After making a remarkable entry into the world of soundbars with the Marshall Heston 120, the British brand continues its offensive with two new models designed to complete and diversify its range. The Marshall Heston 60, a compact but still ambitious soundbar, and the Marshall Heston Sub 200, a wireless subwoofer, expand the series to meet more varied needs, both in terms of power and format.
The success of the Heston 120 as a stepping stone
It’s hard not to start with a look back at the Marshal Heston 120, Marshall’s first soundbar. Tested recently on the blog (read the Marshall Heston 120 review), this soundbar won us over with its retro design inspired by the brand’s guitar amps. In stark contrast to the usual soundbars that try to blend into the background, the Marshall Heston 120 has a unique style that makes it a real eye-catcher. With its 11 integrated drivers, Dolby Atmos compatibility and excellent musicality, it impressed us with its design, but also its capacity for immersion and musical performance. The Marshall Heston 60 builds on this foundation.
Marshall Heston 60: a compact, versatile soundbar
Designed for cozier spaces or to accompany medium-sized screens, the Marshall Heston 60 has a reduced format (73cm wide and less than 3kg), without sacrificing the essentials. Its claimed power output of 56W, delivered by 7 class D amplifiers, is based on a 5.1 configuration incorporating two 3″ woofers and five 1.25″ drivers. Despite its compact size, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, promising convincing immersion.
Visually, the Heston 60 resembles the Heston 120: grained leather finish, black and gray grille, gilded metal logo and metal control panel. Available in two colors (Black and Cream), it can be easily integrated into any interior, retaining the brand’s typical vintage style that contrasts with competing soundbars.
The Heston 60 feature modern connectivity, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast, an HDMI eARC input, a 3.5mm auxiliary jack and an RCA output for subwoofer. It supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, making it as much a soundbar as a true connected speaker. Users can also rely on the Marshall app, which lets them access presets, adjust the equalizer, calibrate sound using the two built-in microphones, and customize audio modes (Movie, Music, Night, Voice).
Marshall Heston Sub 200: a wireless subwoofer
At the same time, Marshall unveils the Heston Sub 200, a subwoofer designed to accompany both the Heston 60 and the 120. Featuring two 5″ drivers powered by two 120W class D amplifiers (236W peak in total), it promises deep, powerful bass down to 30Hz. Enough to bring action scenes to life with even greater realism and intensity. Aesthetically, the Sub 200 uses the same finishes as the Heston soundbars, with a compact cabinet (28 × 28 × 30cm), gray and black fabric grille and leather trim in black or cream. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth LE Audio makes it easy to place in the room, without the need for cables. Again, the Marshall app lets you manage its volume, adjust tonal balance and effortlessly pair it with a Heston soundbar. It can also be connected via RCA for integration with other equipment.
Marshall confirms its ambition
With its two new references, Marshall confirms its ambition to establish itself as a serious new player in the home theater sector. The Heston 120 paved the way with its appealing style and performance, while the Heston 60 and Sub 200 now broaden the spectrum with a more accessible and flexible approach. The Heston 60 and Sub 200 will go on sale at the end of this month, priced at €599 and €499 respectively.
