Sony STR-DH590 Receiver

Product Information

A clearly versatile device, its combination of features and value make it undoubtedly one of the best and most practical audio equipment out there. The sound of the Sony DH590 amplifier may seem a little too rough and brittle to some, so if you like the soft, warmer sound, this device may not be for you. The DH590 also performed well with stationary speakers, but perhaps even better when used with bookshelf speakers and subwoofers in a smaller room.

Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater

The D.C.A.C system automatically analyzes a room’s acoustics and then uses the collected data to calibrate and adjust various audio levels. The result is optimized sound, much like that of a surround sound system that has been professionally installed. After allowing the auto calibration to do its thing, the difference was night and day. Everything sounded so much more balanced. We felt like our ears were hearing what they were supposed to be hearing. It was a marked change over other surround systems we had used in the past. Most of the sound-field settings ended up with a rather strong bass, much higher than that normally provided by AV receivers. Who does it right? Yamaha, Denon, Marantz on the one hand, with a more subdued subwoofer level, or Sony on the other hand, with one that’s at least six decibels higher? I brought down the bass level a little, but really, let your subwoofer’s capacity, your own taste and your neighbours’ complaints determine the optimum level for you. This receiver cannot play high definition content directly, via USB or network audio streaming. High-definition content must be played through another source, such as a SACD player or DAC. The Sony STR-DH590 is perfect for those who crave impressive sound quality without the complexity of a high-end AV receiver. It supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and onboard DSD decoding. With a power rating of 145 watts at six ohms, it delivers a real-world power rating of 90 watts RMS with six-ohm loads. The most important feature to note here is the STR-DH590’s direct 4K and HDR pass through, a feature which will allow people with High Dynamic Range compatible TVs and media to experience the HDR video, without sacrificing video quality due to multiple adaptations. When we compared this receiver to a receiver which does not feature HDR pass through, there was a very significant difference.Complete with signal handling, multiple ports and inputs, and a host of other advanced features, this is one of the most attractive options in its category out there. A simple, value-oriented piece of technology that comes with the supremely convenient feature of Bluetooth connectivity, this is arguably Sony’s best middle-range option for surround sound receivers. Unboxing the Sony STR DH590 And notably there is no support for networking at all, either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. However there is Bluetooth, which may be far more important for those seeking a receiver at this price point. It supports the AAC codec, so most Apple device users should get the best Bluetooth sound possible. It doesn’t support aptX, nor Sony’s LDAC.

STR-DH590 - Sony 5.2ch Home Theatre AV Receiver | STR-DH590 - Sony

I began my evaluation with some casual music listening via Bluetooth, streaming AIFF, AAC, and MP3 files from my iPhone and MacBook. As I said above, pairing devices was a snap, and I didn't experience any signal dropouts with the higher-quality AIFF files. For music, the DH590 offers Direct, 2-Ch Stereo, and Multichannel sound modes, as well as DPL II Music, Enhancer (to improve lower-quality files), and modes like Hall, Jazz, etc. The Direct mode delivered a 2.1-channel presentation with the sub, while 2-Ch Stereo delivered audio only through my left/right tower speakers.Though you will not find an on-screen menu for advanced AV settings, you can modify some controls through the LCD on the front of the device and the “Amp Menu” button on the controller. The momentary peak output for sound effects or particularly demanding passages of music might exceed this, but isn't given by Sony. Is the sub producing NO sound? This is a shot in the dark... I lost sound in my sub once, and it was caused by switching the speaker size. If you have satellite speaker with an independent sub, you want to choose [Small] One notable feature of the Sony STR-DH590 is the S-Force Pro Front Surround technology, which simulates surround sound with just two front speakers. While it’s not as good as a true surround sound setup, it does provide a wider soundstage and enhances the overall listening experience.

STR-DH590 | Sony USA - Sony Group Portal Support for STR-DH590 | Sony USA - Sony Group Portal

I do turn power on DH590 OFF and cut the electricity as well since the setup is in my basement and we use it occasionally when we watch movies. Could that be a problem? While the Sony STR-DH590 is indeed a solid choice with its affordability and core features, the Sony STR-DH790 undoubtedly elevates your home theater experience to a higher level. If you’re seeking the utmost in audio immersion, advanced calibration capabilities, and the ability to accommodate a larger speaker setup, the STR-DH790 is recommended. Nevertheless, if you have budget constraints or require a simpler setup, the Sony STR-DH590 is still a reliable choice that won’t disappoint. In addition to 5.2 channel, the STR-DH590 also supports a 2.1 channel virtual sound system, using S-Force PRO front surround sound to make less, sound like more. Using only two speakers, the virtual surround sound experience uses sound engineering to create the illusion of surround sound. While the 2.1 channel system was clearly inferior to the 5.2 channel system, the 2.1 is a great alternative for someone not ready to drop the extra dough on a five speaker system. CalibrationUsing these controls, you will be able to run DCAC directly, rename the HDMI inputs, adjust speaker size/level, and make HDMI adjustments. 6. Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)

Sony STR-DH590 5.2-channel home theater receiver with Sony STR-DH590 5.2-channel home theater receiver with

Finally, I tested the DH590's ability to pass through 3D and HDR10, and it had no problem doing so. (I did not have a Dolby Vision-capable display on hand to test DV pass-through.) With Ultra HD Blu-ray signals being fed from the Sony players, the DH590 could pass 4K/24p HDR with the HDMI input configured for Standard mode; however, with Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, which is presented at 4K/60p, the BD/DVD input needed to be set to Enhanced mode to pass HDR. The STR-DH590 provides 5.2 multi-channel surround sound with 145 watts per channel. Because of the additional sub-woofer output provided by the 5.2 system, the richness of the audio is enhanced with double the rumble. 5.2 channel sound provides, in general, a more cinematic experience than that of a 5.1 channel system. The five speaker setup is the same, but the ability to integrate an extra sub-woofer creates that deep rumble that only theatrical speakers can provide.

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The Sony STR DH590 is an affordable option in Sony’s range of multi-featured, high-quality surround sound systems. A device of many features, it comes with a dynamic setup, virtual front surround, smart connectivity, and superb audiovisual quality. Large: If you connect large speakers that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select [Large]. Select [Large] usually. This receiver supports a wide variety of the most used video formats, from HLG, HDR10, and 3D to Dolby Vision. It has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output along with an audio return channel. More on the ports and sources later. 2. HDR Pass-Through Stereo, Direct, Multi Ch Stereo, HD-D.C.S., Hall (Large Hall), PLII Movie, Front Surround, Jazz Club, Live Concert (Live House), Stadium, Sports, Audio Enhancer, PLII Music, Headphone 2ch Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this little receiver. I love the way it looks, I love the way it sounds…it just sings to me. My only question is….why is the Sony STR-DH590 so cheap? The Basics