The Marshall Heston 60 is described as a compact soundbar designed to deliver significant audio performance in a stylish package. It is noted as suitable for both music and movies. While it does not provide a full surround sound experience, the article praises its overall impressive design and features.
From a visual standpoint, the Heston 60 is highlighted for its aesthetic appeal, featuring signature elements inspired by Marshall’s classic guitar amplifiers. These stylistic cues include a metal logo, a fabric grille, and leather-effect sides. Unlike soundbars that aim to blend in, the Heston 60 makes a bold visual statement, with the black and cream models offering distinct retro charm.
Technically, the soundbar is feature-packed. It includes no less than seven drivers, support for Atmos, and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities. Its design is also thoughtful, featuring a compact footprint suitable for most living rooms, and it incorporates a dual-mode wall-mountable design with magnetic components.
Setup and usage are streamlined. The Heston 60 can be placed on a TV stand or mounted on the wall. The magnetic design allows the Marshall logo and the control panel to be removed and repositioned, ensuring legibility regardless of placement. For TV connection, the soundbar utilizes eARC, while also offering numerous music playback options. Calibration is facilitated by a built-in microphone, and the settings are managed through the intuitive Marshall companion app, available for Android and iOS.
When assessing its sound quality, the reviewer tested the unit in two ways: standalone and combined with the Heston 200 wireless subwoofer. On its own, the Heston 60 provides a good amount of bass, making it powerful and stable for use without an added subwoofer. The sound performance for movies and TV is described as great, with clear vocals, detailed highs, and enough rumble from the built-in woofers to provide action scenes with impact.
Adding the Heston 200 subwoofer is presented as an optional, non-cheap add-on, currently retailing for around £430. The review acknowledges that consumers have the flexibility to purchase the subwoofer later, or alternatively, could achieve similar results with a cheaper wired sub if styling and wireless connection are less critical.
The article concludes that the Marshall Heston 60 successfully balances sound and style. It is recommended as a great option for boosting TV sound in small to medium-sized living rooms or potentially replacing a hi-fi system.
However, the primary critique is its inability to excel at creating a convincing surround sound effect. Some competitors, such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2, are noted for projecting a wider sound, and the absence of rear channel expansion options limits future immersive potential. Despite this limitation, the reviewer reiterates that the soundbar sounds excellent and looks stunning, suggesting it would satisfy users if its specifications and visual appeal align with their needs.
Source: Trusted Reviews