When you think of Marshall, you very likely imagine iconic guitar amps and speakers with that unmistakable retro look. Still, the brand’s latest innovation, the Marshall Heston 60, brings its legendary sound heritage firmly into the home entertainment arena. Priced at around ₹74,999 in India, this sleek Dolby Atmos soundbar promises to transform your living room into a concert hall while keeping your setup compact and stylish. So, how well does it live up to the hype? Let’s break down the design, features, performance, and value of the Marshall Heston 60.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing one notices upon laying eyes on the Marshall Heston 60 is the premium design. The textured vinyl finish, combined with brass detailing and the iconic Marshall logo, presents a very vintage aesthetic that’s modern enough to fit into any home décor. This soundbar measures approximately 730 × 124 × 68 mm and weighs just under 3 kg, making it perfect for medium-sized TV setups or minimalist spaces.
For a single-unit soundbar, the Heston 60 looks anything but plain. The build quality is sturdy, and every inch feels well thought out. Marshall has successfully taken the essence of its amplifier heritage and mixed it flawlessly with modern home audio aesthetics.
Audio Technology and Sound Performance
The Heston 60 also provides Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, offering a virtual 3D audio experience that surrounds you with sound from every direction. And while it lacks up-firing speakers like full-fledged home theater systems, for such a small system, it somehow manages to create an immersive effect.
You can choose from a number of sound modes: Music, Movie, Night, and Voice, depending on your content. In testing, movie mode provided a wide soundstage, clear dialogue, and convincing spatial effects. Music mode, meanwhile, shone during Spotify or Tidal streaming, delivering crisp highs, rich mids, and punchy bass tones that really do justice to Marshall’s musical heritage.
Meanwhile, for those who love bass, there’s the option to hook up an external subwoofer, such as the Marshall Heston Sub 200, using the dedicated SUB OUT port or wirelessly. While the bar alone does a great job, adding a sub really elevates movie night to the next level.
Connectivity and Smart Features
But the Marshall Heston 60 doesn’t only sound great; it’s also built for convenience, supporting HDMI eARC, AUX, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to make pairing with your TV, smartphone, or tablet entirely seamless.
What really sets it apart is its smart streaming capabilities: It supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and popular streaming services, allowing you to cast directly from your favorite apps. Whether you’re streaming a Spotify playlist, watching Netflix, or tuning into YouTube Music, the Heston 60 makes switching between devices seamless.
Additionally, Marshall has included app support for setup and updates, though some reviewers noted minor quirks such as slight input-switching delays; however, firmware updates are expected to improve the small issues over time.
Performance in Real Rooms
The Heston 60 works fantastically well for small to medium-sized rooms. It sounds wide and well-balanced, projecting audio in a detailed manner without overwhelming the space. The virtual Atmos effects make movies cinematic, and the vocals are sharp and clear, a feature that many compact bars often fail to provide.
That said, the single-bar configuration of the Heston 60 may not completely replace a multi-channel setup for those with very large rooms or seeking true surround sound with rear speakers. However, for urban apartments or a minimalist living room, it strikes a perfect balance between power and practicality.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, the Marshall Heston 60 is available in India through select retailers like 8mm.in and TheAudio.co, with prices hovering around ₹74,999. But while this is a premium soundbar, what you are paying for is not just sound quality but brand prestige, design excellence, and multi-platform versatility.
For any user who already owns a Marshall speaker or loves the signature sound profile, the Heston 60 would find its natural place in their collection. It’s also perfect for those wanting great sound and timeless style without cluttering up their living space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support for immersive sound
- Premium build with iconic Marshall design
- Smart streaming via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Google Cast
- Compact and easy to set up
- Option to add an external subwoofer
Cons:
- Pricey compared to similar-sized soundbars
- Virtual Atmos: no up-firing speakers
- App and mode switching could be smoother.
Final Verdict
The Marshall Heston 60 is not just another soundbar; it’s a statement piece that brings together design, musical heritage, and modern technology. Ideal for users who value both aesthetics and sound performance, want wireless convenience, and prefer a sleek, all-in-one system. While it won’t provide the same sort of surround experience as a full 5.1.2 setup, the Heston 60 is truly distinguished for its premium soundstage, attention to detail, and signature Marshall character. It’s a great soundbar for those who want a combination of upgrading their TV sound with cinematic audio—all wrapped in a timeless design.
