We have tested the Sony STR-DH590 5-Channel AV Receiver!

We Tested the Sony STR-DH590 5-Channel AV Receiver

We recently had the opportunity to test Sony’s latest entry-level AV receiver, the STR-DH590. With this model, Sony has struck a solid balance between affordability and performance. The STR-DH590 delivers all the essential features you’d expect in a home theater setup—without the premium price tag.

Whether you’re building your first surround sound system or upgrading from a basic stereo receiver, the STR-DH590 offers reliable performance, clear audio, and modern connectivity options that make it a strong contender in the budget-friendly AV market.

Core Features and Capabilities

The Sony STR-DH590 is a 5.1-channel AV receiver, equipped with two subwoofer outputs that are processed independently. It supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, along with DSD playback—making it a well-rounded option for delivering high-fidelity audio in a compact home theater setup.

In terms of power, Sony rates the STR-DH590 at 145 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD, 1 channel driven), which is quite respectable for an entry-level model.

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Video Compatibility and HDR Support

The receiver handles full 4K/60p 4:4:4 signal passthrough, ensuring compatibility with modern ultra HD content. It also supports 3D video, HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), and Dolby Vision—providing vibrant visuals when paired with compatible TVs and projectors.

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Stripped-Down Streaming, Simpler Price

To keep costs low, Sony has intentionally omitted network-based features often found in more expensive AV receivers. That means you won’t find AirPlay, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi, or streaming apps like Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, or TuneIn on this model.

Instead, the STR-DH590 keeps things simple, offering Bluetooth 4.2 for basic wireless music streaming from mobile devices.

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Design and Build

As expected from an entry-level unit, the STR-DH590 features a slimmer, more compact design than higher-tier receivers. It’s smaller and lighter than models like the Onkyo TX-RZ900, making it a great fit for limited spaces or minimalist setups.

The front panel is available in a simple but elegant design, in brushed black, with two buttons for input and volume, a headphone output, and a long row of black buttons for various tasks (speaker on / off, FM tuning, sound mode selection, Bluetooth, Pure Direct mode, etc.), has a medium-sized LCD display.

The back panel has a modest amount of input, four HDMI 2.0a inputs with HDCP 2.2, and a single HDMI 2.0a output with Audio Return Channel.

HDMI inputs 1 and 2 are labeled Media Box and BD / DVD, which accurately indicate the source types. We paired the receiver with a Sony UBP-X800M2 Blu-ray player and also played music content from a computer and iPhone 8 via Bluetooth. It was easy to pair the Bluetooth devices with the receiver (there is a pairing button on the remote control) and the connection remained stable after pairing.

The back panel also has a coaxial and an optical digital audio input, as well as four stereo audio inputs, two subwoofer outputs, and an FM antenna input. A single Type A USB port is available to power the connected mobile device, but it does not support media playback.

Speaker Connections and Setup Experience

The Sony STR-DH590 features a pair of five-way binding posts for the main left and right speaker channels, allowing for secure and high-quality connections—ideal for more serious speaker setups. However, the remaining three channels rely on spring-clip terminals, which are more basic and better suited for lighter-gauge speaker wire. This is a common compromise in entry-level receivers.

For testing, we paired the DH590 with the Dynaudio Confidence 60 floor-standing speakers. Despite their high-end nature, the receiver handled them respectably within the limits of its class, offering clean signal delivery to the main channels.

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User-Friendly Installation and Auto Calibration

Installation is impressively straightforward. After connecting your speakers, audio sources, and display, you’re greeted with an on-screen setup guide. The system prompts you to select a language, and then walks you through the process of connecting the included calibration microphone.

The receiver uses Sony’s DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) system to automatically optimize your speaker levels and timing based on room acoustics. This feature is especially helpful for beginners, allowing a solid setup to be completed in just a few minutes with minimal manual tweaking.

Remote Control and On-Screen Menu

The Sony STR-DH590 is bundled with a compact remote control, similar in size and style to the ones typically included with Sony Blu-ray players. While the remote does not feature a backlight, its clear and logical layout makes it easy to use in most lighting conditions.

