Description
A Solid Choice for Home Theater Enthusiasts
Testing the Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver felt like stepping into a cinema without leaving my living room. This AV receiver is packed with features designed to elevate your home entertainment experience with a focus on 4K HDR compatibility, Sonic fidelity, and Bluetooth connectivity. While it impressed me in many areas, there are a few quirks to note. Here’s how it performed in my real-world setup.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the sleek black finish and compact design of this receiver stood out. Measuring 11.75 x 17 x 5.25 inches and weighing around 18.25 pounds, it’s sturdy yet not overly bulky. It slid easily into my media console without dominating the space. The front panel layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and a display that’s bright enough without being distracting. It feels durable, and the simple design ensures it complements various home setups.
One minor gripe I had was the lack of a detailed manual included in the package. I had to dig around online to fully understand some of the more advanced settings. However, for someone familiar with AV receivers, the controls are straightforward.
Sound Performance and Features
The 5.2 channel setup with 725W power delivers a fantastic audio experience. Pairing this with my existing two-speaker setup, I was able to enjoy S-Force PRO virtual surround sound, which created an immersive environment. While it doesn’t quite replicate a full surround sound system, the virtual front surround feature does a commendable job of mimicking it.
I tested the receiver with my 4K HDR TV, and the 4K pass-through with HDCP 2.2 support ensured stunning picture quality. Movies looked crisp, vibrant, and paired beautifully with the cinematic sound this receiver provides. The dynamic setup of 4 RCA audio inputs and digital audio outputs (both optical and coaxial) made it easy to connect all my devices, including a gaming console.
However, I noticed the FM radio tuner felt like an outdated inclusion. While it’s functional, I doubt many users will rely on it in today’s streaming-dominated world.
Smart Connectivity Features
Bluetooth connectivity is where this receiver truly shines. The ability to stream music from my phone and even use Bluetooth standby to power on the receiver remotely is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I used it. It was seamless, and the connection remained stable across different devices.
That said, the receiver lacks Wi-Fi or app control, which has become standard in many modern AV systems. Adding this would have made it feel more future-proof, especially for integrating into smart home setups.
Key Benefits
- Sonic Fidelity: Delivers theater-like sound with just two speakers, thanks to the S-Force PRO virtual surround.
- 4K HDR Compatibility: Ensures high-resolution visuals with HDCP 2.2 support.
- Bluetooth Convenience: Straightforward streaming and remote power-on via phone.
- Dynamic Inputs/Outputs: Versatility to connect multiple devices effortlessly.
Shortcomings
- No Smart Features: Lacks Wi-Fi or app integration for smart home compatibility.
- Outdated FM Tuner: Feels redundant in a streaming-focused world.
- Manual Accessibility: Relying on an online manual might frustrate some users.
Rival Brands
Comparing this product to similar offerings, the Yamaha RX-V385 comes to mind. While Yamaha’s receiver boasts Wi-Fi and app control, it falls slightly short in delivering the near-surround sound quality that the Sony STRDH590 achieves with S-Force PRO technology. Meanwhile, the Denon AVR-S540BT offers 5 HDMI inputs (compared to 4 on Sony’s model) and a more user-friendly setup process. However, the Denon lacks the same level of audio clarity when pushed to higher volumes.
The Sony receiver edges ahead with its 4K compatibility and Bluetooth standby, which are ideal for someone prioritizing convenience and picture quality.
Smart Spending
When comparing this to pricier models, the STRDH590 offers excellent price-to-quality ratio. It’s not loaded with bells and whistles like higher-end receivers, but it delivers where it counts: audio performance, connectivity, and 4K HDR support. If you’re someone who values solid performance without overpaying for features you might not use, this is an option worth considering.
The Sony STRDH590 strikes a fine balance between affordability and functionality, making it a reliable choice for home theater enthusiasts who want 4K visuals, dynamic sound, and Bluetooth ease without breaking the bank.