The most unique TWS I've tested before is Nothing Ear because of the transparent design. The audio quality is also interesting for the selling price. Recently there is another TWS with a design that is not only unique but also looks strange like the Flux Capacitor in Back to the Future. It is the Edifier Hecate GX05. Hecate GX05 also gave me an interesting experience and in this article I will share the experience of using it.
SPECIFICATIONS
Edifier Hecate GX05
Type True wireless earphone set
In-ear type
Dynamic type 10mm Audio Driver
Microphone 2x microphone
Noise Cancellation Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Battery Up to 16 hours
Bluetooth 5.3 tethering
2.4Hz USB-C dongle
Codec SBC, LDHC 5.0
USB-C charging
Application support None at this time
Physical Button Controls
Waterproof ability None
Selling Price RM599
DESIGN AND USE
The Hecate GX05 is a TWS that is quite unique because there is no cover part like a normal TWS. Instead, it uses three "fan" blades that can be turned in one direction to "open" or "close". RGB lights as an indication for battery and tethering status are also provided. This fan reminds me of a fidget spinner except it can't spin 360 degrees.
This metal charging pod is quite heavy with sharp corners that can scratch the phone's screen if it's in a trouser pocket. It also has a physical button as a power switch as well as for RGB control. Interestingly, a USB-C dongle is also provided for connection with a low time gap to be suitable for gaming. Not only that, this dongle also allows simultaneous dual-device tethering.
Unfortunately, the Hecate GX05 does not support any fast pairing like Google Fast Pair or Microsoft Swift Pair. However, Bluetooth 5.3 support already supports this quick tethering for most Android as well as iOS devices whenever this mechanical spoke is rotated.
AUDIO QUALITY
The Edifier Hecate GX05 uses a V-shaped sound profile, where it focuses the bass with a strong thump and gives quite a good impact. Profiles like this are for users who love bass like listening to music with a lot of drum instruments, Rock and lively music.
However, the bass is sometimes not very good because it is not consistent with all the music. This results in smooth-sounding vocals that float across the tongue. Regardless of male or female singers, each voice is spoiled and not strong enough to enjoy the singer's melodious voice.
Surprisingly, this TWS has good clarity and is quite sharp. The same goes for the fairly balanced high-pitched sound. It's not that flashy, but rather enough to eat. Hecate GX05 is a TWS that focuses on gaming rather than audio quality, because the audio staging sounds dense and very close in the user's head as if a group of singers who are singing and playing instruments are very close to the listener.
This makes it difficult for me to receive the best details and good audio resolution. The volume level is pretty loud too and a lot of my favorite music makes me want to tap my feet and dance. With the experience of testing various types of TWS, Edifier Hecate GX05 is like a combination of Sony WF-1000XM5 with Jabra Elite 8 Active.
CONTROLS AND OTHERS
It is very disappointing that the Edifier Connect application does not support this TWS even though it has been launched in Malaysia since a month ago. This means, all media is limited to touch control only such as touch once to pause, touch twice to skip and so on.
Not only that with no application, the RGB lights are limited in control and the most annoying thing is that the LHDC feature to play high quality music is difficult to do. Not sure if this TWS normal mode is LHDC because there are only two modes with the other one being for gaming mode.
The use of the offered USB-C dongle makes it easy for the Hecate GX05 to be connected to any device with USB-C or can also be used together with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox console easily. The dongle also has RGB just like each of the earphones. Also don't forget that Edifier designs each earphone to be comfortable to wear and have a good grip.
BATTERY
Edifier's claim that the battery life of the Hecate GX05 can reach up to 16 hours is true. This is because during almost a month of use, this TWS battery is really durable and using one day for one hour has no problem lasting up to two weeks.
USB-C charging is supported but not fast enough and what I don't like is that the RM599 TWS still doesn't support wireless charging. This may be due to the metal build material that prevents this feature from working.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Edifier Hecate GX05.
1x Additional set of ear buds.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Storage bag.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
Edifier Hecate GX05 is a good TWS. It offers a good thumping bass and has acceptable clarity. A unique ranggi design with a mechanical radius, RGB support, connection with a USB-C dongle and sold at a price of RM599 – this is one of the gaming TWS that will give you a good user experience. There is no doubt that there are many other TWS in the same price range that have better audio but none with such a strange design as Nothing.
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
Very unique design.
Premium build with metal.
Attractive rotating mechanical cover.
User controllable RGB system.
LHDC 5.0 support.
Simultaneous dual-connection; Bluetooth and dongle
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
Audio quality that is too focused on bass.
No app for equalizer control and noise cancellation.
No Fast Pair connection.
LHDC 5.0 doesn't seem to work because it doesn't seem to be different from normal music.
No real ANC at the price of RM599.
Quite sharp and easily scratches the phone screen in the pocket.