Sony STR-DH590 Receiver Review - This is not the Receiver you are looking for...

#hometheater #hifi #receiver
We take a look at the Sony STR-DH590 receiver and dig into the menus to see what you get for your money on this entry level 5 channel receiver.
patreon.com/cheapaudioman Sunday night zoom meetings for all patrons.
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial (For HD, Scroll to the bottom of the linked page and select “Try HD” amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf
Jamo C93ii

[@mattgiunt]

This is a breath of fresh air.Someone who is actually funny and not a comedian.

[@aworminmybook8234]

I can't wait to read the comments from people think you can actually buy andrew jones salsa. Mild, medium and british.

[@jmuzquiz1]

Thanks for the review. Love how matter of fact and unbiased you are! I bought this receiver at $120. No regrets.

[@MussellRussell]

Same..... I just got this reciever from a local pawn shop asking $180; PAID $75 (I said make me buy its; which he absolutely did) replacing my ancient Onkyo Polk (4)Rti8's, Csi5, PSW303....SUPER HAPPY WITH IT......has plenty of power for my listening levels. For $75-$150 epecially to replace antique AVR making me realize its age & deteriorated sound quality. The sony is high end im this case

[@shannoncrawford7212]

I recently picked this up and have been happy with it for my set up ($250 on sale at Best Buy). Granted I am not an audiophile and have never owned expensive gear. I had an entry level Yamaha receiver for the prior 15 years, but it went and so replaced it with this. The Sony definitely drives the speakers harder, but it also is rated with more power, and IMO it sounds better than the Yamaha did. I have a 3.1 system, never wanted surround speakers, can set it to 3.1 in the menu so it only uses those channels. My front channel speakers are Sony SS-MF750H. They are now discontinued floor/tower speakers. 1” tweeter, 3.25” mid, and two 8” woofers. My center channel is also discontinued, Yamaha NS-C225. 4 small woofers and a tweeter. I had a Polk sub previously, and when the sub amp went bad replaced it with a Klipsch R12SW. It sounds much cleaner than the Polk I had, and gets louder during movies. I run the receiver on the Multi channel stereo mode when listening to music as I think it sounds the best of all the options. And Dolby PLII for movies. I tried the auto calibration and thought it sounded bad, so set the parameters myself. I have the speaker distances set correctly. I have the center channel set at 0dB and the L/R channels at +6.5dB. The center volume was overpowering the L/R speakers before making the adjustments. This gets them balanced, and when I tried it on 2ch mode (center off), the L/R channels center in the room very well. I make the sub adjustments on the sub. Crossover at 80 Hz. Gain at the second line for music. This seems to be the right blend where it doesn’t overpower the music with bass and blends in nicely with the music. Turn the sub up to about 3/4 of the way up for movies, as this is where it needs to be for good LFE sound/pressure. And turn the center channel up to +5dB for movies, to get the dialogue volume where it sounds best. And with the four 8” woofers in the tower speakers the system has decent bass without a sub. But the sub is a definite improvement in filling out the bass. I don’t watch a lot of movies, so mainly use it for music. But did want my audio system with the TV for TV watching and when I do watch a movie. And don’t have a separate room where I listen to music, all in the living room. For music I mostly use Amazon music. Run the HDMI streamer/dongle directly into the receiver, and HDMI out of the receiver for the video signal. There is definitely a difference in clarity/quality of Amazon HD (CD quality) compared to listening to KZbin or streaming music through Bluetooth. I bought an Amazon Firestick 4K max so that I could get Ultra HD and spacial music. I was not happy with the sound vs my current streamer (Sling Air TV), it just sounded like it processed the music differently or something and I preferred the sound of the Sling device. I know there are other components you can add to the system to improve it, but this is a basic system and I’m not trying to add a bunch of complexity and cost. The Firestick was capable of streaming Ultra HD and spacial, and it showed the streaming rates of each track to verify. I couldn’t hear any quality improvement with my system for Ultra HD. And I didn’t like the sound of spacial audio, thought it sounded worse, but my system is a 3.1 so might not be ideal. So I returned the Firestick. I’ve been really happy with the set-up. Of course like I said I’m not an audiophile. And I know it can’t compare to a high end system, when judging all of the details of the sound. But I know what sounds good to me. It sounds crisp and clear, clear delineation of the different parts and details of the music, and can hear lots of details. It is also not harsh or shrilly on the top end, can listen for hours at a time at good volume and it is pleasant and not fatiguing. It easily fills up the living room where I have it located, and envelops you with sound. You can turn it up to an uncomfortable level (get the neighbors attention) and it still sounds clear without distortion. And on heavy bass music (like rap), it will rattle the room, at extremely loud levels without break up/distortion.

