Marshall’s foray into Dolby Atmos soundbars, the Heston 120, delivers striking design and a refined sonic touch, but ultimately falls short of delivering the immersive, impactful sound expected at its price point. While the bar excels in clarity and musicality, it lacks the dynamic punch necessary for truly cinematic experiences, making it a frustratingly restrained performer.
A Premium Aesthetic, Complicated Setup
The Heston 120 immediately impresses with its bold, amplifier-inspired design, featuring tactile vinyl strips, textured grilles, and gleaming gold knobs. However, its 3-inch height and 43-inch length create fitting challenges, particularly for TVs with slim pedestal stands. Mounting may be necessary for proper placement.
Setup is straightforward, though the app occasionally freezes during updates. While stable overall, it can be slow to connect. Control relies heavily on the app or your TV remote, as no dedicated remote is included.
Connectivity is robust: HDMI eARC/ARC, HDMI passthrough, Ethernet, RCA analog, and optional subwoofer support. The lack of optical is not a major loss, as it doesn’t support spatial audio. Wi-Fi unlocks streaming via Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and more, with Bluetooth 5.3 as a backup. Automated calibration and a multi-band EQ provide room correction and customization.
Refined Sound, Restrained Impact
The Heston 120 delivers impressive clarity and openness, particularly in dialogue-driven content like sitcoms and dramas. Subtle spatial cues and instrument separation create an immersive soundstage. Dolby Atmos mixes expand the sound vertically and horizontally, though the bar struggles to deliver the necessary dynamic punch for truly impactful moments.
The system’s bass response is inconsistent, often feeling weak during action scenes. However, the issue isn’t the low-end itself, but rather the bar’s inability to deliver the necessary dynamic expression when confronted with intense sound effects. Explosions, gunfire, and rumbling bass lack the visceral impact expected at this price point.
Musicality Shines, Cinematic Punch Misses
The Heston 120 excels in music playback, delivering a nuanced and enjoyable listening experience. Guitar, vocals, and orchestral instruments sound clear and balanced. Dolby Atmos music tracks create a wider, more immersive soundstage. However, even in music, the soundstage can feel compressed in stereo.
In action-heavy scenes, the bar consistently holds back, failing to deliver the explosive energy expected from a premium soundbar. Scenes from Mad Max: Fury Road and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 lack the visceral punch needed to fully immerse the viewer.
The Verdict: Style Over Substance
The Marshall Heston 120 is a beautifully designed soundbar that delivers refined sound and impressive musicality. However, its lack of dynamic punch and inconsistent bass response make it a frustrating choice for those seeking a truly cinematic experience.
At its current price of $1,300, the Heston 120 struggles to justify its cost. Pairing it with a dedicated subwoofer could mitigate its shortcomings, but that further increases the price.
For those seeking a more immersive and impactful soundbar, the Sonos Arc Ultra or Klipsch Flexus Core 200 offer better value. While they lack Marshall’s signature flair, they deliver the rock and roll spirit where it truly counts: in the explosive energy of sound.
The Heston 120 is a premium soundbar that prioritizes style over substance. While it excels in certain areas, its inability to deliver the necessary dynamic punch makes it a disappointing choice for those seeking a truly cinematic experience
