The Marshall Heston 60: A Comprehensive Review
In today’s digital landscape, the quest for the perfect soundbar can be quite overwhelming. With a plethora of options flooding the market, discerning audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike require a reliable guide to navigate their choices. In this extensive review, we delve into the Marshall Heston 60, a compact Dolby Atmos soundbar designed to elevate your cinematic and musical experiences. We not only explore its features and performance but also provide insights that set it apart in a competitive market space.
Overview of the Marshall Heston 60
Launched in September 2025, the Marshall Heston 60 aims to deliver premium audio quality without overwhelming your living space. Priced at approximately $699.99, £499.99, or AU$999, this soundbar is positioned as a formidable competitor to popular models like the Sonos Beam Gen 2. What makes it exceptional is its commitment to high-quality audio, stylish design, and user-friendly features—all packed into a compact form.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the first things that catches your eye is the Heston 60’s stunning design. Drawing inspiration from vintage guitar amplifiers, it features a beautiful "fret" design complemented by golden accents. The tactile buttons are not only functional but also add to the aesthetic charm. Unlike its larger sibling, the Heston 120, the 60 has a magnetic control panel and logo which adds versatility for wall-mounting. This thoughtful design element allows you to customize the look according to your space, making it not merely a functional device but also an attractive piece of home decor.
Weighing in at just 6.1 lbs (2.8 kg) and measuring approximately 28.7 inches (730mm) in width, it’s light and compact enough to fit seamlessly under most TVs. The inclusion of wall-mount grommets means you won’t have to scour the hardware store for compatible accessories, which often adds to the cost of ownership.
Performance: Immersive Sound Quality
Audiovisual Elements
When it comes to sound performance, the Marshall Heston 60 lives up to the lofty expectations set by its design. Featuring a 5.1 speaker configuration powered by seven active drivers, the soundbar outputs a maximum power of 56W, translating into robust audio quality. Unlike many compact soundbars, the Heston 60 excels in clarity—especially when delivering dialogue.
Viewing the high-octane action movie "Top Gun: Maverick," the separation of voices, especially in large open spaces, was remarkable. Even amidst a grand orchestral score and loud sound effects, the dialogues were crystal clear. This clarity is pivotal, making the soundbar an excellent choice for movie lovers who want to experience every nuance of the dialogue.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
One of the key highlights of the Heston 60 is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These technologies are designed to create an immersive sound environment, and the Heston 60 delivers on that promise—albeit with some limitations due to its compact size. Notably, during scenes where aircraft flew overhead, the positioning and layering of sound added a sense of verticality that many budget soundbars fail to achieve.
While it doesn’t quite rival the expansive soundstage of larger soundbars like the Heston 120, the Heston 60 manages to create an impressive auditory landscape. The soundbar does well in trickier elements, striking a harmonious balance that enhances both movie-watching and music-listening experiences.
Bass Quality
Bass response is another area where the Marshall Heston 60 excels for its size. During an intense chase scene in "The Batman," the soundbar produced impactful low-end sound that caught my attention. It lacks the room-shaking bass that larger models provide, but the Heston 60 certainly bucks the trend of small soundbars that deliver weak low-frequency output.
For those who desire even deeper bass, pairing the Heston 60 with the Marshall Heston 200 subwoofer could be a game-changer, making it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles who appreciate a fuller sound.
Flexibility and Connectivity
Connectivity Options
In today’s multi-device ecosystem, a soundbar’s connectivity options can be a deal-maker or breaker. The Heston 60 offers a wide array of options, including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and analog inputs. While it’s a bummer that it lacks HDMI passthrough—an essential feature for some gaming consoles—the soundbar compensates with solid wireless connectivity, making it relatively easy to pair with various devices.
Additionally, for audiophiles who prefer to stream music, the soundbar supports various services, including Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and even Apple AirPlay 2. This level of compatibility makes it easier than ever to integrate your soundbar into your existing setup.
Companion App Features
The Marshall app, which facilitates many of the soundbar’s features, has undergone some refurbishment. While the user interface is generally intuitive, a few operational bugs did crop up during testing. Once established, the app opens up a range of features including an equalizer, room calibration, and multiple sound modes such as ‘Movie,’ ‘Music,’ ‘Voice,’ and ‘Night.’ These options are well-differentiated, offering users the ability to tailor audio settings to their preferences, though some minor bugs could be frustrating.
Notably, the app allows for Auracast compatibility, enabling you to enjoy audio broadcasts without pairing, which is a great feature for those who enjoy flexibility.
Usability and Setup
Setting up the Heston 60 is largely a plug-and-play scenario, perfect for those who may not be tech-savvy. Connecting it to your TV via HDMI eARC allows you to control the soundbar’s volume with your existing TV remote, which simplifies the user experience.
However, getting the app to function seamlessly with the soundbar posed some initial challenges. Once you establish a connection, the app proves to be a robust tool that opens up a world of customization. Despite occasional loading issues, it eventually operated smoothly, providing significant personalization settings that enhance the listening experience.
Value Proposition
When evaluating soundbars, pricing can be subjective, and that certainly applies to the Marshall Heston 60. At $699.99, it occupies a premium segment of the market. While it may not be the most cost-effective option—especially when compared to multi-box soundbar systems—its specialized features justify the pricing in many cases.
In an environment where you might pay less for a solid multi-box system, the Heston 60’s unique blend of aesthetic appeal, sound quality, and innovative features makes it a compelling choice. Its ability to deliver high-quality audio, particularly with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, is an attractive selling point for enthusiasts who want to enhance their home theater experience without taking up much space.
Should You Buy the Marshall Heston 60?
Pros
- Exceptional Design: Its stylish aesthetic can enhance any living space.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Clear dialogues and surprising bass output for a compact model.
- User-Friendly App: Numerous features for customization and control.
Cons
- Pricey: It sits at the higher end of the price bracket for a compact soundbar.
- Limited Bass Without Subwoofer: For genres that rely heavily on low frequencies, a separate subwoofer might be necessary.
- Buggy App: Occasional issues with the app could frustrate users.
Final Recommendation
If you’re in the market for a compact soundbar that offers high-quality audio, stylish design, and easy connectivity, the Marshall Heston 60 is a smart investment. However, for those who prioritize extensive low-end power and other advanced features like HDMI passthrough, you may want to consider alternative options or budget for a dedicated subwoofer.
In summary, the Marshall Heston 60 represents a well-rounded option that excels in multiple domains. With its rich sound profile, gorgeous design, and flexibility, it’s a worthy addition to any home theater setup, making it easy to endorse for prospective buyers.