[@naturalverities]

I had a midrange Sony AVR for a month or so. Fortunately, I bought it from Best Buy, because I returned it to the local brick-and-mortar. It sounded great... sometimes. The "sometimes" is because the user interface had similar habits to a Boeing 737MAX, i.e. the receiver seemed to have a will of its own. At the very least it was uncommunicative. Every time I used it, I was unclear what mode it was initialized in; even though I was intending to leave it "straight" with no spatial or EQ wizardry in play, I had to walk the perimeter of my listening room to see what speakers were operating, and override the receiver's will if necessary. Also, the operating manual was very cryptic with respect to setup and operating modes. When I had decided to return it, and was shopping for a Yamaha replacement, I actually learned more about the setup and operating procedures of the Sony from the Yamaha online manual than from that supplied by Sony. I am more than happy with the modest Yamaha that I replaced the Sony with. I especially love the indication right on the front panel of which speakers are engaged.

[@parkeranderson7155]

This man is a blessing to humanity.

[@cheapaudioman]

You are very kind to say that.

[@donpettit7107]

@@cheapaudioman Bless his heart. Does that mean the same thing where you are from?

[@cheapaudioman]

@@donpettit7107 well in texas it usually means that someone is an idiot and then another says... bless their heart

[@donpettit7107]

@@cheapaudioman So, similar.

[@parkeranderson7155]

@@donpettit7107 that was rude

[@odwatchguy]

Thank you Randy for letting us know the straight information on equipment. I want to get the most bang for my money and not buy snake oil. I purchased a Denon AVR-1713 used and feel much better after seeing this review.

[@jamesbennett1634]

Thanks Randy - I think one of the best values in audio is a used high-end AVR, even for 2.1 channel listening. The prices seem to fall quickly, just because they don't have the latest codecs. They usually have ability to bi-amp, and good dacs. What's not to like. A high-end Yamaha, Denon, Marantz or Sony ES from a few years ago can still kick some butt - and in 2.1 mode, you don't need to go through a bunch of menus.

[@cheapaudioman]

Couldn't agree more. And even with home theater just optical out of the tv.

[@Zed-Corps]

@@cheapaudioman how to update the firmware on this receiver? looking through it's menu there's an option for updating.

[@KING_DRANZER]

@@cheapaudioman I love your reviews watching your stuff frequently for more than a year now since I came across your channel. But would like to question and put my concern towards recommendation of purchasing from used market. Like why do you recommend purchasing from used market? See I understand the point of getting higher end product for cheap but then there is also an issue of it being used. Like per say a person purchase a $200 used product and it fails after just a month or two. Wouldn't it be a loss to him. Instead if purchase new product it comes with warranty and one can claim it if anything goes wrong. Because if that $200 used equipment fails then that $200 is lost and then he has to purchase new one for additional $200. That be a serious loss to one who is on budget and trying to save money by going for or limiting his budget to $200 in the first place. So I seriously don't get the point of recommending used stuff specially with the risk of it failing anytime out of the blue in which we are at serious loss.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I ran the dn 840 for 15 years everyday. Loved it! I powered a full 5.2, another 2, and another 2 in different rooms off it.

[@W31rdG]

Thanks... was on the fence about getting this one. Still leaning towards the Yamaha RX-V385 for a cheap receiver (will also check out your Denon AVR-S540BT review). The last few reviews you've done have been really helpful to me. I ended up buying the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom speakers with center, and I was already leaning towards the Klipsch RB-61 II because I already have the RC-62 II center and RS-400 rears. Keep up the great work!

[@tylerfabish5578]

how was the yamaha reciver? I'm thinking of getting the same one soon. I know sony and yamaha are both as old as time in the audio and tech game so I'm comfortable with either option, but I wanted some experience from someone who bought one already

[@W31rdG]

@@tylerfabish5578 I went with the Yamaha. They make rock solid equipment in general and I've never had any issues with them in the past. I find Sony stuff to be hit and miss unless you go with the their premium line. The Denon AVR seemed a bit limiting compared to the other two. Out of the three, the Yamaha seemed to be the best.

[@guezcisco]

Have had this receiver for 6 months paired with a pair of sony cores. Sounds excellent , i returned a Denon which did not sound good at all with the sony speakers.

