Marshall Heston 120 Review: Rock n' Roll Meets Dolby Atmos

Marshall's Signature Style

The Marshall Heston 120 is unlike any other soundbar on the market. Rather than the typical discrete black rectangle that tries to disappear, it proudly displays Marshall's iconic identity. The prominent script logo on the front, gold piping running the full length, and textured grey fabric grille immediately identify this as a Marshall product. It's a bold design choice in a category that typically prioritizes subtlety.

The build quality matches the premium €999 price point. The front and top surfaces use an elegant grey mesh fabric, while the sides and rear feature polyurethane with a leather-like texture reminiscent of vintage Marshall amplifiers. Aluminum grilles on the side panels protect the lateral speakers while reinforcing the rock 'n' roll aesthetic. Assembly is flawless with no gaps or loose parts.

At 110cm wide, 7.6cm tall, and 14.5cm deep with a 7kg weight, the Heston 120 has typical soundbar dimensions that fit comfortably in front of most TVs without blocking the screen. Marshall also offers an optional wall mount if you prefer to save surface space.

Physical Controls That Actually Work

One of the Heston 120's standout features is its top panel control layout, which genuinely improves the user experience rather than serving as mere decoration. Four haptic potentiometers (rotary controls) provide tactile feedback:

• Volume control (leftmost knob) - smooth rotation with satisfying resistance
• Bass/Treble adjustment (second knob) - quick tonal tweaks without opening the app
• Source selection (third knob) - cycles through HDMI 1, HDMI 2, RCA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• Sound mode (rightmost knob) - switches between Music, Movie, Night, and Voice modes

Each potentiometer features a red LED arc indicator showing the current setting. Three small buttons to the left allow instant playback of pre-programmed playlists or radio stations configured in the Marshall app.

Everything sits on a brushed aluminum plate that adds to the premium feel. These aren't afterthoughts—they're genuinely useful controls that let you make adjustments without reaching for your phone or remote. It's a refreshing departure from soundbars that hide every control.

Repairability and Sustainability

Marshall deserves credit for designing the Heston 120 with repairability in mind. The grilles, end caps, drivers, and circuit boards can all be removed and replaced. This user-serviceable approach should extend the product's lifespan significantly compared to sealed units that become e-waste when a single component fails.

Comprehensive Wired Connections

The rear panel offers extensive connectivity:

• HDMI 2.1 eARC - primary TV connection with lossless Dolby Atmos/DTS:X passthrough
• HDMI passthrough - for connecting source devices directly
• USB-C - for service and potential future functionality
• RCA stereo input - for turntables, CD players, etc.
• RCA mono input - for adding external subwoofer (or the forthcoming Heston Sub 200)
• Ethernet - for stable network connection

This selection covers virtually every use case from connecting a record player to integrating a dedicated subwoofer. The dual HDMI inputs are particularly useful if you have both a media player and gaming console.

Wireless Capabilities

The Heston 120's wireless credentials are equally impressive:

• Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs plus Auracast support
• Wi-Fi 6 for stable streaming
• AirPlay for iOS/Mac integration
• Google Cast for Android devices
• Spotify Connect for direct Spotify streaming
• Tidal Connect for high-quality Tidal streams

Notably absent is any voice assistant integration—there are no microphones beyond the two used for room calibration. This is a deliberate choice rather than an oversight, as Marshall focused on audio quality over smart features.

One current limitation: Dolby Atmos music over AirPlay isn't available at launch. Marshall confirmed this feature requires Apple's recently released third-party specifications and will arrive via firmware update later in 2025. In the meantime, Dolby Atmos music works via Tidal Connect or HDMI eARC.

Marshall App and Calibration

The new Marshall app (required for initial setup) is refreshingly straightforward compared to feature-bloated alternatives. Key functions include:

• Source selection - switch inputs without touching the soundbar
• Sound mode selection - choose between the four presets
• 5-band manual EQ - adjust 100Hz, 300Hz, 1kHz, 3kHz, and 10kHz frequencies
• Lip sync adjustment - fine-tune audio/video synchronization
• Room calibration - automated acoustic optimization using the built-in microphones
• Playlist shortcuts - program the three quick-access buttons
• Firmware updates - ensure latest features and improvements

Room calibration takes about 30 seconds of test tones and does make a noticeable improvement in balancing the sound for your specific space. The app doesn't try to do everything like Sony's ecosystems, but it covers essentials competently.

