Looking for an easy first step into home theater? The STR-DH590 sounds clear, keeps dialogue front-and-center, and fills small-to-mid rooms without a fussy setup. It’s great for movie nights and casual Bluetooth music. You won’t get Wi-Fi or fancy height-speaker formats, but if you just want simple, reliable 5-speaker surround on a budget, this is a fuss-free win.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Great value 5.2 sound for movies and TV; clear dialogue and solid surround for the price. | • No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X (5.2 only). |
| • 4 HDMI inputs with 4K/60 4:4:4 pass-through and HDR10/HLG/Dolby Vision compatibility. | • ARC only (no eARC); best to run sources into the AVR for full audio. |
| • Bluetooth streaming is quick and reliable for casual listening. | • No Wi-Fi/HEOS/AirPlay/Chromecast; Bluetooth only. |
| • Simple setup with Sony DCAC auto-calibration; FM tuner with 30 presets. | • Basic EQ/room tools—limited fine-tuning compared to higher-tier models. |
| • Dual subwoofer pre-outs help even out bass in typical rooms. |
When it comes to creating the perfect home theater setup, the right AV receiver can make all the difference. The Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Receiver promises to deliver high-quality sound coupled with the latest 4K HDR video compatibility, designed to elevate your home entertainment experience without the fuss. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or simply want to bring your favorite shows to life, this receiver could be the key to unlocking immersive audio and seamless connectivity. In this review, we take a deep dive into everything the Sony STRDH590 offers, its standout features, and whether it lives up to the hype for home theater aficionados.
Related: Read Our Review of the Polk T15 Bookshelf Speakers
Key Features of the Sony STRDH590
| Amplification / Channels | 5.2 (five powered channels + dual sub outs) |
| Power (rated) | 145 W per channel (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 ch driven, 0.9% THD) |
| Speaker Impedance | 6–16 Ω |
| HDMI | 4 in / 1 out; 4K/60 4:4:4 pass-through, HDCP 2.2 |
| HDR Formats | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision (pass-through) |
| TV Audio | ARC on HDMI OUT (no eARC) |
| Digital Audio Inputs | 1 × optical (TOSLINK), 1 × coaxial |
| Analog Audio Inputs | 4 × stereo RCA |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 (A2DP 1.2 / AVRCP 1.6; supports AAC) |
| Tuner | FM only, 30 presets |
| Auto Calibration | Sony D.C.A.C. with curves (Full Flat / Engineering / Front Ref.) |
| Other | Night Mode / Dynamic Range Control, Pure Direct, S-Force PRO Front Surround |
| Typical Use Case | Entry-level 4K HDR home theater in 5.1/5.2 layouts |
The Sony STRDH590 strikes an impressive balance between advanced video and audio technology, backed by a user-friendly design that caters to both beginners and mid-level enthusiasts. Here’s why it stands out:
5.2 Channel Surround Sound Capability
This receiver supports a 5.2 channel setup, meaning you can enjoy rich, immersive surround sound with five speakers and two subwoofers. It’s perfect for enveloping your room in detailed audio whether you’re watching blockbuster movies or playing games. The power output is substantial enough to fill typical living rooms with clear, dynamic sound. It does not decode Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, so you’ll run standard 5.1/5.2 or upmixed effects.
4K HDR Support with 4 HDMI Inputs
The STRDH590 is ready for modern video standards, handling 4K/60 with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through. With four HDMI inputs featuring HDCP 2.2, you can easily connect multiple 4K devices—like gaming consoles, streaming sticks, and Blu-ray players—without frequent cable swaps. ARC is available on the HDMI output (no eARC).
Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity
Built-in Bluetooth makes casual streaming easy from phones and tablets. It supports A2DP/AVRCP and can use the AAC codec when available. There’s no Wi-Fi/HEOS/AirPlay/Chromecast, so all wireless audio is via Bluetooth.
High-Resolution Audio Support
While this model isn’t a network streamer, it can pass and decode high-resolution audio from connected sources over HDMI—including DSD 2.8 MHz from compatible players—so discs and hi-res files played through an external device are supported.
User-Friendly Setup and Controls
Sony’s D.C.A.C. auto-calibration speeds up setup and offers “Full Flat,” “Engineering,” and “Front Ref.” target curves. You also get Night Mode/Dynamic Range options for late-night listening, plus a straightforward on-screen setup flow.
Sound Performance
Many users commend the Sony STR-DH590 for delivering solid surround sound performance on a tight budget. In 5.1 setups, it offers decent object panning, clear dialogue, and an engaging soundstage suitable for movies and TV shows. Reviewers frequently mention that the built-in amplification produces surprisingly strong audio for its price point, with tight bass and reliable clarity at moderate volume levels. The ultra-HD pass-through and HDR support also mean music and video content sound clear and dynamic when paired with good speakers, making it an efficient entry-level option for casual home theater use.
On the downside, some users find the audio to be thin or overly bright, especially when listening to music in stereo. Tone can feel flat or neutral, with limited warmth or body—even when tone controls are enabled. The lack of built-in bass management or detailed EQ options means fine-tuning is tough without external gear, and the subwoofer output is basic and not always well-balanced out of the box.
Who Is It For?
The Sony STRDH590 is aimed primarily at users who want to upgrade their home theater audio without breaking the bank or dealing with complicated setups. If you own a 4K HDR TV and want a compatible audio system to match, value simple installation and user-friendly operation, enjoy wireless streaming from mobile devices or smart TVs, want an upgrade that outperforms entry-level receivers, and prefer solid surround sound for movies, gaming, or music, then this receiver fits perfectly. It’s an excellent choice for casual and intermediate home theater enthusiasts who want quality sound with modern video support in a compact, affordable package.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Sony STRDH590 represents a fantastic option for those looking to enhance their home entertainment setup with a balanced mix of quality, features, and price. Its support for 4K HDR video alongside high-resolution audio compatibility ensures you’re ready for today’s content, and the Bluetooth connectivity brings added convenience to your digital lifestyle.
While it’s not a top-tier AV receiver packed with advanced features like Dolby Atmos or extensive sound customization, it shines where most people care the most: delivering immersive sound and effortless operation. With thousands of users rating it positively, especially praising its sound fidelity and ease of use, it offers a compelling package that suits a wide audience.
If you’re seeking a receiver that balances performance and simplicity—a reliable hub for your growing collection of HDMI devices and wireless audio streaming—the Sony STRDH590 is worth serious consideration.
Buy the Sony STRDH590 on Amazon.
FAQ
Q. Does the STR-DH590 support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?
A. No—this model is limited to 5.1/5.2 decoding. For Atmos/DTS:X, consider the STR-DH790 or higher.
Q. Does it have eARC?
A. No. It offers ARC on the HDMI output. For lossless TV-app audio over HDMI, eARC would be required.
Q. Which HDR formats pass through?
A. HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision at up to 4K/60 (4:4:4).
Q. How many HDMI ports?
A. Four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output (with ARC).
Q. Is there Wi-Fi or app streaming?
A. No network features. Wireless audio is via Bluetooth only.
Q. Can I connect a turntable?
A. There’s no phono input. Use a turntable with a built-in preamp or add an external phono preamp into a line input.
Q. Is there an AM/FM tuner?
A. FM only (30 presets).
Q. What digital audio inputs are included?
A. One optical (TOSLINK) and one coaxial input.
Q. Does it handle hi-res audio?
A. Yes, when fed from compatible external sources over HDMI.
Q. What setup tools are included?
A. Sony D.C.A.C. auto-calibration with selectable target curves, plus Night/Dynamic Range settings for late-night listening.
Buy the Sony STRDH590 on Amazon.
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