“title”: “marshall Heston 120 Review: Style & Sound, but …
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“meta_description”: “Our in-depth review of the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar. Discover its premium design and impressive sound quality, but learn about the crucial feature it lacks. Is it worth the price?”,
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Marshall, known for its iconic guitar amplifiers and stylish headphones, has entered the soundbar arena with the Heston 120. Promising a premium audio experience wrapped in their signature aesthetic, the Heston 120 certainly turns heads. But does it deliver on its promise? In this Marshall Heston 120 review, we’ll delve into its design, sound quality, features, and, crucially, what’s missing. We’ll help you decide if this soundbar is the right fit for your home theater setup, or if you should consider other options. Let’s find out if the Heston 120 lives up to the Marshall name.
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A Design That Screams Marshall
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Right out of the box, the Heston 120 exudes Marshall’s classic design language. The textured vinyl, brass accents, and iconic logo are instantly recognizable. It’s a soundbar that makes a statement, blending seamlessly with vintage-inspired or modern minimalist interiors. The build quality feels substantial and premium, reinforcing the impression that this is a high-end piece of audio equipment.
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Aesthetics and Build Quality
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The Heston 120 is undeniably attractive. The grille cloth adds a touch of retro charm, while the brass control knobs on the top panel provide a tactile and satisfying user experience. The soundbar feels solid and well-constructed, suggesting durability and longevity. This attention to detail is what you’d expect from a brand like Marshall, and the Heston 120 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. For those who value aesthetics as much as audio performance, this soundbar is a strong contender. The physical design choices also contribute to acoustic performance, reflecting Marshall’s long history in the sound business.
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Connectivity and Ports
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As a result, The back panel of the Heston 120 offers a decent selection of ports. You’ll find HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) for easy connection to your TV, optical input for older TVs, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting other audio sources. Bluetooth 5.0 is also included for wireless streaming from your smartphone or tablet. While the port selection is adequate, the omission of HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is a notable drawback, especially considering the price point. HDMI eARC allows for the transmission of higher-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are becoming increasingly common in modern home theater setups.
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The Sound: Premium, but Restrained
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The heart of any soundbar is, of course, its sound quality. The Heston 120 boasts a multi-driver array designed to deliver a wide and immersive soundstage. It features two 1-inch tweeters and two 4-inch woofers, powered by a Class D amplifier. In practice, the sound is indeed impressive, with clear vocals, detailed highs, and a punchy bass response. However, the sound signature is somewhat restrained, lacking the dynamic range and impactful low-end that some users might expect from a premium soundbar.
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Clarity and Detail
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One of the Heston 120’s strengths is its clarity. Vocals are crisp and articulate, making dialogue easy to understand even during action-packed scenes. The high frequencies are also well-defined, adding a sense of airiness and detail to the sound. This makes the Heston 120 particularly well-suited for watching movies and TV shows with complex soundtracks. The soundstage is wide enough to create a sense of immersion, although it doesn’t quite match the expansive sound field of some higher-end soundbars with dedicated surround sound speakers.
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Bass Performance
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Consequently, The Heston 120’s bass performance is adequate but not exceptional. The 4-inch woofers provide a decent amount of low-end punch, but they don’t deliver the truly deep and rumbling bass that some users might crave. This is where the lack of a dedicated subwoofer becomes apparent. While the bass is tight and controlled, it simply doesn’t have the same impact as soundbars that include a separate subwoofer. For movies with heavy bass, like action films or sci-fi thrillers, the Heston 120 might leave you wanting more. Consider exploring options for adding an external subwoofer if powerful bass is essential for your setup.
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Sound Modes and Customization
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The Heston 120 offers a few sound modes to tailor the audio to your preferences. These include Movie, Music, and Dialogue modes, each optimized for specific types of content. There’s also a bass and treble control, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. However, the customization options are relatively limited compared to some other soundbars on the market. A more comprehensive EQ (equalizer) would have been a welcome addition, allowing users to precisely adjust the frequency response to match their room acoustics and personal preferences.
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The Missing Piece: No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
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Here’s where the Heston 120 falls short. In today’s market, where immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are becoming increasingly prevalent, the Heston 120’s lack of support for these formats is a significant omission. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X add a vertical dimension to the soundstage, creating a more realistic and immersive listening experience. Without these technologies, the Heston 120 feels somewhat dated compared to its competitors. This is a crucial factor to consider if you plan to watch a lot of movies or TV shows that support these formats.
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The Impact of Missing Immersive Audio
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Thus, The absence of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X means that the Heston 120 cannot fully reproduce the intended audio experience of many modern movies and TV shows. While the sound quality is still good, you’re missing out on the height channels and object-based audio that these formats provide. This can result in a less immersive and less realistic listening experience. For example, the sound of rain falling from above or a helicopter flying overhead will not be as convincing on the Heston 120 as it would be on a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
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Alternatives to Consider
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If Dolby Atmos or DTS:X is a must-have for you, there are many excellent soundbar options available at a similar price point. Brands like Sonos, Samsung, and Sony offer soundbars with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, often with additional features like voice control and multi-room audio capabilities. While these soundbars may not have the same iconic Marshall design, they offer a more complete and future-proof audio experience. Before making a decision, it’s worth comparing the Heston 120 to these alternatives to see which soundbar best meets your needs.
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Is the Marshall Heston 120 Worth the Price?
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Meanwhile, The Marshall Heston 120 is a stylish and well-built soundbar that delivers impressive sound quality. Its clear vocals, detailed highs, and punchy bass make it a good choice for watching movies and TV shows. However, the lack of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is a significant drawback, especially considering its premium price tag. If you prioritize aesthetics and don’t necessarily need immersive audio, the Heston 120 might be a good fit. But if you’re looking for the most complete and future-proof audio experience, there are other soundbars on the market that offer more features for the same price or even less.
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Who is this Soundbar For?
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The Heston 120 is best suited for users who value design and brand recognition as much as audio performance. It’s a great choice for those who want a soundbar that looks as good as it sounds, and who don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest audio technologies. If you’re a fan of Marshall’s aesthetic and want a soundbar that complements your existing Marshall headphones or speakers, the Heston 120 is a worthy contender. However, if you’re a serious audiophile or home theater enthusiast, you might be better off with a soundbar that offers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
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Final Verdict
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The Marshall Heston 120 is a solid soundbar with a few key shortcomings. Its stylish design and impressive sound quality are undeniable strengths, but the lack of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support holds it back from being a truly top-tier product. Ultimately, whether or not the Heston 120 is worth the price depends on your individual needs and priorities. If design is paramount and you’re not concerned about immersive audio, it’s a good option. Otherwise, consider exploring other soundbars that offer a more complete and future-proof audio experience.
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Conclusion: Style Over Substance?
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The Marshall Heston 120 is a soundbar that prioritizes style and brand recognition over cutting-edge audio technology. While it delivers impressive sound quality and boasts a premium design, the lack of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is a significant omission that limits its appeal to serious audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of Marshall’s aesthetic and don’t necessarily need immersive audio, the Heston 120 is a worthy contender. However, if you’re looking for the most complete and future-proof audio experience, there are other soundbars on the market that offer more features for the same price or even less. Before making a decision, carefully consider your needs and priorities. Ready to upgrade your home audio? Check out our expert buying guide for the best soundbars of 2024 and find the perfect fit for your entertainment setup!
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“excerpt”: “A detailed review of the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar. We analyze its design, sound quality, and missing features to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home theater.”,
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