Marshall Enters the Soundbar Arena with the Ambitious Heston 120: A Bold Statement or Just Another Brick in the Wall?

Marshall, the legendary name synonymous with iconic guitar amps and high-quality audio products, is taking a leap into a new sonic frontier: soundbars. The Heston 120, priced at a hefty $1000, marks Marshall's first foray into this competitive market, aiming to deliver a premium audio experience with its Atmos-capable design. Is this an ambitious statement of intent, or will it get lost in the noise?

Gustaf Rosell, Marshall's chief product and innovation officer, acknowledges the risk, stating, "This is our most expensive product. And honestly, that’s a little bit scary." However, Marshall is confident that starting at the high end sends a clear message: they are serious about delivering top-notch audio to your living room.

The Heston 120 is a 5.1.2-channel Atmos and DTS:X soundbar boasting 11 meticulously positioned drivers designed to create a wide and immersive soundfield from a single unit. This wasn't a simple plug-and-play operation; Marshall even brought in experts from the automotive industry and two PhDs to fine-tune the complex multi-channel setup. "We also worked really closely with Dolby to help us with some difficult measurements, to ensure that we are placing objects of sound accurately in a room," Rosell added, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail.

A crucial focus for the sound team, according to Rosell, was achieving a balance between excellent TV audio and equally impressive music playback. The Heston 120 comes loaded with music options, including AirPlay 2, Googlecast, Bluetooth LE, Tidal, and Spotify Connect. This means whether you are watching blockbuster movies or enjoying your favorite tunes, the Heston 120 promises to deliver.

Visually, the Heston 120 subtly nods to Marshall's heritage, adopting the brand's recognizable design language borrowed from its iconic guitar amps. While it maintains a distinct look with the familiar script logo and black and gold trim, it dials back the boldness for a more balanced aesthetic suited for the living room. The soundbar features knurled metal knobs and a brushed metal panel for volume, bass/treble, and source control.

According to Marshall, the Heston 120 includes repairable and replaceable parts, including the soundbar's fret, end caps, drivers, and circuit boards.

The Heston 120 is just the first in a planned series, with the smaller Heston 60 and the Heston Sub 200 subwoofer set to follow. Beginning June 3rd, the Heston 120 will be available for $999.

Marshall's bold move into the soundbar market presents a compelling offering. But can the Heston 120 truly stand out in a crowded field with its signature blend of rock 'n' roll aesthetics and premium audio? Will it resonate with audiophiles and casual listeners alike? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Heston 120
• Marshall
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