[@garyspong]

Paid $178 on Amazon in November 2019. Love this machine. I listen to CDs and podcasts in my kitchen and I’ve never hooked up a TV to it so I wasn’t aware of the menu system. Probably overkill for me, but it was a great price. I have the Sony SSCS5 3-ways connected and paid $73 for those.

[@cheapaudioman]

good deal. The important thing is that you enjoy it.

[@manuelcaycedo561]

A whole surround system for podcasts 😂😂 love it

[@wyvern4588]

I had the DH590 for a day before I got the DH790 instead. I wanted to finally get back into surround audio and the 590 lacks both Atmos and DTS-X which the 790 has and more. The 790 has more modes, one of them is auto codec- it will automatically select the codec depending on the source- you can actually watch the panel switch modes as you flip channels or even when a commercial comes on. Although they are rated the same wattage- the 790 seems to push speakers more easily and with more bass and warmth. As it sits, the DH590 has no real home- it has lots of features sure, but it does not have Atmos or DTS-X that you would want with a HT, nor does it have all the equalizer features or raw power you would want for a music receiver. The DH590 seems to stay at $199 now, and at that price it's fine, the DH790 is $350 and for all the features it has, it's worth it. I can't tell you what modes do what with a sub-woofer because I don't have one- and really don't need one with the Polk S55's I have Polk S55's up front, Sony Dolby height speakers on top, Sony Core center and Jamo S803's as the rear- Really nice setup and everything but the Receiver was 50% off or more! My entire audio system cost $950 all brand new vs. full price of $1660.

[@BigDavos]

Nice thanks for this comment, im waiting for mine to come in the mail and start my first 5.1 system

[@TheKizersoze13]

Just a heads up, the sports mode makes sports like movies. It puts the announcers through the center channel and all the ambience in the surrounds. I think it’s pretty cools for soccer games where the announcers are not so hectic / present. But I only use it when I am watching games by myself though because like you set it’s sweet spot dependent.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Randy, great job on the codec description. People don’t get that stuff or the fact many devices default to SBC.

[@ramondelgado6778]

Another well-done video, good sir! This is like the 10th video you've done on a product I was highly considering purchasing. So, again, thank you! I really enjoyed the point you made that at this price point, one should really consider the used market because you can get a really great unit for around $100 that is built better than this one. But I do agree that at $199, it would be a strong consideration for a new unit. By the way, I got my Wharfedale 11.2's (in white) yesterday and listened to them for about an hour or so. WOW!!! They are really wonderful speakers. I love them! I heard things in familiar songs that I've never heard before and truly feel they are a serious next level up from what I had before. Loved that review as well. In closing, you continue to churn out fantastic work and I truly look forward to EVERY next video. Thank you, man! THANK YOU!

[@stonesfan285]

I got this at Best Buy for $249 and I really am enjoying it on my 3.1 system. I really don't care about going beyond 5.1 and it has enough power to drive my speakers just fine.

[@anthonydefr]

I got the 550 last year it's not bad for 230.00. it's working for me. I have the Klipsch r26 front's by wired and a little elac 10 sub and a Klipsch center and a couple bose double cube's for rears. Sounds pretty good. I would like to get something different but haven't decided yet. I'm starting to go down that rabbit hole.

[@heres_the_sauce]

Thanks for walking us through the menus Randy. I have a similar reciever and it helped alot

[@jpdanzig]

I must take exception to this review of the Sony STR-DH590. I've had this receiver for more than a year, and its sound continues to blow me away. I should mention as well that more than two thousand Amazon customers have awarded this unit 4.5/5 stars. I have the receiver powering two ESS AMT-1b bookshelf speakers up front and two vintage Wharfedale Diamonds in the back, and the imaging, bass, and dynamics are all superb whether I'm listening to rock, jazz, classical, blues, or TV and movies. The speakers completely disappear, and every instrument in a combo or orchestra is neatly arrayed in its own space. I don't need a center channel speaker for TV and movie dialog; the phantom center channel is rock solid. Most of all, the dynamic range is Y-U-U-G-E!!! When I watch an action film, adjusting the volume so I can hear dialog clearly, explosions have literally knocked the grills off the ESS speakers. Well, this is all after the fact anyway, as I think Sony has introduced a new 5.1 receiver to replace this one. Still, if you find one of these available at a reasonable price, I don't think you'll be disappointed...

[@emeri.2760]

What is the receiver that replaced this one to your knowledge?

[@mazenblu0]

I have to support this comment even though I don't possess a DH590. My comparison reference is a Denon S540BT. The Sony has an advantage because the Denon does not provide a way to manually or marginally set the speaker sounds up or down. The speakers' sounds are set with the calibration process and to my ear the result leaves me barely hearing the satellite speakers. Based on the hype of the capability provided, I would hope that the DH590 would satisfy this deficieny.

