## The Marshall Question: Style Over Substance?
Marshall is synonymous with iconic vintage design. But does their foray into soundbars, specifically the Heston60 and the Heston sub 200 wireless subwoofer, offer more than just a pretty face for your living room?
This review puts the system through its paces, evaluating design, sound quality with and without the subwoofer, connectivity, and overall value to determine if it's worthy of your home entertainment setup.
## Unboxing & First Impressions: Signature Marshall Aesthetic
Design & Build
The Heston60 stays true to Marshall's roots: a brushed metal grille, wood-style end caps, and tactile chrome control knobs. It measures approximately 90cm, fitting nicely under most 55-inch and larger TVs.
Included in the box:
- Heston60 soundbar
- Remote control (battery included)
- Power adapter
- Optical cable (Toslink)
- Wall-mounting kit
- Quick start guide
Connectivity Options
The Heston60 is well-equipped for modern setups:
- HDMI eARC: For the best possible audio quality and control from compatible TVs.
- Optical Input (Toslink): Standard connection for older TVs.
- Bluetooth 5.2: For easy wireless streaming from phones and tablets.
The Heston sub 200 subwoofer pairs wirelessly and automatically with the soundbar—just plug it in. Extremely convenient.
## Sound Test & The Subwoofer Difference
Performance with Dolby Atmos Content
The Heston60 supports Dolby Atmos. The impact of adding the wireless subwoofer is significant, as detailed below.
| Content Type | With Subwoofer (Heston sub 200) | Without Subwoofer (Heston60 Alone) |
|---|---|---|
| Action Movies | ✅ Powerful, room-filling bass for explosions<br>✅ Enhanced sense of space and immersion | ⚠️ Lacks low-end impact, feels dynamic<br>⚠️ Sounds like a standard, mid-range soundbar |
| Music Listening | ✅ Clear, defined bass lines and rich soundstage<br>✅ Full, engaging audio profile | ⚠️ Focused on mids/highs, can sound flat<br>⚠️ Retains Marshall's characteristic warm tone |
| Gaming | ✅ Effects like gunfire and footsteps are visceral<br>✅ High level of immersion | ⚠️ Sound effects lack weight and depth<br>⚠️ Gaming experience is less engaging |
| TV Dialogue | ✅ Clear speech reproduction<br>✅ Balanced background music | ✅ Dialogue clarity is perfectly adequate<br>✅ Takes up less space |
Setup & Usage Tips
- EQ Control: Use the remote's Bass and Treble knobs to adjust to your preference. The default is a warm sound signature.
- Optimal Connection: Use HDMI eARC if your TV supports it for the best audio and control integration.
- Subwoofer Placement: Place the subwoofer on the floor near your TV or sofa. Its wireless nature allows for flexible placement.
## Final Verdict: Who Is This For?
Pros Summary
- Stunning Vintage Design: Unmatched as a style statement for your home.
- Hassle-free Wireless Sub: The Heston sub 200 pairs instantly with no wires to run.
- Solid Connectivity: Covers all essential inputs (HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth).
- Major Sound Upgrade with Sub: Movies and games become truly immersive.
Cons & Considerations
- Price-to-Performance (Soundbar Alone): The Heston60 by itself is hard to justify based on sound quality alone.
- English-Only Voice Prompts: Power on/off announcements are in English only.
- Size: The 90cm length may be overkill for smaller TVs or desktop use.
Target Audience
- Design-Conscious Buyers: If you love Marshall's aesthetic and want "good enough" sound, this is a top contender.
- Home Theater Enthusiasts (on a style budget): For a immersive experience, the Heston sub 200 is a mandatory purchase. The combo transforms the system.
- Those Seeking Simple Setup: The wireless subwoofer makes achieving a powerful home theater remarkably easy.
Bottom Line: The Heston60 alone is primarily a stylish piece of home decor with decent audio. However, the Heston60 + Heston sub 200 combination becomes a competent audio system that justifies its price. If your budget allows, buy them as a set.
