British amp big Marshall is crashing the premium soundbar social gathering with a $999.99 assertion piece that’s as daring because the guitarist who cranks their amp to max quantity. The Heston 120 isn’t simply Marshall’s first soundbar, it’s a declaration that your TV’s built-in audio system are pathetic, like making an attempt to take pleasure in a live performance by means of a telephone name. It’s a daring contender in what’s rapidly turning into a brand new house audio period, sparked by improvements like Sonos’ Arc Ultra.
“That is our costliest product. And truthfully, that’s slightly bit scary,” admits Gustaf Rosell, Marshall’s chief product and innovation officer, in a Might 2025 interview with WIRED. In line with acoustic engineer Ed Camphor, the event took about three years whole — “To carry it [the Heston 120] to the top of idea was virtually two years. Then we had a 12 months of really testing stuff – that fairly closely altering the design.”
Premium Design Hits the Proper Notes
The Heston 120 flaunts Marshall’s guitar amp DNA with textured black material, gold accents, and people signature knobs that beg to be touched. Nevertheless it is aware of when to dial again the rockstar aesthetics like a metallic band doing an acoustic set.
“Many merchandise on this space look just about the identical. We aren’t making an attempt to cover,” explains Rosell in his WIRED interview. The soundbar options bodily controls with illuminated purple rings — a refreshing shift from the app-only world we’re drowning in.
Priced to Compete
At $999.99, it sits in premium territory alongside Sonos Arc Extremely and Sennheiser opponents. Some would possibly query whether or not one other high-end soundbar justifies its price ticket when cheaper choices flood the market.
Rosell informed WIRED in Might 2025: “We benchmarked towards the Sonos Arc Extremely, towards Sennheiser, towards Sony, even towards Devialet—I imply it’s much more costly, however we actually wished to match it, and I believe we’re doing in most areas, regardless of the worth distinction.” The corporate claims its give attention to music efficiency units it aside, however solely ears-on testing will confirm if it’s well worth the funding.
Tech Specs That Really Matter
Full of 11 drivers in a 5.1.2 channel configuration, the Heston 120 delivers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X by means of a single field. Marshall reportedly recruited PhDs and automotive audio consultants to nail the spatial audio expertise, although whether or not that makes you hear a pin drop in a film stays to be examined.
Anders Olsson, Senior Product Supervisor at Marshall, explained their focus on ecoustics in Might 2025: “Most soundbars compromise between TV and music. We aimed to interrupt that Mould and ship one thing true to Marshall’s legacy.”
Past the Single Field
Marshall has larger plans brewing. The Heston 60 (smaller soundbar) and Heston Sub 200 (wi-fi subwoofer) will launch later this 12 months, creating what business insiders name an “ecosystem” however regular people name “methods to spend more cash” — about as delicate as a crypto fanatic explaining blockchain at dinner.
Extra fascinating is Marshall’s embrace of Bluetooth LE and Auracast. In line with Anders Olsson, Senior Product Supervisor at Marshall, in a Might 2025 interview with T3: “However now we have a powerful imaginative and prescient to be open and construct on open requirements. With that mentioned, there could be some components that work higher in case you are in a Marshall ecosystem.” This doubtlessly permits customers to combine and match audio system from totally different manufacturers — a departure from some opponents’ closed-system approaches.
The Heston 120 stands out for user-replaceable components, together with drivers, finish caps, and circuit boards, a nod to sustainability and right-to-repair issues.
Closing Be aware
The Marshall Heston 120 begins transport June 3, however pre-orders open in the present day on Marshall.com. The soundbar will hit third-party retailers on September 16, 2025. Accessible solely in black at launch, the Heston 120 consists of a number of sound modes (Music, Film, Night time, Voice) and room calibration by way of the Marshall app.
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