[@portlandtwowheels1872]

I googled my new receiver and somehow you popped up. I am not turning this off at this point. This was great!

[@cheapaudioman]

check out my other videos, man. this one was a bit dry

[@mitchparker7652]

What a refreshing take on reviewing.

[@stevea3007]

A couple of errors. "Front reference" setting adjusts the response of the other speakers to match the tonal balance of the front mains. And the number of speakers in use (5.1, 2.0, etc.) can be selected directly in the "AMP" menu.

[@tallgrass5061]

WOW. Thanks for that gem of information about matching. Why doesn't the Operating Instructions booklet mention and explain that. My front mains are -3db at 24Hz, but the centre & rears are lucky to go down to 40Hz, so trying to make them match the fronts in the extended bass frequencies is not a good idea eh? I wonder if I tell the amp that the fronts are "small" before matching it will avoid over-driving? I've just got my DH590 and from what you said I may have dodged a bullet. I will check with Sony first.

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

A lot of companies advertise the 1 channel driven number which is only a tweeter frequency in order to make it look more powerful to the uninformed. The real number is the 2 channel driven number which is full range. Usually the approximate 2 channel driven number is half (+/-) the 1channel number. Not cool that they do that to fool the average person....... thanks for the video Randy, this has become one of my favourite channels very quickly. Appreciate your dedication to what your doing. I have a feeling that bigger things are coming your way. Cheers bud!

[@solarfall2728]

That's really not correct. Its true that they measure cheap amps using test tones, but not tweeter frequencies. Its just the opposite. You can't get a high power number looking at high frequencies. An amps power output is based on resistance. The more resistive the load, the easier it is for the amp to drive it. But the power rating goes down. If you look at your typical 8 ohm speaker, its really not 8 ohms. Its an average. In use, the speakers resistance changes constantly because resistance is a function of frequency. Given the above, there's 2 ways to get an 8 ohm load. One, as previously mentioned, is the average, but you can also get 8 ohms at 1 specific frequency. So, if you have an amp rated for 100 watts into 8 ohms, the only way to get that exact power rating is to play the 1 specific frequency that will yield 8 ohms resistance. If the speaker is asked to play a higher note your amps power output changes. At 16 ohms, its now a 50 watt amp, and if you go in the other direction, reproducing lower frequencies, the amps power rating goes up. The same amp should put out 200 watts into a 4 ohm load. And that's where the problem is. An amps power should double as resistance is halved, but very few do. This is where creative measuring comes into play. A test tone playing 1 frequency is very easy on the amp. Real music is dynamic, and the constant changing of resistance is much harder on the amp. In order to get good specs, they have to cheat with a test tone. It makes it look like the amp is much more powerful than it really is.

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@solarfall2728 Ok. I said what I said because it’s what I’ve read in many articles on the subject, and videos as well. I don’t have deep enough knowledge to articulate it as well as you seem to so..... ok...... Thanks for the info

[@lilpoindexter]

You're the only dude on youtube that tells people that their money is better spent elsewhere

[@darkpatches]

Carefull, he'll Polk you in the eye....

[@bob2906]

A man who speaks my language who I can understand it's great I really enjoy your channel and I will keep on watching thanks

[@Dan.a.k.a.bradpitt]

Actually i found a gem in this unit. Ran my bt from phone to quarter inch plug in into the unit, and with proper dynamic drivers when turned up it sounds fantastic. Planar not so much or should i say harder to drive headphones.

[@wub2010]

Love mine

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

I had this one, it is nice and very basic for a surround receiver. Congrats on monetizing your channel!

[@vincentlockie2510]

What is the max lvl for base? Is it powerful?

[@ellypsis603]

Just found you 3 days ago, great content, keep it up ,👍

[@thomasward00]

Good friend of mine has this receiver paired with Klipsch speakers and it sounds great with HT. He's a newbie and found the setup easy, i'm sure he'll upgrade eventually.

[@cheapaudioman]

It's a unit that works and does what it intends to do. I was hoping that it would sound a bit better with music as that's my main thing. I just think there are some better options out there and wanted to let everyone know just how this thing sounds.

[@thomasward00]

@@cheapaudioman Randy will you be doing a video on the new Schitt Modi 3+, I'm looking to buy a DAC for my new Cambridge Amp and have no experience with external DAC's.

