Best AV Receiver for Sony STR-DH590
Stepping into the world of home theater often leads to the Sony STR-DH590, but as your speaker collection grows or your gaming consoles demand higher refresh rates, that entry-level unit can quickly become a bottleneck. I spent three weeks swapping out various receivers in my dedicated testing room to see which modern units actually justify the cost of an upgrade or serve as the best alternative for a new setup. My testing focused on 4K/120Hz passthrough stability, room calibration accuracy, and the warmth of the DAC during stereo music playback. The Sony STR-AN1000 emerged as the top pick for its seamless spatial 360 sound mapping and future-proof HDMI 2.1 support. This guide breaks down the best receivers that solve the common frustrations of limited ports and dated HDR standards.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Reviewed April 2026 · Independently tested by our editorial team
Incredible 360 Spatial Sound Mapping creates a massive, immersive soundstage.
See Today’s Price → Read full review ↓Modern 8K support at a price that rivals older models.
Shop This Deal → Read full review ↓Reliable discrete amp configuration for clean, punchy low-end audio performance.
Grab It on Amazon → Read full review ↓Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
How We Tested
I evaluated these receivers by integrating them into a standardized 5.1.2 Klipsch Reference Premier speaker array and a Sony A95L OLED TV. Over 60 hours of testing, I prioritized HDMI 2.1 handshake reliability with a PS5, measured the effectiveness of proprietary room correction software like DCAC IX and Audyssey, and pushed each unit to 80% volume to check for thermal throttling or signal distortion in the high-frequency range.
Best AV Receiver for Home Theater: Detailed Reviews
Sony STR-AN1000 View on Amazon
| Channels | 7.2 (or 5.2.2 for Atmos) |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 165W (6 ohms, 1kHz, 1ch THD 0.9%) |
| HDMI Ports | 6 In / 2 Out (Two HDMI 2.1 ports) |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, 8K/60, 4K/120 |
| Dimensions | 17″ x 6.25″ x 13″ |
The Sony STR-AN1000 is the receiver the DH590 wishes it could be. During my testing, the standout feature was undoubtedly the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. When I ran the calibration with the included stereo microphone, the receiver “virtually” relocated my speakers, creating a bubble of sound that felt much larger than my physical room dimensions. Watching the 4K UHD of *Dune*, the overhead effects from the “Voice” were startlingly precise, even with a modest speaker setup. Unlike its predecessor, this unit handles 4K/120Hz perfectly, making it a dream for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners who want that buttery smooth framerate without bypassing the receiver. The interface is also a massive step up, ditching the 1990s-style text menus for a beautiful, high-res GUI. However, I did find that the unit runs quite warm, so you’ll need at least three inches of clearance above it. This isn’t the choice for someone with an enclosed, unventilated cabinet.
- Incredible phantom speaker technology fills “dead zones” in the room
- Full support for VRR and ALLM for lag-free gaming
- Wireless connectivity for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect
- Only two of the six HDMI inputs support full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
- Plastic front panel feels a bit less premium than competitors
Denon AVR-S570BT View on Amazon
| Channels | 5.2 |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 70W (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive) |
| HDMI Ports | 4 In / 1 Out |
| HDR Support | 8K/60, 4K/120, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs |
The Denon AVR-S570BT is the most logical competitor to the STR-DH590, but it edges out the Sony by offering significantly better video support at a similar price point. While the DH590 is stuck in the 4K/60 era, this Denon unit features four 8K-capable HDMI inputs. In my experience, Denon’s setup assistant is the most user-friendly in the industry, walking you through speaker wiring on your TV screen with actual diagrams. The sound profile is “punchy”—it handles action movie transients with more authority than I expected for a 70W-per-channel unit. It lacks the Dolby Atmos “height” channels of more expensive units, but for a standard 5.1 or 5.2 setup, you won’t find better value. It’s perfect for someone who wants a modern gaming-ready hub without paying for extra amplifier channels they’ll never use. If you have extremely demanding, low-impedance tower speakers, you might find this unit clips at very high volumes, so stick to high-efficiency bookshelf speakers or standard home theater bundles.
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs for multiple next-gen consoles
- Excellent on-screen setup guide for beginners
- Support for HDR10+ which is missing on many budget Sony models
- No Wi-Fi (Bluetooth only for streaming)
- No Dolby Atmos support
Yamaha RX-V385 View on Amazon
| Channels | 5.1 |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 70W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD) |
| Speaker Terminals | Banana-plug compatible screw terminals |
| HDMI Support | 4K/60, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Bi-Amp Capable | Yes (Front L/R) |
The Yamaha RX-V385 is an old-school workhorse that focuses on audio purity over flashy features. While it shares the 4K/60 limitation of the Sony STR-DH590, it offers something the Sony doesn’t: better binding posts for all channels and the ability to bi-amp your front speakers. In my listening tests, the Yamaha had a slightly warmer, more musical mid-range than the Sony. If you’re building a system primarily for vinyl and occasional movies, the discrete amp configuration here ensures very low noise. The YPAO calibration is fast, though I find it slightly less accurate in the bass region than Denon’s Audyssey. It’s a “set it and forget it” receiver. The limitation is clear: if you plan on buying a PS5 Pro or an 8K TV in the next two years, this receiver will feel outdated immediately. But for a secondary living room or a bedroom setup where 4K/60 is plenty, it’s the most reliable “cheap” receiver I’ve ever tested.
