Sony STR-DH590 review
Sep 21, 2018
As I like enjoying a good sound and “juicy” image, I have started my acquaintance with one of the most famous modern receivers – Sony STRDH590. Of course, affordable price, high-qua...
Read MoreChoose quality within your means – Sony STRDH590 vs STRDH550
Sony STR-DH590 — your affordable way to have a home theater
I have recently had a chance to compare Sony STRDH590 vs Sony STRDH550 AV receivers and now I am eager to share my impressions.
Let’s start with the STRDH590. I’d say it’s a first-rate affordable surround sound receiver having plenty of power and a perfect combination of high-performance video capability and the Sony outstanding fidelity. What’s more important it’s easy to set up and even easier to use.
STR-DH590 Pros:
- The 5.2 multi-channel receiver perfectly brings image and colors to life due to 4K HDR pass-through ability. I enjoyed clearer picture when upgraded my existing home equipment with it.
- State of art surround sound, Sony’s D.C.A.C. system - Digital Cinema Auto Calibration is extremely convenient and user-friendly, it automatically analyzed my rooms’ acoustics and calibrate the sound allowing to adjust various audio levels. I was stricken with an optimized sound which resembled the one of a professionally installed system.
- Bluetooth connectivity, I not only managed to wirelessly stream my favorite tracks directly through the receiver but enjoyed operating my device from my smartphone via Bluetooth Standby feature.
- In addition to multiple input ports, it features a phono input stage. I was pleasantly surprised by the option, though to my mind it’s one of the last models to do so.
Sony STR-DH590 Cons:
- Requires additional sub-woofer with external 120V AC power, doesn’t work with passive sub-woofer. It’s a drawback for those who don’t like to connect any additional equipment.
- The on-screen menu is primitive. However, I do not think it’s a big deal, as they are needed only for the initial set up.
Sony STRDH550 — well equipped and a well-priced receiver
STRDH550 is a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy music and movies. Model STRDH550 is a perfect budget-friendly receiver with surround sound, compatible with other Sony products.
STRDH550 Pros:
- The wonderful multi-channel sound performance which created a multi-layered sound quality with HD Digital Cinema Sound and auto calibration. Quite a perfect price to quality match as for me.
- iPhone and iPod connectivity is quite user-friendly, besides, it handles all the components with 4 HD inputs and 4K.
- It has adequate inputs for old and new technology! I enjoyed HD a Sony PlayStation connectivity, also connected a Blu-ray Disc player, and some other HDMI-capable devices, a USB input on the front allows easily connecting and charging compatible devices.
- Digital Cinema Auto Calibration allowed bringing the device ready for action in almost no time.
Sony STRDH550 Cons:
- No WiFi and no Bluetooth, in our age of wireless connection it’s already a sensitive inconvenience for the users.
- Poor printed documentation, but this problem is easily solved through the manual available online and easily downloaded.
Sony STRDH550 vs Sony STRDH590 - what do you prefer?
Let’s proceed with our Sony STRDH550 vs STRDH590 receiver comparison.
In case you can’t do without wireless connection – then go for STRDH590. It does not have WiFi, however, Bluetooth solves the problem.
Don’t expect a dolby surround from STRDH550, while STRDH590 offers it to the users. If you are a music enthusiast, then possibly it’s a decisive factor for you.
In case you are a fine judge of video, then STRDH550 beats the opponent out, as it has a 3D pass-through ability and better video conversion/scaling opportunities.
Both models fit between the lower-end Sony receivers and their pricier options, both do everything they are supposed to well and nothing terribly. Though it's not classic hi-fi, these inexpensive and unobtrusive sets would more than fill the bill.
Sony STR DH550 review
May 20, 2019
The poor sound quality of many HDTVs is a long-established fact. I do not stop repeating the advice to buy a multichannel sound system as a replacement for tiny speakers. Have you decided yet which r...
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Common
Product
Sony STR-DH590
Sony STR DH550
Model
STR-DH590
STR DH550
Brand
Sony
Sony
Rating
4.1 of 5
3.8 of 5
Reviews
164
1055
Amplifier
Total output power
520 W
725 W
Output power per channel
90 W
145 W, 90 W
Output impedance per channel
6 Ohm
6 Ohm
Frequency response
20 Hz-20 kHz
20 Hz-20 kHz
Total harmonic distortion
0.09 %
0.09 %
Number of channels
5
5
Signal-to-noise ratio
100 dB
105 dB
Functions
Amplifier class
Digital player
Internet radio
Network audio player
Audio formats
AAC
DSD
AIFF
Apple lossless
FLAC
MP3
WAV
WMA
Built-in decoders
DTS:X
DTS-HD master audio
DTS neural:X
Dolby Atmos
Dolby digital plus
Dolby surround
Dolby true HD
Built-in display
Type
fluorescent
fluorescent
Colour
black
black
Connectivity interfaces
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.3u
Signal processing
HDMI pass-through
up to 4K
up to 4K
Video conversion/scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
3D pass-through
Upscaling via HDMI
up to 4K
Connector type
AV inputs
has not
has not
Optical digital inputs
1
2
Coaxial digital inputs
1
1
HDMI inputs
4
4
HDMI outputs
1
1
Optical digital outputs
has not
has not
Coaxial digital outputs
has not
has not
Subwoofer outputs
2
2
USB
1
1
Phones
1
1
Media content source
Bluetooth
Network
USB-host
Radio
Tuner type
digital
digital
Tuner bands
AM/FM
AM/FM
Preset station
30
60
Preset station qty
Additional features
A-B speaker switch
MCACC Pro
Deep color
X.v.Color
AIR Studios monitor certification
Three-zone capability
Advanced sound retriever (ASR) technology
Apple air-play support
Audio return channel (ARC)
Bi-amplifying
Auto power off
Pure direct mode
Dual-zone capability
Smartphone remote control
Sound features
Audio D/A converter
32bit / 192kHz
24bit / 192kHz
DSP preset qty
Sound output mode
Surround sound effects
S-Force PRO Front Surround
HD Digital Cinema Sound
Surround system class
5.2 channel
5.2 channel
Digital content protection
HDCP 2.2
Digital sound processor (DSP)
Clock
Built-in clock
Sleep timer
Power device
Operational power consumption
380 W
200 W
Standby power consumption
0.3 W
0.3 W
Dimensions
Dimensions
19.1 x 13.6 x 6.9 inches
19.5 x 15.7 x 9.2 inches
Weight
18.25 pounds
19 pounds
AV receivers HelpToChoose comparison rating
- 18.9Sony STR-DH590
- 11.4Sony STR DH550
Sony STR-DH590 is better receiver in this comparison. Check Sony STR-DH590 price
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