[@yoster77]

I have the STR-DH800 version of this receiver and am right there with you. I've never been happy with the sound of it. I drew identical conclusions as you did - the low-end just wasn't there - very thin overall. Overall presence was also lacking. It has long been retired to our bedroom receiver for basic nighttime TV watching.

[@jarrodcodes]

Nice review as always. Sorry I missed the live stream

[@jasonklioze1897]

I was thinking of getting the Sony Str-DH790 with the Klipsch Reference Theater pack (first sound system above a soundbar, not trying to break the bank) About the Optical cable though...is what you are saying that it almost doesn't matter if it can do HDR, Dolby Vision etc. if I connect to the receiver with the optical cable? I dont know much about home audio just trying to learn quick before I make a purchase

[@ACDGibson]

Nice review! You cracked me up talking about the menu! I own the dh790 and it boggles my mind at how outdated the menu is. It's not even good for a standards of 20 years ago 😂 Dh790 was my first hifi purchase and with a pair of Q Acoustics 3030i it's good enough for me :) maybe once I'll collect the speakers for a 5.1 system, I'll consider upgrading the receiver. Overall a good starting point for beginners I would say. Unless you're all about the music - then I would recommend the stereo amplifier route. Cheers!

[@DanielJobis]

Then you should see a Sony STR-Dn840 menu, you think you ended up in the software of the receiver, just white / black without any photo and it cost around 600 euros at the time😂

[@Enemji]

The way I see it this was designed for the small apartment guy or a small media room, to be hooked with cheap speakers such as the Sony or the Pioneer. I have it connected in my guest bedroom with Pioneer FS52 and works great.

[@gupdaddy]

Fantastic, exactly what I’m looking for/not looking for. this hdmi 2.1 snafu is really making me pause on getting a new receiver. Also, making me go just hi-fi which was not my original path

[@SuperDaddyruss]

I have the 2.1 issue too. High end pc I cant utilize through a receiver so i just use the receiver through earc and play pc and ps5 through the TV

[@EmotionallyExhausted]

Any chance we could get a 790 review? Pretty please? I'm curious if there's any upside to it over this model, other than Atmos support. Would also love a Yamaha RX-V385 vs. Denon AVR-S540BT vs. the 590 showdown. Thank you, sir.

[@steveoszman8746]

I keep up with you thanks. Will keep my pioneer 1050 going though my neighbors enjoy the music.

[@professor_thunder]

So if I'm running my flat screen tv via hdmi from a dedicated desktop how do I connect this receiver?

[@stephenperez5610]

I got mine on black Friday for 150 bucks a few years ago. It's ok but will upgrade eventually. It was only for the time being. Good review!

[@TheKizersoze13]

I did the same. I will be getting one of the new yamahas coming out in a couple months.

[@lakelouiseskier]

I have this receiver. Super happy with it.

[@smiteisfun9947]

Hey please help i bought this but i have no center speaker but have two front 2 back 1 sub and can't figure out how to turn off the center speaker so the voice plays through the front and right only

[@mt-nv4jd]

Many years ago I had a Karmon Kardon rated 25 watt per side. Best sounding amp I ever had.

[@stevensmith1881]

Sony products have always been hit or miss with a whole lot of misses. They've made some decent headphones, televisions, and apparently bookshelf speakers, but I'm never liked their receivers or car audio. I know they sell a LOT, so maybe today you saved a few people a disappointment. Thanks Randy.

[@moonbot1683]

Because you're not using the right speakers

[@mat.b.]

got this for my mom on clearance several years back to replace a faulty one and, if you set it n forget it as a 5.1, i think its a good product and has sounded good with her old bose speakers. Good points in the view about the menus though, it does suck.

[@ruley73]

MP3s with good encoding & decoding can sound great and don't need any enhancements or restoration processing. Those are just a gimmicky attempt to make shitty MP3s sound better. They usually don't succeed in doing so because you can't enhance what's already been stripped during the encoding process. All MP3 codecs are definitely not created equal. I prefer to use EAC to rip WAVs from CDs, use Audacity for editing as necessary (mostly for trimming silence), and use the LAME codec to create MP3s. My entire collection is at least 192kbps. Most files are 256kbps or 320kbps. What doomed the MP3 was software companies using 128kbps as the default bitrate back in the day and claiming it was "near-CD quality." Most people didn't understand that higher bitrates yielded better sounding files. Although, storage was pretty limited too until the late 2000s/early 2010s when 500+GB hard drives became common in computers.

[@RoundenBrown]

I buy albums on CDs and then rip the tracks onto my PC as 320kbps MP3s. For me it's the best balance between audio fidelity and file size. Plus, you get tag data.