The button layout is intuitive:

• Source selection buttons are grouped at the top, including a dedicated Bluetooth source button
• Sound mode controls are located directly below
• Navigation and display buttons sit in the middle
• Volume and set-top box control buttons are positioned at the bottom

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Simple and Functional OSD Interface

Upon entering the main menu, a straightforward black-and-white on-screen display (OSD) appears with five primary options:

1. Watch – to select the active HDMI input
2. Listen – to choose an audio source
3. Easy Setup – to rerun the initial configuration process
4. Sound Effects – to change the listening mode (e.g., stereo, surround)
5. Speaker Settings – to fine-tune speaker configuration and levels

While minimal in design, the menu is user-friendly and responsive, offering just the right amount of control without overwhelming the user—perfect for beginners or those seeking a fuss-free setup.

Expanded Settings and Customization via Remote

The remote control includes an Options button that reveals additional settings in the on-screen toolbar, offering users access to fine-tuned control over their system. These features include:

• Pure Direct on/off – for disabling digital processing and achieving the cleanest signal path
• Sound Field Selection – to toggle between various surround and stereo modes
• Night Mode – for reducing dynamic range during late-night viewing
• Dual Mono – for combining stereo channels
• AV Sync – for correcting audio delay issues

You can also adjust:

• Speaker size and levels
• HDMI input assignments
• Digital audio input routing
• Bass and treble settings
• ARC (Audio Return Channel) and other HDMI configurations

By default, all four HDMI inputs are set to Standard mode. However, to enable full 4K/60p 4:4:4 HDR passthrough, the BD/DVD and Media Box inputs must be manually set to Enhanced mode in the HDMI settings.

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Performance of the Sony STR-DH590

In terms of performance, the STR-DH590 performs admirably for an entry-level AV receiver. It delivers clear, dynamic sound with well-defined separation between channels. Dialogue comes through with excellent clarity, and surround effects are rendered with convincing spatial accuracy, especially when used in a properly configured 5.1 setup.

Despite its modest price point, the unit handles high-resolution video signals with ease, maintaining smooth playback even with 4K HDR content.

It may not match the power or flexibility of higher-end models, but for casual users and first-time home theater builders, it provides excellent value and functionality.

For music, the DH590 offers direct 2-channel stereo and multi-channel sound modes, as well as DPL II Music, Enhancer (to improve lower quality files) modes, and modes such as Hall, Jazz, and more. The testing was performed in a living room where diffuser acoustic panels were mounted on the walls and sound-absorbing ceiling panels hung from the ceiling, thus ensuring proper acoustics. Controlling the acoustics of the room is essential to reach optimum sound. Absorption panels with diffuser-Two in one product performs two functions at the same time, as it ensures the absorption of deep sounds and the proper sound dispersion in space.

We started the test with Martin Garrix and Bono & The Edge’s song-We are the people. Sony produced accurate and clear sound with proper dynamics and surround sound. It controlled the sounds properly even at higher volumes.

We continued the tests with the 2018 sci-fi film Replicas. The DH590 AV receiver has both excellent 3D and HDR10 capabilities.

The flaws

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.

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.

There is no network, IP control or other special control options such as RS-232. It is truly designed for a one-room system that can be controlled with a universal remote control.

Comparison with Competing Models

Other brands offer similarly priced 5-channel AV receivers with comparable core features. The Denon AVR-S540BT and Yamaha RX-V385, for instance, both support Bluetooth streaming, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG—though like the STR-DH590, they lack network connectivity.

Both Denon and Yamaha models include a USB input capable of high-resolution audio playback, and the Denon AVR-S540BT adds an extra HDMI input, offering a slight edge in connectivity.

Onkyo, on the other hand, doesn’t currently offer a 5-channel option, but its 7.2-channel TX-SR383 has dropped in price. However, it lacks support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Vision, and—like Sony’s entry-level model—doesn’t feature any network functions.

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Verdict

For a 5.1-channel home theater system paired with bookshelf or floor-standing speakers, the Sony STR-DH590 is an excellent entry-level choice. It’s simple to set up, easy to use, and supports all the essential audio and video technologies most users need—without overcomplicating the experience.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-fuss receiver that delivers solid performance at a reasonable price, the STR-DH590 is a strong contender. It doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary features, but it doesn’t compromise on quality either. That said, if you require advanced streaming options or smart home integration, you’re better off investing in a more premium model.