Marshall is a brand best known these days for its vintage-style Bluetooth speakers and, perhaps to a lesser degree, its lineup of headphones and earbuds. And while it has been and remains a premiere brand in the guitar amplifier and live music space, today it is entering an all-new audio category for the very first time with its brand new Heston 120 soundbar.
Marshall debuts new Heston 120 soundbar
The brand describes Heston 120 as a “colossal audio experience for both TV and music,” combining its 60 years of “acoustic excellence and design” to brings its “unparalleled legacy to the TV sound space.”
The first thing Marshall wants to point here is that this is a solution made to “amplify the story on screen, and then keep the music playing beyond the credits.” It combines Dolby Atmos and DTS-X alongside 11 drivers “facing different directions” with spatial audio tech “to throw sound out to the places that have the best impact on your experience.”
Alongside the ability to connect to music streaming services using Wi-Fi, you can expect the following in terms of connectivity:
- HDMI eARC
- HDMI Pass-through
- Bluetooth
- LE-audio technology AuracastTM
- Analogue RCA input for external music players.
That all sounds like good stuff, and it probably sounds really good considering the brand’s pedigree and my personal experience with its other speaker releases, but I can’t help but think it is its special brand of “rock n’ roll” aesthetics that truly make it stand out in the soundbar category – there’s not very many, if any, soundbars out there designed after classic guitar amps after all.
You’ll find knurled metal knobs inspired by its amp heritage alongside wrapped leather trims and a brushed metal panel. Here’s more details on the physical controls you’ll find on that panel as well as in the app:
Mixing the best of the old with the new, the analogue control panel with tactile audio settings is a playful yet functional nod to Marshall’s heritage. The bass and treble can be instantly altered through the controls and it’s easy to save presets for quick access to a favorite playlist or radio station. Heston 120 comes with a range of different sound modes to fit the moment, including Music, Movie, Night, and Voice.
Alternatively, the sound can be adjusted from anywhere in the home using the new Marshall app, controlling everything from volume to EQ. New for the TV sound range, the app features room calibration to help find the perfect acoustic fit for any space.
Features at a glance courtesy of Marshall:
- Immersive Sound for Movies & Music: Dolby Atmos places you directly inside the action, pushing audio out into the room for magnificent, three-dimensional sound. Surround yourself with signature Marshall audio and feel every note.
- Powerful Bass: Tuned for low frequencies, the Heston 120 delivers deep, rich, and clear sound, producing lifelike audio and special effects with even greater impact. Feel the bass rumble from below like never before.
- Multi Wireless Connectivity: No matter how you want to connect, the Heston 120 has you covered. Stream over Wi-Fi with Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, or Tidal Connect, or use Bluetooth with the latest LE Audio technology, including Auracast™, to cue up your playlist. Once connected, just sit back and let the room fill with sound.
- Integrated Music Services: Switch your mind off and the volume up on your favorite playlist. With Spotify, Tidal, and internet radio (Airable) built right in, you can access your favorite music or stations directly from the soundbar – no extra setup required. Use the Marshall app to program preset buttons for instant access to your go-to playlists or stations.
- Sound Modes: Choose the perfect setting for every moment. Movie Mode amplifies drama and effects; Music Mode unleashes pure audio power; Voice Mode sharpens dialogue; and Night Mode keeps the action crisp and clear without waking the house.
- Tactile Controls: Make room for a living room centerpiece inspired by the iconic design of Marshall amps. With our signature knobs, you can easily adjust audio for movies and music, fine-tune bass and treble, switch sources, and access presets. These one-of-a-kind controls put everything you want right at your fingertips.
- Marshall App Customization: Take control with the Marshall app – fine-tune EQ, adjust channels, calibrate the sound to your room, and make sure your setup is perfectly dialed in for both music and movies.
The new Marshall Heston 120 soundbar will go up for sale starting in June 3 at a whopping $999.99 – it is seriously pretty if you ask me, but you better really want that guitar amp vibe in your home theater setup to pay this sort of cash.
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