[@aidonbolander8062]

I have one of these, its stuck in pcm and now i when a game a movie talks the audio for talking is way quieter than the rest, someone please help google has done nothing

[@aworminmybook8234]

I like your attitude. I found the second half to be helpful because i"m curious about 3.1 music listening. I've been reading about early experiments by paul klisch and others using a center channel to widen the sweet spot. The klipsch heresy was actually designed originally to be a center. Seems like a home theater reciever could do this. Some of them have a dolby center spread feature for music.

[@loveracing1988]

Something I did for a gaming setup I built was buy a center and just adjust the dB level of the center to get the spread I wanted.

[@miata1492]

I would not have the desire, energy, or guts to navigate that "menu" even once.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

i don't care about avr menus, i go hdmi from blu-ray to tv and optical from tv to avr.

[@infiniteblaz3416]

The GUIs are there for your conveniency. So they’re nice to have.

[@tofu_golem]

I own one of these, and the auto calibration worked when I first bought it, but broke within a matter of days. I'm not sure it does anything anymore. It puts tones through all speakers, but no matter what it identifies all speakers as "large." I'm not sure the auto calibration can detect polarity problems.

[@exuci6638]

I recently got one of these resivers but it over heats alot in medium volume it has plenty of breathing room and it should have verry good ventilation but it still over heats any tips???

[@sonicboomin]

my first ever surround set was a dolby digital 5.1 all in one from SONY. actually was decent at the time, but then again i knew my ass from my elbow back then when it came to audio.

[@imlon2]

Is there a way to also have sound from the TV as well? I have this setup in my basement and only running 4 ceiling speakers. It’s not a home theater it’s a sports bar setup with 3 TV’s. The problem I have is not just stereo related but the way the ceiling is finished around the beams. 2 speakers seem much louder than the others and I’m not sure if there is a way to turn down one set front or rear and turn up the others. Maybe in the speaker setup? If you were just using this to run 4 speakers not surround how would you set it up. The louder 2 speakers on front and the two that aren’t so loud on rear or vise versa? Hope this make sense.

[@CronAcronis]

Awesome! Love the channel! Very much appreciate your reviews. Also, cool intros on price comparisons :) Do you think to add “objective section”? Like Hz curves and noise/signal ratios?

[@cheapaudioman]

Ron over at kzbin.info is teaching me a lot about measurements and I will probably incorporate that later on in the channel.

[@ovalfastlx6724]

What happened to all the speakers, sold out? unless you pay retail or more.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

my onkyo entry level 494 HT receiver seems to handle the sub like that sony receiver does. the only way I can turn off the sub is to select 2.0 speaker configuration or select direct mode. i owned a sony midrange avr that had a handy "subwoofer off" setting, it made life easier.

[@Blackdog4818]

I have this receiver and it sync'd with my Bravia perfectly so I could use my speakers with my video sources. Flash forward to 2 years later and I was swatting a fly and broke out a bunch of pixels. New TV is an LG OLED C1. I can't for the life of me figure out how to make the eARC sound from the LG to play with my DH-590 TV HDMI port. Wouldn't happen to know why? I heard you say this does NOT do Dolby Atmos. Could that be part of the problem?

[@rahdigs]

i got that at a savers for like $25 so i feel like i definitely got a steal, but i have no idea of how to set the presets? any ideas?

[@eudanielramos]

Could you help me with an opinion, sir? This receiver have output for cables (to connect passive speakers) and also bluetooth (to connect active speakers, for exemple). Which would you go for?

[@NeilBlanchard]

I wonder if the front end and volume control is digital? I used the STR-DH190, and as you mentioned in your review, it feels stiff and turning it faster seems to ne different than turning it slowly - and it just keeps turning. Which is weird, and takes a bit of getting used to. And it may be that they "neutered" the unprocessed sound, so they could add it back in with some of the "sound effect" processing - without having to have the current capabilities in the power amp to back up the enhancements.

[@isaaclund1674]

just got one of these open box from best buy. the thing won't even turn on, but that's probably just my unit. glad others have had better luck

[@user-ri7kd5em5q]

Help! I have this receiver working with Samsung TV and Amazon Fire Box. However, I have never been able to bring up Easy Setup .. it did not come up automatically nor can I get it by hitting HOME. Sound Setting is 2CH/MULTI with MULTI ST. and sound is coming out of all 5 speakers. Can this be calibrated at this time? and How ? I'm lost. appreciate any help

[@johnnysmile01]

Very nice review thanks i have an old Sony tank ta-v777ES mint i got for 70€ and works amazing after all this Time and the sound is amazing and powerful but i want a new Onkyo receiver or maybe a nice Sony

[@gregoryblake3377]

The funniest audio guy on youtube hands down.

