Sony designs and builds some of the most popular home and car audio products you’ll find. They are known for quality and a pure, true sound. If you are in the market for an affordable home theater solution that allows you to take advantage of the latest in video resolution and high-res audio, but you don’t want to spend a huge amount of money, you are probably wondering if this receiver is worth buying. With this Sony STR-DH590 review, we will break down what makes this receiver a popular buy. (>>>Find on Amazon)
Sony STR-DH590 Review of Specifications:
| Sony STR-DH590 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Video | 4K/60Hz |
| Amplifier | 5.2 Channel (145W per channel) |
| Sound | 5.1 Dolby Atmos |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Price | Find on Amazon |
The Sony STR-DH590 is a 5.2 channel audio-video receiver. It provides optimal power and features for the average audio enthusiast looking to go beyond the limits of a soundbar or cheap audio solutions that don’t sound very good.
Audio Features
The STR-DH590 gives you a maximum of 145 watts of power and the availability of a classic five speaker and dual sub configuration. The speaker connections are basic spring clips, with RCA inputs for front speakers. This is a functional, if inelegant connection system.
You won’t find a lot of clutter with this AVR. It doesn’t mess around with preprogramming and built-in functionality to a bunch of apps. Instead, you can use a basic bluetooth connection to stream music effectively. There is a digital optical input and a coaxial input for a turntable or CD player.
HDMI Inputs & Outputs
There are four rear HDMI inputs for connecting video game systems, projectors, and other similar devices. There is also an HDMI ARC connector to hook up with your 4k UHD television. There is no front panel HDMI. You’ll find a 3.5mm jack on the front panel to connect headphones.
Pros
- Affordable and dependable 5.2 channel receiver
- No frills makes this a simple to use and set up system
Cons
- Lacks some of the technology that makes higher-priced options more desirable
- No ability to input via USB limits audio quality capabilities
Video Capabilities
The Sony STR-DH590 has pass through capabilities for the latest 4k Ultra High Definition resolutions. It has a blazing 60 Hz refresh rate for stutter-free performance even when playing demanding content like action movies and video games. It supports HDR10 format to give you the best of resolution. Wide dynamic range is supported to allow for intense contrast and realistic, natural colors.
All four HDMI inputs feature High-Definition Content Protection protocol 2.2 which is supported by all but some of the newest televisions.
Things You Won’t Find
Many of the most popular receivers on the market these days include a slew of features that may or may not make a difference to you. This receiver is a basic design that does not use things like Chromecast, Pandora, or AI Assistants like Amazon Alexa. There are work-arounds to use many of these popular options, but they are not built in. Surround sound processing is basic and offers Dolby Digital, but does not offer support for more advanced processing such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
Who is This Product For
This is the ideal budget receiver for someone who want to get great 5.2 channel sound on a shoestring budget. It makes for an excellent option for someone who wants a durable and reliable receiver that doesn’t have a bunch of confusing options. Its simplicity makes it a winner for people who don’t like spending hours tuning and fiddling with settings.
Conclusion
The Sony STR-DH590 is an excellent entry-level option that has plenty of power, but lacks some of the top tech that is available (>>> Check on Bhphotovideo). It lacks some of the sound and video processing capabilities that make a difference when watching Blu-Ray videos and playing video games on the most modern devices.
Where this device is nice is for small spaces or as an alternative system in a basement or game room that doesn’t need all of the complex setup steps and won’t have issues when using advanced technology. It also makes a great way to transition from a soundbar to a better system without investing a ton of money.