Sony STRDH190 vs STRDH590: Which AV Receiver Fits Your Setup in 2026?

Price — STRDH190 saves $250

The STRDH190 costs $248, half the $498 of its bigger sibling. That $250 difference buys you a receiver that handles basic stereo needs without video.

Budget buyers and vinyl enthusiasts get immense value here. The STRDH190 covers all analog inputs a turntable needs while keeping cash in your pocket.

If you plan to build a full home theater later, spend the extra now. The STRDH590's additional features justify the premium for surround and 4K.

Channels — STRDH590 goes 5.2 surround

The STRDH590 powers a 5.2-channel system with five speakers and two subwoofers. The STRDH190 is strictly 2-channel stereo.

For movie and gaming immersion, channels matter. Surround sound creates a bubble of audio that stereo cannot replicate.

If you only listen to music in a dedicated room, two channels are enough. Many audiophiles prefer pure stereo for music fidelity.

Power — STRDH590 delivers 145W per channel

The STRDH590 outputs 145W per channel into 6 ohms, versus 100W into 8 ohms for the STRDH190. Higher wattage means louder, cleaner peaks.

In a medium room (12x12 ft), 100W is plenty for comfortable listening. The extra power of the STRDH590 helps fill larger spaces with less distortion.

If you plan to drive low-sensitivity speakers, the STRDH590's higher current is beneficial. The STRDH190 works best with efficient 8-ohm speakers.

HDMI Ports — STRDH590 has 4 inputs

The STRDH590 includes four HDMI 2.0 inputs and one output with ARC. The STRDH190 has no HDMI whatsoever.

Without HDMI, the STRDH190 cannot accept audio from a TV. You would need optical or analog conversion, which many modern sources lack.

Gamers and streamers must choose the STRDH590 for 4K HDR passthrough. The STRDH190 is strictly for audio-only components.

4K HDR — Only STRDH590 supports video

The STRDH590 passes 4K HDR content at 60Hz with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. The STRDH190 has no video capability.

If your TV or projector is 4K, the STRDH590 ensures no compromise. You connect all sources to the receiver and one HDMI to the display.

For pure audio systems with no video, this is irrelevant. The STRDH190 stays focused on sound.

Dolby Atmos — Neither receiver supports it

Both models lack Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. They decode standard Dolby Digital and DTS but not object-based immersive audio.

This is a trade-off at these price points. You need to spend $500+ to get Atmos in a modern AVR.

If Atmos is a must, consider stepping up to the Yamaha RX-V385 or Denon AVR-S760H. Otherwise, the STRDH590's 5.2 surround still offers satisfying immersion.

Bluetooth — Both stream wirelessly

Both receivers feature Bluetooth for streaming music from your phone, tablet, or computer. No Wi-Fi or multi-room support, but effortless connection.

Range is typical for Bluetooth – about 30 feet through walls. Stable enough for most living rooms.

Neither supports aptX or LDAC, so audiophiles might prefer a wired connection. For casual streaming, both work well.

Phono Input — STRDH190 has it, STRDH590 does not

The STRDH190 includes a dedicated phono input with built-in preamp for turntables. The STRDH590 omits this entirely.

Vinyl lovers get a clean signal path without buying an external preamp. This is a rare feature at $248.

If you never play records, this doesn't matter. The STRDH590 trades phono for HDMI and more channels.