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Marshall Heston 120 underwhelms with audio quality

Marshall's first soundbar fails to compete with top models, lacking dynamic sound and engaging performance.

July 23, 2025 at 02:03 PM

Marshall’s debut soundbar is stylish but lacks the sound quality needed to compete effectively.

Marshall Heston 120 disappoints with sound performance

The Marshall Heston 120, priced at £900 and marketed as the loudest soundbar for your TV, offers a 5.1.2 speaker configuration and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Despite boasting a sturdy retro design, its sound performance does not match competitors like the Sonos Arc Ultra. While it improves on typical TV audio, the Heston 120's lack of dynamics and engaging sound leads to a disappointing listening experience.

Key Takeaways

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Stylish retro design appeals to many users

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Sound lacks engagement and emotional depth

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Competing models outperform the Heston 120

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Clarity in dialogue is notable but insufficient

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Limited Dolby Atmos performance weakens audio immersion

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Users may find better options within the same price range

"The Heston 120 commits one of the cardinal sins of home audio – it sounds lifeless."

This highlights a major flaw in the product's overall audio performance.

"The unique design is nice and will draw the eye of many a musician, but there are much better soundbars available for the same money."

This underscores the competition in the soundbar market and its implications for consumers.

The Heston 120 represents an ambitious entry into the soundbar market from a brand known for audio excellence. However, its performance highlights a crucial reality for consumers: aesthetic appeal cannot compensate for insufficient sound quality. The inability to deliver dramatic audio changes undermines its appeal, particularly at a high price point. Marshall’s first soundbar may attract initial interest due to its design, but sound quality remains paramount and a decisive factor for buyers.

Highlights

Marshall aims high but misses the mark with the Heston 120.
Style over substance may not win in the soundbar battle.
A soundbar should excite, yet the Heston 120 sounds flat.
When design outshines sound quality, something is amiss.

Potential backlash due to disappointing performance

Consumers might react negatively to a high-priced product that fails to meet sound quality expectations. This could affect brand loyalty and future sales for Marshall.

As sound technology evolves, consumers will expect more from brands like Marshall.

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