Sony STR-DH190 vs Yamaha A-S301: $150 vs $350 Comparison. Sony STRDH190 vs Yamaha AS301

[@danallan4860]

Great deep dive. I own the Yamaha AS 501 and the Sony STR 190 and pretty much agree. With low impedance, challenging speakers, at loud volume, is where the Yamaha will remain more relaxed and cool. Honestly, the Sony with Bluetooth is a steal at less than $200.

[@MediaPipeDream]

Totally a steal! When compared to the Class D offerings, the feature set is so complete on the STR-190: Remote, bluetooth, phono, FM tuner, etc....

[@sheek1982]

I agree that a sub out on the Sony would be an awesome addition, but at $148 you can't complain. I use it in a 2.1 setup and as you stated, having the ability to turn toggle the subwoofer on/off with the remote is super convenient. I also find the option to adjust the bass/treble via the remote puts it over the top.

[@MediaPipeDream]

agreed

[@crisjr6478]

I have both and prefer the features and sound of the sony. They are close but i can listen to the sony for hours and hours not the case with the yami the analytical nature gets to be a little much after a short time. Also the Bluetooth on the sony is insanely good for Bluetooth. And every amp company in the world should have sony engineers design their remotes its excellent. I also really like being able to label the inputs individually. The dh190 with a smsl su1 dac is where the sony outclasses the yami and its built in dac. Also the phono stage in the sony is a little better hooked to my fluance its remarkably good for a phono in a 150$ amp. I got my sony open box for 89$

[@MediaPipeDream]

Very Nice. The Sony is definitely awesome.

[@macdryden1678]

I recently ordered a strdh190 + smsl su1 dac + sscs5 speakers, this is my first stereo system and I can't wait to hear it

[@crisjr6478]

@@macdryden1678you will love it. That’s a great combo I run the same although I roll speakers but the sscs5s are in my rotation and they’re excellent they’ll always be in rotation. For 150$ you can’t beat those Sony speakers or that Sony amp.

[@leonardlos3209]

Believe it or not the Tuner in the Sony STR 190 isn't bad at all. I've heard many negative reviews on it but maybe i live in a more receptive area, i'm pulling in plenty of stations crisp and clear. With that being said, i'm using the Tuner section as a stand alone component hooked up to the Yamaha A S301 so i'm getting the best of both worlds. I would have kept the Sony STR 190 as my main unit but running my 4 OHM Wharfedales made me uneasy so i upgraded to the A S301 which can handle the 4 OHM load. But you can't go wrong with either units for the price.

[@MediaPipeDream]

Good to know the tuner is good. Thanks!

[@leonardlos3209]

@@MediaPipeDream You're welcome.

[@crisjr6478]

I agree it’s good and pulls channels great. But recently I hooked up an older 80s luxman tuner to my dh190 and holy crap it’s soooo good. Those digital tuners just can’t compete with a real deal analogue tuner. The sound it literally night and day.

[@crisjr6478]

My Sony pushes 4olm speakers better than my yami. They’re very close but the Sony is warmer fuller more open sounding the yami is louder but definitely harsher.

[@Pokchok44]

What quality bluetooth does Sony streams?

[@MediaPipeDream]

Bluetooth 4.2 - Codecs: SBC, AAC

[@kimhunter1169]

i dont think Sony could just add digital inputs, banana plug binding posts and a sub out and keep it the same price. The main point of difference is the integrated DAC of the Yamaha. The RS- 202 by Yamaha would be a better comparison for price and features.

[@MediaPipeDream]

Totally agree

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

In my country it's 271€ (Sony) vs. 345€ (Yamaha). I'd go for Yamaha because of the loudness, as I have to listen at low levels.

[@MediaPipeDream]

Along with the excellent Quality!

[@outdoorlife8086homeaudio]

Yamaha all day

[@MediaPipeDream]

All day, every day!

[@dm95422]

Sony STR-GX70ES from 1990 (Made In Japan) was a far superior unit (better quality transistors & epu boards) than the current DH 190 in terms of sound quality and build. If you can find one in mint condition , GET IT !!!

[@MediaPipeDream]

Thanks for the input