The Bass Surprise

The most impressive aspect of the Heston 120's performance is its low-frequency capability. Thanks to two innovative 2" x 5" rectangular subwoofers with substantial excursion (inspired by Mayht's Sound Motion technology also used in Sonos Arc Ultra), this soundbar produces genuinely powerful bass without requiring an external subwoofer.

Marshall's engineers tested 17 different prototypes before finalizing this driver design. The extensive travel allows significant air displacement despite the compact form factor. The result is deep, impactful bass in action movies and bass-heavy music that many standalone soundbars simply cannot match.

In fact, out of the box, the bass can be overwhelming. During testing, we found ourselves reducing the low frequencies using the app's EQ to achieve better balance. This is actually preferable to a bass-shy soundbar that leaves you wanting more. You have the low-end capability when you want it, with the flexibility to dial it back when you don't.

For those who want even more sub-bass extension, Marshall will release the Heston Sub 200 wireless subwoofer later in 2025, creating a more complete home theater system.

Dolby Atmos and Surround Performance

The Heston 120 features a 5.1.2 channel configuration with 11 total drivers:

• 2x 3-inch midrange drivers (front left/right)
• 2x 0.8-inch tweeters (front left/right)
• 5x 2-inch full-range drivers (center, sides, height)
• 2x 2" x 5" subwoofers (integrated)

This array is powered by 11 individual Class D amplifiers for 150W total output—enough power for most living rooms without distortion (until you push past 75% volume).

For Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, horizontal imaging is quite good. The soundstage extends noticeably beyond the physical width of the bar, creating convincing left-right separation and placement. Sound effects that pan across the screen are well-defined, and the side-firing drivers do create some sense of wrap-around sound.

However, vertical height effects—a key component of object-based audio formats—are less convincing. Overhead sounds like helicopters, rain, or ceiling-mounted effects don't achieve the elevation that competitors like the Sonos Arc Ultra or premium Samsung models deliver. The upward-firing drivers create some sense of atmospheric height, but it's more subtle than spectacular.

This isn't unusual for all-in-one soundbars, which inherently struggle with convincing overhead sound compared to dedicated ceiling speakers. But it's worth noting that at this price point, some competitors do slightly better. The Heston 120's horizontal performance is strong, but don't expect dramatic overhead immersion.

Dialogue Clarity

One area where the Heston 120 excels is dialogue reproduction. The dedicated center channel driver ensures voices remain crystal clear even during explosive action sequences or scenes with dense background music. You won't find yourself reaching for subtitles or constantly adjusting volume to hear conversations.

The Voice sound mode further enhances dialogue when needed, though we found the default Movie mode already provided excellent intelligibility. Night mode works as expected, compressing dynamic range to prevent loud explosions from disturbing neighbors while keeping quieter dialogue audible.

Music Listening - Where Marshall Shines

This is where the Heston 120 truly differentiates itself from typical soundbars. Marshall's heritage in music amplification clearly influenced the tuning, resulting in a sound signature that music lovers will appreciate.

After adjusting the bass down slightly from the bombastic default, the tonal balance is excellent. Vocals sit forward in the mix without being harsh, supported by clear midrange that gives instruments proper body. Treble detail is present without becoming fatiguing—cymbals and hi-hats have air and shimmer without excess sibilance.

The soundstage for stereo music is impressively wide, creating a spacious presentation that doesn't sound collapsed into a single point source. Classical music benefits from good instrument separation and dynamic contrast. Jazz recordings reveal subtle details in brushwork and instrumental textures. Rock and electronic music get the punchy, energetic presentation they deserve.

Compared to dedicated hi-fi speakers, the Heston 120 naturally has limitations. But for a soundbar that also needs to handle movies, it's remarkably capable with music. This makes perfect sense—65% of soundbar owners also use them for music listening, yet most manufacturers prioritize cinema performance. Marshall took the opposite approach, ensuring music sounds great while making movies very good rather than the other way around.

