Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel AV Receiver: In-Depth Review

The Sony STRDH590 is a 5.2-channel AV receiver designed to bring high-quality surround sound to your home theater system. Combining advanced features like 4K HDR pass-through, Bluetooth connectivity, and S-Force Pro virtual surround sound, this receiver promises to provide an immersive experience for movie and music lovers alike. In this review, we will dive deep into the key features, performance, customer feedback, pros and cons, and ultimately provide a final verdict on the Sony STRDH590.

Key Features and Specifications

The Sony STRDH590 comes with a range of features that cater to various entertainment needs. Let’s break down the main specifications and functionalities of the unit:

Feature	Description
Surround Sound Channels	5.2 Channel
Total HDMI Ports	4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, with Audio Return Channel (ARC)
Connectivity	Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, and Coaxial connections
4K Pass-Through	Supports 4K HDR (High Dynamic Range) pass-through with HDCP 2.2 compatibility
Audio Encoding	Supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for high-definition sound
Power Output	725W total output power at 6 ohms (1kHz, 0.9% THD)
Additional Features	S-Force Pro Virtual Surround, FM radio tuner, Multi-Channel Stereo, and support for 360 Reality Audio
Audio Inputs/Outputs	4 Stereo RCA Audio Inputs, 2 Digital Audio Outputs (1 Optical, 1 Coaxial)
Controller Type	Amazon Alexa support for voice control
Special Features	Bluetooth Standby, easy-to-use setup with auto-tune, and dynamic bass adjustment
Power Requirements	AC 120V 60Hz, AC 230V 50Hz

With these features in mind, the STRDH590 positions itself as an affordable yet feature-packed home theater receiver suitable for users who want both simplicity and powerful functionality. Now let’s take a look at how it performs in real-world conditions.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Sony STRDH590 delivers a solid audio-visual experience. Thanks to its 5.2 channel configuration, the receiver can drive multiple speakers to create a truly immersive surround sound setup. The addition of S-Force Pro virtual surround sound technology allows the system to produce a wide soundstage, even with just a two-speaker setup. This is ideal for small living rooms or users who want the theater experience without committing to a full speaker system.

The 4K HDR pass-through feature is one of the standout qualities of this receiver. If you have a 4K TV or a 4K-capable streaming device, the STRDH590 ensures that you can enjoy ultra-high-definition content with crisp detail and rich color. This feature supports HDCP 2.2, ensuring that protected content is transmitted without issues, providing smoother visuals for movies, shows, and gaming.

The audio quality itself is rich and clear, with the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding providing full-range sound. The bass performance is deep and satisfying, thanks to the dedicated subwoofer channels, which add intensity to action movies and music tracks alike. Additionally, the auto-tuning feature simplifies the setup process, automatically adjusting the audio output to best suit your room’s acoustics.

Bluetooth connectivity is another highlight, as it allows for seamless streaming from devices like smartphones, tablets, or even Alexa-enabled devices. The Bluetooth Standby feature is convenient for turning the receiver on remotely, making it easy to start enjoying music without the need to manually power it up.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback for the Sony STRDH590 is largely positive, with many users praising the receiver’s sound quality and its ease of use. The 5.2 channel setup provides an excellent entry-level solution for people looking to create a home theater experience without breaking the bank. Users have also expressed appreciation for the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows them to stream music directly from their smartphones without the hassle of physical cables.

Many customers have noted that the unit’s performance exceeds their expectations for the price range, comparing it favorably to more expensive models in the same category. The integration with Amazon Alexa for voice control is also appreciated by users who want hands-free operation while managing their media.

However, some customers have shared mixed feelings about the volume adjustment feature, specifically the lack of tone controls. While the auto-tune feature for setting up the receiver is highly regarded, others feel that the inability to fine-tune the sound through simple tone controls is a drawback. This is more of a preference issue and may not be a deal-breaker for everyone.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 4K HDR Pass-Through: Enjoy high-definition video with excellent picture quality, perfect for 4K TVs and compatible devices.
• Virtual Surround Sound: The S-Force Pro virtual surround system provides immersive audio, even with just two speakers.
• Bluetooth Streaming: Effortlessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet to the receiver.
• User-Friendly Setup: Auto-tuning makes setup quick and easy, adjusting the sound for optimal acoustics.
• Affordable: Offers great performance for a relatively low price, making it accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
• Alexa Compatibility: Control the receiver using voice commands through Alexa-enabled devices.
• Multi-Channel Stereo: Great for users who want to enjoy music with a wider soundstage.

Cons:

• Limited Tone Controls: Some users may find the lack of simple tone controls limiting if they prefer to adjust bass, treble, and midrange manually.
• No Advanced Sound Customization: While the auto-tune feature is convenient, audiophiles might find the customization options too basic.

Final Verdict

The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel AV Receiver is a fantastic option for those looking to build or upgrade their home theater system without spending a fortune. It provides excellent sound quality, a wide array of connectivity options, and solid video performance, including 4K HDR pass-through. The inclusion of Bluetooth streaming and Alexa compatibility adds modern conveniences that will appeal to tech-savvy users.

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