MARSHALL

Marshall Heston 120 Soundbar

Marshall, a legendary name in the manufacture of iconic guitar amplifiers and an ever-expanding portfolio of consumer audio products, has just announced a bold move: entering the competitive soundbar market. The brand today revealed its first foray into this category with the launch of the Heston 120, a soundbar with Dolby Atmos capability and a price tag that leaves no doubt as to its ambition: around €920.

This debut for Marshall in a new product segment is undoubtedly a significant step and, like any foray into uncharted territory, it comes with its challenges.

For any company, venturing into a new product category is a task that requires a well-defined strategy and a considerable dose of audacity. For Marshall, this transition is particularly exciting.

Known worldwide for its distinctive aesthetics and the sonic power of its amplifiers, which have defined the sound of generations of musicians, the brand has successfully transferred this heritage to headphones and portable speakers. Now, the challenge is to translate this identity into the soundbar format, a piece of equipment that is central to the home entertainment experience of many users.

The current economic context, described in the original article as a “tariff roulette”, adds an additional layer of unpredictability to this type of investment. However, Marshall shows confidence and determination in continuing its expansion plans by moving forward with this launch.

The Heston 120 is therefore the first piece of equipment with which Marshall intends to mark its position in the soundbar universe. And it does so with a proposal that does not go unnoticed.

With an announced cost of approximately €920, the Heston 120 is clearly positioned in the premium segment of the market. This is not an entry-level price, but rather a value that puts the Marshall soundbar on par with other top options. This price choice for a debut product in such a popular category underscores the brand's confidence in its value proposition and its intention to compete at the highest level.

The promise of Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience...One of the technical features highlighted for the Heston 120 is its compatibility with Dolby Atmos. For those looking for a home cinema experience or simply wanting to feel immersed in music, this technology is an advantage. Dolby Atmos allows you to create a three-dimensional sound field, where sounds seem to come from all directions, including from above, providing greater realism and immersion. The expectation is that Marshall will be able to combine this technology with its renowned quality and sound signature.

The challenge of gaining a space in the market...Marshall's entry into the soundbar market means that it will face direct competition from brands that are already well-established and have a strong presence among users, such as Sonos. WIRED magazine even had the opportunity to talk to Gustaf Rosell, Marshall's director of product and innovation, about how the company plans to face this competition and stand out. The details of this strategy will certainly be crucial to the Heston 120's trajectory. This launch is, therefore, a testament to Marshall's desire not to settle for its legacy, but to continue innovating and seeking new ways to bring its signature sound to more people.

mundophone