[@jimmiej8]

Love your vids man! Been subbed since 600 subs. Good luck with growing your channel, I described your channel to my partner as “Ron Swanson but an audiophile”

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome thank you!

[@tokeyrola]

Channel-multi means the AVR has an analog input for each of the surround channels. FL FR FC LS RS and LFE all have RCA inputs not just L and R

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks, for that.

[@serenityfpv]

I have this receiver and was wanting to ask, what do you think would be a good upgrade from this receiver? I have 2 polk s55 tower speakers, 2 small polk surround speakers, and 2 klipsch powered subwoofers. I feel like i could be getting better sound maybe? For under 500$?

[@user-ri7kd5em5q]

I need help. Have the 590 connected to Samsung TV and Amazon Fire Box. Easy setup screen never came up nor can I get it by hitting HOME. Sound setting is 2CH/MULTI and MULTI-ST working all 5 speakers. but I can't figure out how to calibrate the sound/speakers; or with cabled mic is connected is it doing it automatically? I'm tech but no home theatre expert. can someone direct me?

[@StenIsaksson]

You can hook it up with HDMI to the computers HDMI output and get digital sound thru the HDMI The amp will show up as an audio device.

[@Klocaine237]

Your doing fukn great bro. I've been watching since you first speaker shootout. Loving going broke with every episode

[@av8rbri473]

Hey everyone. Friend asked me if i’d be interested in an older Onkyo TX-DS989. I could get it pretty cheap and everything works. anyone have experience with that A/V receiver? What would I need to do to integrate it into a HTR esp since there’s no HDMI’s obv?

[@armaandhah1909]

i have the two speakers that came with the passport fender pd250 plus, can I hook them up to this and add a subwoofer? i believe they have 1/4 in. jack plugs

[@benicia21]

have Bluetooth issues with my Sony receiver. one day it stopped connecting..... no idea what happened

[@willisbush956]

I have the 190, which for many people will probably do the trick for a good 2-channel music system. (Of course, if you have special requirements, like needing an easy subwoofer connection, or wanting very high volume levels, or needing a receiver capable of powering inefficient and/or 4 ohm speakers, this won't be what you want.) However, if I were buying a receiver for a 2-channel system today, I'd seriously consider the 590, which provides an easy sub hookup, plus the ability to high pass into the main speakers, as you described. The set-up system may make using the receiver this way too hard, so that could be a deal killer, but you can always buy it, then send it back if that proved to be the case.

[@MrRyan-fd9rd]

Seems like I am not able to get much bass with my cerwin Vega sl12 with this receiver. 300watt speaker/ 145ish watt receiver. Is that why?

[@craigbarwell180]

I have the reciever I have mixed emotions I'm happy with all that it does for the price point it's unreal. I have 2 t15 polks 2 t50 tower speakers a psw108 and klipsch 12 sounds great for movies. This fit in my space for my entertainment stand which my denon over heated. I feel for music you must adjust alot depending on music genre your listening to. I honestly have had the reciever over heat once when playing music at very high volumes for a long period of time. I wish it had more power for music but it works its plenty loud and for $200 with everything you get. Also just added a center channel polk s35. If you know of any better recievers for smaller size please comment or in the same size of this reciever.

[@carloriley3974]

I have the 590. I’m having trouble hooking up my subwoofer. Everyone is saying go to speaker settings and select “small” for Front setting. However mine does not give me that option. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[@shannoncrawford7212]

Hopefully you’ve figured it out. If not go into the menu on the actual receiver, not the TV. There is an option for the speaker configuration. Make sure it is on 5.1 (or whatever you speaker configuration is with the .1) not 5.0. Had the same issue, that was the problem.

[@wrinkleneckbass]

It's good to see you're doing AVR reviews Obi-Wan. I almost bought one of these too but I found a Denon AVR-S750H for $379 and pulled the trigger on that instead.

[@cheapaudioman]

Good choice. I wasn't impressed with this one.

[@ouslander1]

Great review, Ty. I will spend my $$$ on the Barrel of Salsa. At last, that Pneumatic piston pump will be of use. 👍

[@chemicle]

So, you speaking at the camera like I'm one of your bro's - hooked me. "There might be a better way, but I don't know how". Liked / Sub'd

[@mudbuttjones]

I got this one and I'm fine with it works for me 👍

[@vanceshepherd1618]

Bought this as an open box deal from Best Buy for $170. It went back, because I was reminded why I don't like Sony ht receivers. Does a lot, but not well. Menu sucks, protect mode is annoying. Waiting on a refurb Denon from Accessories 4 Less. But for anyone who just wants it, I saw some of these at Walmart for $250.

