Marshall Heston 120 vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9: which soundbar should you buy?

The Marshall Heston 120 and Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 soundbars on a red and grey background with a white versus sign between them.

Marshall Heston 120

Connectivity: HDMI eARC, HDMI 2.1 input, stereo RCA, subwoofer out, Bluetooth 5.3, wi-fi
Format support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Bluetooth: 5.3
Streaming: Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
Dimensions (hwd): 7.6 x 110 x 15cm

As a first try, the Heston 120 isn't bad at all. It looks distinctive, has plenty of features and isn't too unreasonably priced. It's just that the sound isn't a patch on its Award-winning rival. One for the Marshall purists only, sadly.

Pros

• Clear and detailed dialogue
• Decent amount of bass
• Unique design with tactile knobs

Cons

• Sound lacks dynamics and punch
• Slightly bright, sibilant treble
• Weak with Dolby Atmos

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9

Connectivity: HDMI out (eARC), 1 x HDMI 2.1 in, wi-fi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2
Format support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Bluetooth: 5.2
Streaming: Spotify Connect, AirPlay
Dimensions (hwd): 6.4 x 130 x 11 cm

Now the price has come down, the Theatre Bar 9 is the clear winner. It might not look as iconic as the Marshall, or support Tidal Connect, but the sound is in a different league. An Award winner through and through.

Pros

• Superb clarity, detail and punch
• Impressive 3D audio processing
• Classy, subtle design

Cons

• Slightly clinical in its delivery
• No display
• Occasionally over-pronounced deep bass