Marshall’s new Heddon hub provides multi-room audio to audio system with Auracast

Marshall plans so as to add seamless multi-room audio to its Bluetooth audio system through a newly introduced music streaming hub referred to as Heddon. The $300 hub makes it potential to attach and synchronize a number of older Marshall audio system collectively, not not like Sonos’ audio units.

Reasonably than use Wi-Fi to get a number of audio system taking part in the identical audio, although, the Marshall Heddon makes use of Auracast. The hub connects to providers like Spotify Join or Tidal over Wi-Fi, or different units by means of Google Forged and AirPlay, after which shares that audio over Auracast to the Marshall Acton III, Stanmore III and Wobrun III speakers. You’ll be able to management playback over a linked Marshall app and the Heddon additionally has RCA ports to attach different audio system or a document participant to the system.

As a result of the Heddon requires a Wi-Fi connection, Marshall says it may add options to the system over-time, however even within the brief time period, the hub ought to meaningfully lengthen the lifetime of the corporate’s audio system. Reasonably than swap to newer fashions with built-in Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to simply seize a Heddon. Sonos gives comparable performance by means of its Sonos Port and Sonos Amp equipment, and third-party hubs from corporations like WiiM can add much more choices. The Marshall Heddon is extra streamlined compared, however in the event you’re already invested within the firm’s audio system, or planning to construct out your audio system with them, the hub may very well be a useful device to have.

The Marshall Heddon is out there to buy now for $300. Marshall says that clients buying an Acton III, Stanmore III or Woburn III can get a Heddon at half value, and the hub is included totally free once you purchase two or extra eligible Marshall residence audio system.