However, navigating the software reveals a slight disconnect: while Gear Link allows access to deep audio settings, many core adjustments—like volume level or subwoofer amplitude—require internet connectivity, which can feel a little cumbersome for real-time control.
The acoustic performance itself delivers a mixed bag. While the system handles music and games competently, the soundstage remains somewhat limited, and the mid-range audio can sometimes sound strained. For gaming titles, while details and layered sound cues are present, achieving a truly expansive, immersive soundscape—the kind that truly puts you in the game—is still an aspiration rather than a reality.
Ultimately, the Asus ROG Gjallar proves that in the premium gaming audio space, innovation must balance engineering prowess with true sonic excellence. While the build quality and connectivity are top-tier, the challenge remains: delivering a sound that doesn’t just sound good, but sounds undeniably, breathtakingly good, making the entire package feel truly premium for its substantial price.
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