[@mikevega7740]

Yeah got it for 250 plustax at Wal-Mart today

[@itsval7]

Hi I have a question I just got this receiver recently for a steal. Anyways I’m wondering if I have to have it on a certain setting if I’m only running a 3.1 setup … if so which setting would that be, thanks !

[@rickeyponder2498]

Bought this receiver for home audio, sounds great

[@scottishbarnss]

Thanks for the review! Would you pick this over the Denon S540BT for a 2.1 setup?

[@cheapaudioman]

I don't have any time with the Denon. But I'd probably pick a lot of things over this.

[@adriansmith369]

So for the same price is this as good as the Yamaha v385? I’d prefer the Sony cos it will fit under my tv, unless its noticeably worse. Connecting to Polk 265rt fronts, and a sub. Possibly add surrounds in future

[@innate4994]

I am wanting to put together a 3.1 or 5.1 in my office. What would you recommend for bookshelves, center channel & AVR cheapaudioman style?

[@cheapaudioman]

Depends on your budget for sure. I haven't really heard a "good" 5 channel receiver less than $400 or so. If you really want 3 or 5 channels I'd look at a solid used receiver and then build the speakers to your budget.

[@PrezidentHughes]

Would this be good for a novice who doesn't want to fiddle too much with settings, just needs good TV/movie/radio/Bluetooth of a decent quality, or is it simply a broken design and will give even a novice a lot of trouble?

[@logos74]

Would you say the Denon 540 was better at 2 channel music playback?

[@MarsKvaratskhelia]

I have a question my speakers are 4 ohms and this receiver is for 6 ohms speakers Is it going to overheat with 4 ohm speakers? Thanks

[@kermit3421]

Not recommended, but if you "listen" to it and make sure it is not clipping (distorting) you will probably be okay. Also, check the unit periodically for heat coming out of it.

[@thefactor6909]

Great review Randy ! 👊🏻👍🏻

[@David-bb7mt]

I might be inheriting some older Definitive Tech BP6's (8ohm 100wRMS). Would this or the Yamaha equivalent (the one I will most likely buy) be powerful enough to drive those? I would be running the two towers initially then eventually 2.1 or 3.1 Thanks

[@cheapaudioman]

oh yeah. should work just fine.

[@ginom407]

Above and Beyond! Great Review 👍

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks, Gino. What did you have for breakfast?

[@ginom407]

@@cheapaudioman 🤣 Coffee and toast! Followed by more coffee. How about you?

[@TheGreatBigShow]

Could this run sub shakers and a normal sub at the same time? I saw there were to sub outs.

[@wonderboy7768]

Ordered a 55gal drum of Andrew J. Salsa-- Excited! Thanks.

[@cheapaudioman]

Smart move

[@mattandheathersboys]

Is there a way to simultaneously listen to bluetooth audio and watch tv on this receiver?

[@simmitysam1397]

yes, i am also curious, just got this, i cant figure out how? i bet he didn't test it

[@SUNCITYOUTLAW]

Mine just broke on me. The menu from the receiver does display on my tv just not what it's connected via HDMI. The PS4 image doesn't display but I can hear the PS4 menu. 😵‍💫

[@toroscosmicos9889]

Great review. Literally just came back from picking up a Pioneer VSX-820 from a guy on Facebook marketplace...$60 and he had the remote. I have a Pioneer VSX-1020, so the calibration mike is identical for both. These are 8-10 year old receivers. Sorry,Home Theater audio technology has not changed for the most part,, in 20 years if 5.1 is your choice.. I don't care about video pass through. I run the Toslink opticalout from my TVs to the optical input on the receiver...works great and is simple. Dont care about Atmos...my hearing isn't up to it. 5.1 is just fine. Glad to see you covering Home Theater equipment. I looked at this Sony. Not readily available...maybe at Best Buy. There are so many decent AV receivers on the used market that I can't justify the cost of a low end new one.

[@bradstewart8663]

I went from a focusrite to this. So far I'm happy. I wouldn't know the difference though.

[@MarinosAU79]

How about a video for the best AV Receivers under 400??

[@treeliner898]

Like a dumbass I pushed the front surround button on the remote, does anyone know how to get the 2 surround speakers back on FML