The Rock-Inspired Heston 120 Soundbar Signifies a Fresh Endeavor for Marshall
Marshall, the legendary British label synonymous with guitar amplifiers and a rich rock ‘n’ roll legacy, is boldly entering the home theater sector with its inaugural soundbar: the Heston 120. Renowned for its classic design and robust audio equipment, Marshall now seeks to infuse its unique sound and aesthetic into households with a product that merges cinematic audio capabilities with rock-themed styling.
A Soundbar with Auditory Ambitions
The Heston 120 is crafted to provide a captivating home entertainment experience, accommodating both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for spatial audio that envelops the audience. Featuring 11 strategically positioned drivers, the soundbar guarantees an expansive soundstage and striking dynamic range, whether you’re enjoying an action-packed film or relishing a live concert recording.
Marshall has incorporated various sound modes—Movie, Music, Voice, and Night—to customize the audio experience for different types of content. With a peak output of 150 watts, the Heston 120 is designed to deliver powerful sound while preserving clarity and richness.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Heston 120 is not merely a soundbar—it serves as an audio connectivity hub. It accommodates a range of modern and traditional inputs, including:
– HDMI eARC and HDMI pass-through for effortless TV and device integration
– RCA analog inputs for turntables or vintage audio equipment
– Subwoofer output for optional bass enhancement
– Ethernet port for wired network connectivity
– Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE with Auracast for wireless streaming
Furthermore, the soundbar is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, simplifying streaming from a broad array of devices and platforms.
Marshall App Integration and Smart Features
The Heston 120 can be managed via the enhanced Marshall app, which provides volume control, EQ adjustments, and sound profile personalization. The app also features a room calibration option that utilizes the soundbar’s integrated microphones to fine-tune audio output in accordance with your room’s acoustics.
Streaming platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, and Airable internet radio are built into the app, allowing users to set presets for quick access to preferred playlists or stations without needing to open additional applications.
However, a significant shortcoming is the lack of voice assistant integration. The Heston 120 does not support smart assistant features, and its microphones are dedicated solely to room calibration.
Signature Marshall Design
Staying true to its heritage, Marshall has infused the Heston 120 with its signature design ethos. The soundbar boasts a black leather-wrapped shell, brushed metal details, and tactile control dials that evoke the feel of vintage Marshall amplifiers. It’s an audio product that looks as impressive as it performs, crafted to harmonize with both contemporary and classic decor.
Modular and Repairable
In a gesture towards sustainability and durability, Marshall has made the Heston 120 partially modular. Essential components such as the fret, end caps, drivers, and circuit boards can be replaced or repaired, potentially prolonging the product’s life. However, it remains uncertain how long Marshall will provide replacement parts, especially if their focus shifts away from home theater products in the future.
Pricing and Availability
The Marshall Heston 120 is set to launch on June 3, 2025, exclusively in black. It will be priced at $999.99 and can be ordered directly from Marshall.com. While the soundbar is suitable for wall mounting, mounting hardware is not included and must be acquired separately.
Marshall has hinted at future companion offerings, including the Heston 60 and Heston Sub 200, though specific release dates have yet to be disclosed.
Conclusion
With the Heston 120, Marshall is confidently stepping into the home theater domain, presenting a soundbar that combines premium audio quality with the brand’s distinctive rock-and-roll spirit. Whether you’re a devoted Marshall enthusiast or simply seeking an elegant, high-performance soundbar, the Heston 120 is set to make a significant impact in a competitive landscape.
