ZDNET’s comprehensive insights highlight that Marshall has entered the premium compact soundbar market with its new Heston 60, priced at $700 and offered in sophisticated Black and Cream finishes. At first glance, the Heston 60 may seem modest due to its compact dimensions, but beneath its understated exterior lies an audio performance that far exceeds expectations. The soundbar’s powerful delivery and its impressive suite of both wired and wireless streaming capabilities make it exceptionally versatile. Yet, it is worth acknowledging that for the same price point, consumers could also purchase Samsung’s convertible soundbar and subwoofer bundle—an offer that combines flexibility and deep bass integration at a compelling value.
In the competitive landscape of soundbars, Samsung’s reputation for innovation, cutting-edge technology, and performance-to-price balance remains uncontested. The company consistently introduces advanced features that redefine the standards of home listening. For instance, this year’s Samsung model incorporated an internal gyroscope, enabling users to fine-tune the soundbar’s orientation to the unique acoustics of their space without degrading audio fidelity. Although Samsung was not the pioneer of gyroscopic calibration in soundbars, its refined execution of the technology stood out. Recognizing the same consumer preference for consistent sound regardless of placement, Marshall took these lessons and applied its design-focused ethos to the Heston 60, adding a distinctive aesthetic character to accompany the performance-driven engineering.
After spending an entire month testing the Heston 60, the conclusion is clear: for those considering alternatives to established household names such as Samsung or Sonos, Marshall’s latest creation deserves serious consideration. The Heston 60 sits physically between the form factors of Samsung’s HW-QS700F and Sonos’s Beam (Gen 2), achieving an elegant balance of compactness and acoustic presence. Equipped with a 5.1-channel structure that includes seven Class D amplifiers, five 1.25-inch full-range drivers, and two three-inch woofers, the device produces a sound output that feels unexpectedly expansive and immersive for its size. Designed for small to medium living spaces, it provides a rich listening experience, although the omission of dedicated height modules means that its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility relies on simulation rather than true vertical dimensionality.
Even so, the lack of upfiring speakers doesn’t severely detract from the overall experience. It is important to note that even high-end models like the Sonos Arc Ultra or Samsung HW-Q900F, both featuring height channels, remain heavily dependent on factors such as room architecture, ceiling height, and positioning. Within the horizontal audio plane, however, the Heston 60 excels—sound effects in films like *The Equalizer 3* traverse the space across the screen with precise directional accuracy, successfully replicating the movement of on-screen action, from footsteps to passing vehicles.
Connectivity is another realm where the Heston 60 demonstrates notable versatility. Users can opt for superior wireless streaming through Bluetooth 5.3 or Wi-Fi 6, seamlessly integrating platforms like Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. For those who prefer wired configurations, the model provides 3.5mm Aux In, Sub Out, and USB-C inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide set of external devices. Audiophiles will appreciate its support for high-fidelity audio codecs such as FLAC, WMA, LC3, and MPEG4, assuring a refined listening experience under various playback conditions.
In true Marshall fashion, design remains an equal partner to acoustic engineering. The Heston 60 exemplifies the brand’s commitment to aesthetic precision as much as sonic performance. While the device lacks an internal gyroscope, it compensates with the inclusion of waveguides and angled front drivers, engineered to manage sound dispersion and localization effectively. These components serve to recreate the auditory consistency that gyroscopic models provide, preserving the tonal balance no matter the position or viewing arrangement.
Distinctively, the Marshall logo—a defining symbol of the brand’s rock heritage—occupies a central role in the product’s visual identity. Unlike the minimalist, subdued appearances favored by competitors such as Sonos and Sony, Marshall embraces a bold, vintage-inspired design philosophy. Furthermore, the cleverly engineered logo panel and control cover can be detached and magnetically repositioned to match the soundbar’s orientation, offering both practical flexibility and a touch of customizable style. This attention to both usability and branding ensures the Heston 60 stands apart from its more conservative contemporaries.
Complementing the soundbar is Marshall’s first external subwoofer, the Sub 200, priced at around $600. Designed in harmony with the Heston range, the Sub 200 maintains the same vintage-modern aesthetic cues while introducing its own noteworthy features. Unlike many of its rivals that utilize Wi-Fi connections, Marshall’s sub leverages Bluetooth LE for a more efficient and responsive link to the Heston lineup, while an RCA Sub In option adds interoperability with third-party setups. Initial setup may require patience, as minor connectivity hiccups can occur, but once configured, the system operates flawlessly.
Performance-wise, the Sub 200 delivers an additional layer of low-frequency presence, though perhaps not as thunderous or room-shaking as one might expect. When compared with Sonos’s Sub 4—which offers cinematic rumble and impressive bass depth—the Marshall model leans toward subtlety and balance rather than overwhelming power. Equipped with dual 120W Class D amplifiers and twin 5.25-inch woofers, the Sub 200’s ported design enhances its low-end output, delivering bass performance comparable to the subwoofers featured in Samsung’s premium bundles. At higher listening volumes or when optimizing the sub’s split point, the bass impact becomes notably more tactile and engaging.
Where the Sub 200 truly distinguishes itself is in its level of user customization. Unlike the Sonos equivalent, Marshall offers a tunable crossover threshold, giving listeners greater control over how the bass is distributed between the subwoofer and the soundbar. This flexible tuning feature empowers users to adapt the system’s response to personal taste or acoustic conditions without compromising overall sound balance.
From ZDNET’s evaluative perspective, the Marshall Heston 60 emerges as an enticing choice for listeners seeking a soundbar that transcends the typical TV companion role. Its multi-format compatibility, extensive connectivity assortment, and uniquely expressive design language all contribute to its standout appeal. Similarly, the Sub 200 represents a thoughtfully conceived companion product—one that reinforces Marshall’s rock-inspired identity while signaling its intent to compete seriously within the home audio segment. Nevertheless, value-minded buyers should weigh their options carefully, as the combined cost of the Heston 60 and Sub 200 is steep. For only slightly more, flagship pairings like the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sub 4 deliver comparable, sometimes superior, performance. Despite this, Marshall’s bold debut in the soundbar domain makes a powerful statement that design excellence, user experience, and sound fidelity can coexist in a single, finely crafted piece of audio artistry.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/marshalls-boldest-soundbar-yet-is-the-companys-first-to-tempt-me-away-from-sonos/