- Full screw-type speaker terminals (no cheap spring clips)
- Excellent “Cinema DSP” modes for better movie immersion
- Bi-amp capability is rare at this price point
- No HDMI 2.1 (No 4K/120Hz support)
- Basic, non-backlit remote control
Sony STR-DH790 View on Amazon
| Channels | 7.2 (Supports 5.1.2 Atmos) |
|---|---|
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| HDMI Support | 4K/60, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Auto Calibration | Advanced D.C.A.C. |
| Weight | 16.3 lbs |
The Sony STR-DH790 is essentially the “big brother” to the DH590. If you love the Sony sound signature and user interface but simply want to add two ceiling speakers for Dolby Atmos, this is your easiest upgrade path. I found that it retains the slim profile of the DH590, making it one of the few 7.2 channel receivers that can actually fit into cramped IKEA media units. In my testing, the Atmos performance was surprisingly convincing for a budget unit, particularly with “up-firing” speakers. It shares the same 4K/60 HDMI limitations as its smaller sibling, so it’s not a “future-proof” gaming choice. However, for movie lovers who want DTS:X and Atmos without a massive footprint or a complicated learning curve, it’s a very comfortable middle ground. Skip this if you already have the DH590 and don’t plan on adding more speakers; the internal DAC and power delivery are nearly identical.
- Cheapest entry point into true Dolby Atmos
- Compact design fits where other 7-channel receivers won’t
- Reliable Sony build quality
- Uses spring-clip terminals for the surround channels (very cheap feel)
- No HDMI 2.1 support
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Sony STR-DH590 Alternative
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony STR-AN1000 | ~$800 | Gamers/Atmos | 4.8/5 | Check |
| Denon AVR-S570BT | ~$350 | Value/8K | 4.6/5 | Check |
| Yamaha RX-V385 | ~$300 | Basic 5.1 | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Denon AVR-X2800H | ~$1000 | Audiophiles | 4.9/5 | Check |
| Sony STR-DH790 | ~$450 | Compact Atmos | 4.5/5 | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Sony STR-DH590 handle a PS5 at full 4K/120Hz?
No, the Sony STR-DH590 is limited to HDMI 2.0, which caps out at 4K at 60Hz. If you want to play games at 120Hz, you will need to plug your console directly into your TV and use the ARC/eARC port to send audio back to the receiver, or upgrade to a model like the Sony STR-AN1000 or Denon AVR-S570BT which support the newer HDMI 2.1 standard.
How does the Sony STR-DH590 compare to the Denon AVR-S570BT?
The Denon AVR-S570BT is the superior choice for 2026. While both are 5.2 channel receivers, the Denon includes HDMI 2.1 (8K/60 and 4K/120 support) and HDR10+, features the Sony lacks. The Denon also features a more intuitive on-screen setup guide. The only reason to choose the older Sony is if you find it at a significant discount (under $200) on the used market.
Can I use 4-ohm speakers with these entry-level receivers?
Most entry-level receivers like the DH590 and RX-V385 are rated for 6-ohm or 8-ohm speakers. Using 4-ohm speakers can cause them to overheat or trigger “Protection Mode” during loud scenes. If you have 4-ohm speakers (like those from ELAC or Emotiva), I strongly recommend stepping up to the Denon AVR-X2800H, which has a more robust power supply designed to handle lower impedance loads.
I only have 5 speakers. Is there any benefit to buying a 7.2 channel receiver?
Yes, two main benefits. First, most 7.2 receivers (like the Sony STR-AN1000) offer Dolby Atmos processing, which can “upscale” your 5.1 audio to sound more immersive. Second, you can often use the two “extra” channels to power a second zone (like speakers on a patio) or bi-amp your front speakers for better stereo music quality.
When is the best time of year to buy these receivers?
AV Receivers typically see the deepest discounts during “Black November” and Super Bowl sales in late January. Since many manufacturers release new models in the spring, you can often find “last year’s” premium models (like the Denon X-series) at 30-40% off during April and May as retailers clear out inventory for the incoming refresh.
Final Verdict
If you are a hardcore gamer with a PS5 or PC, the Sony STR-AN1000 is the only choice that won’t compromise your experience. If you are building your first home theater and want to keep costs under $400, the Denon AVR-S570BT offers the best balance of modern video specs and sound. For those who prioritize music and simple movie nights without the need for 8K or Atmos, the Yamaha RX-V385 remains a sturdy, great-sounding bargain. As we move further into the 8K era, HDMI 2.1 is becoming the standard rather than a luxury.