Volume and Dynamics

The 150W amplification provides ample volume for rooms up to medium-large size. In our 18 square meter testing room, we never pushed the volume past 60% even during peak action scenes. The Heston 120 can play loud when needed.

However, there is a caveat: pushing the volume above 75% introduces noticeable distortion, particularly in the bass frequencies. The drivers begin to strain, and the clean sound becomes congested and harsh. For most users in typical living rooms, this won't be an issue since the soundbar provides plenty of volume before reaching this threshold. But if you have a particularly large space or like reference-level playback, you'll hit these limits.

Dynamic range—the contrast between quiet and loud passages—is good. Movie soundtracks that transition from whispered dialogue to explosive action maintain clarity throughout. The Night mode does an excellent job of compressing dynamics for evening viewing without completely destroying the sense of impact.

At €999, the Marshall Heston 120 is positioned directly against the Sonos Arc Ultra, which launched at the same price. Having tested both, here's how they compare:

Sonos Arc Ultra advantages:

• Slightly better Dolby Atmos height effects
• More refined app with extensive streaming integrations
• More discrete design that disappears visually
• Better room correction technology (Trueplay)
• Established ecosystem with easy expansion

Marshall Heston 120 advantages:

• Superior music listening performance
• Distinctive design with genuine Marshall character
• Physical controls for quick adjustments
• More connectivity options (RCA, USB-C, dual HDMI)
• User-serviceable/repairable construction
• Stronger bass without add-on subwoofer

The choice comes down to priorities. If you want the best possible cinematic Atmos performance and prefer minimalist aesthetics, the Sonos Arc Ultra has the edge. If music quality matters more, you appreciate distinctive design, and you value connectivity flexibility, the Marshall Heston 120 is the better choice.

Both are excellent soundbars at this price point. Neither is objectively "better"—they simply emphasize different strengths.

Ideal buyers:

• Music enthusiasts who also watch movies
• Fans of Marshall's design aesthetic
• Those who appreciate physical controls over app-only interfaces
• Buyers who value repairability and product longevity
• People who want flexible connectivity options
• Users building an expandable system with future Sub 200 and satellites

Consider alternatives if:

• You prioritize the absolute best Dolby Atmos height effects
• You prefer soundbars that visually disappear
• You're deeply invested in another ecosystem (Sonos, Samsung, etc.)
• You have a very large room requiring reference-level volumes
• You want integrated voice assistant functionality

At €999/£899, the Heston 120 isn't cheap. But the pricing is consistent with premium all-in-one soundbars from Sonos, Bose, and high-end Samsung models. For that investment, you get:

• Genuinely distinctive design and premium build
• Excellent music performance above category average
• Strong bass without mandatory subwoofer purchase
• Comprehensive connectivity (wired and wireless)
• Repairability extending product lifespan
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support (with caveats)

The value proposition improves if you're someone who uses their soundbar for music frequently. Most competitors in this range prioritize movies while treating music as an afterthought. Marshall flips that equation, making the Heston 120 one of the best-sounding soundbars for stereo music while maintaining solid (if not class-leading) Atmos performance.

Future expandability with the Heston Sub 200 and potential rear satellites also adds to the value equation, allowing you to grow the system over time rather than starting over with a new ecosystem.

The Marshall Heston 120 succeeds in bringing genuine Marshall identity to the soundbar category without sacrificing audio performance. It looks like nothing else in the category, sounds excellent for music, and handles movies capably despite not having the absolute best Dolby Atmos verticality.

This is clearly a soundbar designed by music people who also care about home theater rather than the opposite approach most competitors take. That focus shows in the tuning, connectivity, and feature set. Physical controls work beautifully, build quality is exceptional, and the design makes a statement.

If you're choosing between this and the Sonos Arc Ultra, the decision isn't about quality—both are excellent. It's about whether you prioritize music (Marshall) or cinema (Sonos), distinctive design (Marshall) or minimalism (Sonos), and flexibility (Marshall) or ecosystem simplicity (Sonos).

For Marshall's first soundbar, the Heston 120 is an impressive debut that establishes the company as a serious player in premium home audio. It brings fresh perspective to a category that desperately needs more personality.