Marshall Heston 120

Design & build quality

The Marshall Heston 120 makes its presence felt in any living room. At over a metre wide and almost 13 cm deep, it is as imposing as it is stylish. With its signature Marshall cloth grille, gold control knobs on the top panel and large front-facing logo, it’s a striking nod to the brand’s amplifier heritage.

Where many soundbars favour discreet minimalism, Marshall takes the opposite approach: the Marshall Heston 120 is a statement piece, bringing a slice of music history into the home. It avoids kitsch, instead looking consistently refined and premium. The matte finish resists fingerprints, the grille feels durable, and the knobs offer a pleasingly firm resistance.

Clever touches round out the impression: a subtle front LED strip provides feedback on volume and inputs, while the rear panel is neatly laid out with recessed ports and cable management. Marshall has also considered repairability, with many parts designed for replacement – a welcome nod towards longevity.

Operation & features

Rather than a traditional remote control, Marshall relies on its companion app. Setup is straightforward, with options for EQ tuning, sound modes and room calibration. The tactile top-mounted knobs – reminiscent of classic Marshall amps – offer an alternative for direct control.

Connectivity is a strong point: HDMI eARC, 4K/120 passthrough, USB-C, RCA, Ethernet, plus Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. The Heston 120 can therefore be integrated into virtually any home entertainment setup with ease.

Sound performance

Films & TV

In home cinema use, the Heston 120 performs with clarity and control. Dialogue remains crisp and intelligible, even during action-heavy scenes. Side- and upward-firing drivers help lift sound off the bar itself, creating a spacious impression with audible Dolby Atmos effects – sometimes even appearing behind the listener.

Still, the limitations of an all-in-one design are evident. Without dedicated rears or a subwoofer, depth and surround immersion remain front-heavy. Explosions and action sequences have punch but could use more visceral weight. For those seeking cinematic dynamics, modular systems with subwoofers and satellite speakers still hold the edge. Nevertheless, compared with many other standalone soundbars, the Marshall Heston 120 delivers a surprisingly convincing cinema experience.

Music

Music is where the Marshall Heston 120 truly shines. Drawing on decades of Marshall expertise, the soundbar creates a wide, detailed stage that’s especially engaging with rock, pop and electronic music. The bass is powerful but controlled, lending drums and basslines real physicality without overwhelming the mix. Vocals sit naturally in the soundscape, while instruments are cleanly separated.

The soundstage feels unusually wide for a single-unit bar, almost making you forget the source is just one enclosure. Atmos-enabled music benefits most: guitars extend sideways while synths and effects float subtly above. Even at high volumes, the Heston 120 remains punchy and free from distortion. Here, it comfortably ranks among the best-sounding music-focused soundbars available.

Marshall Heston 120 vs. Sonos Arc Ultra

Marshall Heston 120

• Strengths: Iconic design, superb music performance with wide stage, extensive connectivity (HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal Connect)
• Weaknesses: Surround effects more front-focused, no bundled subwoofer or rear speakers
• Best for: Music lovers seeking design, style and impactful sound in one package

Sonos Arc Ultra

• Strengths: Immersive Dolby Atmos sound with Trueplay tuning, seamless multiroom integration, wireless expansion with subwoofer and rears possible
• Weaknesses: Music performance less characterful than Marshall, higher cost
• Best for: Home cinema fans prioritising a truly enveloping surround sound experience

👉 Conclusion: The Marshall Heston 120 is the clear choice for style-conscious music enthusiasts, while the Sonos Arc Ultra is the stronger option for those wanting the most immersive home theatre setup.

Verdict

The Marshall Heston 120 marks a strong debut in the soundbar space, blending iconic design with superb music playback and an impressive feature set. It enhances both sound and aesthetics in the living room, particularly for those who value musicality and style.

As a home cinema solution it performs well, but falls short of the dynamism of modular multi-speaker systems. Still, for listeners who want their soundbar to look as good as it sounds, and who prioritise music over blockbuster immersion, the Heston 120 is an excellent choice.