Marshall is expanding its home theater offerings with the launch of two new items: the Heston 60 soundbar with a price tag of $699.99 and the Heston Sub 200 at $599.99. Offered in both classic black and Marshall’s signature cream hue, these products distinguish themselves in the soundbar and subwoofer market. They take the place of the company’s first soundbar, the Heston 120, a sturdy TV speaker retailing at $1,299.99.
The Heston 60 and Sub 200 are now available for buying.
Presenting the Marshall Heston 60 soundbar
The Heston 60 reflects the aesthetic of its larger sibling, the Heston 120, but is more space-efficient (28 inches wide as opposed to 43 inches), making it suitable for compact areas and smaller TVs. It features dual mounting alternatives: setting it on a cabinet or wall-mounting. When mounted on a wall, the soundbar’s grille is directed upward, and the Marshall emblem and control panel faceplate use magnets for simple adjustment.
Despite its reduced dimensions, the Heston 60 includes most of the functionalities of the Heston 120. It is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, permits music streaming via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi services like Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect, and comes with automatic room calibration utilizing internal microphones. It can connect wirelessly to the Heston Sub 200 and supports Bluetooth Auracast, which allows pairing with Marshall’s new Bluetooth speakers as surround channels, although the launch date for this capability has yet to be confirmed.
An analog 3.5mm input allows for connections to external audio equipment, while a dedicated output for subwoofers accommodates existing wired options.
Notable distinctions between the Heston 60 and 120 include:
– Power output: 56 watts versus 150 watts (peak)
– The Heston 60 has a 5.1-channel configuration instead of the Heston 120’s 5.1.2, resulting in virtual height effects.
– Absence of HDMI input on the Heston 60, which restricts connections to external video devices.
– No Ethernet port present on the Heston 60.
– The Heston 60 employs buttons for control on top, unlike the Heston 120’s knurled knobs.
Marshall Heston Sub 200
Marshall’s debut subwoofer connects wirelessly with both the Heston 120 and Heston 60 soundbars. Significantly, the Heston Sub 200 is compatible with any audio device that has a dedicated subwoofer output, such as soundbars, AV receivers, integrated amplifiers, or network music players.
The Sub 200 features a standard RCA sub input and a knurled knob with an LED ring for level adjustments. Although it lacks phase adjustment, it offers greater versatility than wireless subwoofers from brands like Sonos or Bose, which are confined to their own systems.
Measuring around 11 inches cubed, the Sub 200 utilizes two 5.25-inch woofers powered by a 120-watt amplifier, providing a stated output of 99 decibels of sound pressure. Its frequency response ranges from 30-150 Hz, with 30Hz not being exceptionally low for a subwoofer.
Ease of repair is an added advantage
Marshall’s products are crafted for straightforward repairs. The Heston 60’s main circuit board, I/O board (PCBA), drivers, logo, grille, and side caps are all replaceable. For the Heston Sub 200, components such as the main board, I/O board, drivers, rear panel assembly, feet, and side grilles can be replaced.