Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver: In-Depth Review

The Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver offers a range of impressive features designed to elevate your home theater experience. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K HDR, and advanced Bluetooth connectivity, this model aims to meet the needs of both movie enthusiasts and casual users alike. In this review, we will dive into the key features, performance, customer feedback, and provide a well-rounded look at what makes the STR-DH790 a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment setup.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we explore the receiver’s performance and overall value, let’s take a closer look at its key features and specifications:

Feature	Details
Channels	7.2 Channels
Audio Technology	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby TrueHD
4K Support	4K HDR pass-through with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Connectivity	4 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, Optical, Coaxial, and Analog inputs
Bluetooth	Yes, supports wireless audio streaming
Auto Calibration	D.C.A.C. (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration)
Pure Direct Function	Reduces front panel noise for higher-fidelity sound
Design	Low-profile design (5 1/4″ height)
Additional Features	FM Antenna, Calibration Microphone, Remote Control, eARC Support
Weight	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)

Dolby Atmos & DTS:X

The STR-DH790 supports the most modern 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering object-based surround sound. These technologies provide an immersive experience, especially when paired with compatible speakers and content. You can enjoy the sensation of sound coming from all directions, including above and behind, which adds depth and realism to movies and video games.

4K HDR Video Support

Another standout feature is its support for 4K HDR pass-through with full compatibility for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma. This ensures superior color, contrast, and brightness. Whether you are watching the latest blockbuster or gaming with a high-definition console, you can experience vivid visuals in 4K quality.

Bluetooth Connectivity

One of the most sought-after features in modern AV receivers is Bluetooth streaming, and the STR-DH790 has you covered. You can easily stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to the receiver without any wires. This functionality makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer wireless music access.

Auto Calibration & Sound Optimization

The D.C.A.C. (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) function analyzes your room’s acoustics and automatically adjusts the sound settings to ensure that you get optimal sound quality. This is especially helpful if you’re not an expert in sound calibration, as it saves you time and effort.

Performance

Audio Quality

The performance of the Sony STR-DH790 is where it truly shines. As an AV receiver, it offers clear and powerful sound reproduction. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enhance the overall surround experience by making the audio feel more natural and realistic. Whether you’re watching a high-energy action film or listening to your favorite music, the soundstage is expansive and immersive. The clarity in dialogue is noticeable, as is the dynamic range in explosions, subtle background sounds, and music tracks.

The Pure Direct Function ensures that the receiver can suppress any unwanted noise, providing a cleaner and more accurate sound. The low-profile design helps reduce any potential distortion that might come from panel noise.

Video Performance

The 4K HDR support makes this AV receiver an excellent option for those with 4K displays. The ability to pass through Dolby Vision and HDR10 content means that you won’t lose any of the visual quality from your source devices, whether it’s a gaming console or a streaming box. Movies and TV shows come alive with rich colors and deep contrasts that truly pop on modern TVs.

Connectivity & Usability

The four HDMI inputs allow you to connect a variety of devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. This is perfect for those with multiple devices, as it reduces the need to swap cables. eARC support also ensures that audio from your TV’s smart apps can be transmitted to the receiver with minimal lag.

Bluetooth is another major feature that ensures the receiver works well with mobile devices. The Bluetooth Standby function, which lets you turn the receiver on from your phone, makes it easy to control your system remotely.

Ease of Setup

Setting up the STR-DH790 is straightforward. The D.C.A.C. system simplifies the calibration process, making it accessible even to beginners. The receiver can be easily connected to speakers, and once it’s calibrated, you can sit back and enjoy the enhanced audio and video performance.

Customer Feedback

Positive Reviews: Many customers have expressed satisfaction with the sound quality and the value for money that the Sony STR-DH790 offers. Users have particularly praised its easy setup and flexibility in configuring speaker systems. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support have received excellent feedback for creating an immersive surround sound experience.

The Bluetooth functionality also gets a lot of praise for its ease of use, allowing users to stream music wirelessly from their smartphones or tablets. Customers also appreciate the 4K HDR pass-through, which ensures the picture quality stays pristine when using devices that support 4K.

Negative Reviews: On the downside, some customers have pointed out that the user interface could be better. A few users have reported occasional issues with the interface freezing or the remote control not working reliably. Furthermore, while the Auto Calibration feature works well for the most part, some users feel that it doesn’t always optimize sound to their satisfaction in certain room layouts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• 4K HDR pass-through with Dolby Vision and HDR10
• Bluetooth streaming for wireless music
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C.) for optimal sound in any room
• Low-profile design fits easily in most entertainment setups
• Flexible speaker configurations for 7.2 surround sound
• Excellent value for the price

Cons:

• Some users report issues with the user interface and remote control
• Calibration feature may not work perfectly in all room layouts

Final Verdict

The Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home theater system without breaking the bank. The combination of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 4K HDR support makes it perfect for immersive movie and gaming experiences. Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity and Auto Calibration features ensure that you can enjoy high-quality audio with minimal setup.

Check out our audio gear review below.

• Best 7.2 Channel AV Receiver
• Best 5.2 Channel AV Receiver
• Best 9.2 Channel AV Receiver
• Best AV Receiver for Home Theater
• Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
• Best Portable PA System