The Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver brings Dolby Atmos surround sound to your home at a low cost. It has an MSRP of $350 but can be found for $199-249. This makes it a great choice for those on a budget.
This receiver is a big step up from the STR-DH770. It has a sleek design, an enhanced audio return channel (eARC) HDMI port, and supports 4K HDR. Your movies, shows, and games will look and sound amazing.
Key Takeaways
- Affordable Dolby Atmos surround sound experience for under $250
- 4K HDR pass-through support with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma
- Streamlined design and enhanced audio return channel (eARC) HDMI port
- Powerful 145W per channel output with low 0.9% THD
- Versatile connectivity options with 4 HDMI inputs and both optical/coaxial digital
Product Overview and First Impressions
The Sony STR-DH790 is a 7.2-channel Home Theater System. It’s an affordable way to enjoy Surround Sound and 4K HDR. Its sleek design, with a brushed metal faceplate and two large knobs, looks great in any room.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony STR-DH790’s front panel has 12 thin buttons with small labels. This makes it easy to use. The build quality is strong, showing it’s built to last.
What’s in the Box
- Sony STR-DH790 receiver
- Remote control
- Batteries
- FM antenna
- Calibration microphone
Initial Setup Experience
Setting up the Sony STR-DH790 is easy. A wizard guides you through the first steps. It comes with a calibration microphone. This helps the receiver adjust sound levels and distances for the best sound in your home.
“The Sony STR-DH790 provides an impressive Surround Sound experience right out of the box, thanks to its user-friendly setup and advanced features like Dolby Atmos compatibility.”
Technical Specifications and Features
The Sony STR-DH790 is a powerful 7.2 channel receiver. It has a discrete 7-channel amplifier, each delivering 145 watts of power. This ensures clear audio output.
This receiver supports many audio formats. You can enjoy 7.2 channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound. It also lets you set up your speakers in up to 5.1.2 channels.
The receiver also has impressive video processing. It supports 4K HDR video pass-through, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. This makes your 4K HDR content look great. It also has DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) with APM for a personalized audio experience.
It has four HDMI inputs for 4K, HDR, and the latest video standards. You’ll also find many analog and digital audio inputs, plus Bluetooth for wireless streaming. While it lacks some advanced features, it’s a great value at $299.99.
Sony STR-DH790 Review: Performance Analysis
The Sony STR-DH790 7.2-channel Dolby Atmos AV receiver offers great performance. It provides an immersive audio experience without costing too much. Its 90-watts-per-channel output fills large rooms with detailed sound.
Audio Output Quality
The Sony STR-DH790 shines with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound support. It lets users enjoy a 3D audio experience. The system can set up a 5.1.2 channel setup with overhead speakers for height effects.
Sony’s Advanced D.C.A.C. auto calibration system boosts the audio quality. It ensures the sound is balanced for your room.
Video Processing Capabilities
The STR-DH790 also excels in video processing. It can pass through 4K HDR signals like HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. This means your 4K HDR content looks amazing.
The receiver’s video upscaling improves lower-resolution sources. It makes the image quality better and more consistent.
Power Handling
The STR-DH790 has a reinforced frame and beam chassis design. This helps to keep the power output stable, even with demanding audio. The power output might be lower for 8-ohm speakers over a wide range, but the sound is powerful and satisfying.
The Sony STR-DH790 is a budget-friendly AV receiver with impressive audio and video performance. It has Dolby Atmos, robust power handling, and versatile connectivity. It’s a great choice for an immersive home theater experience without spending a lot.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Implementation
The Sony STR-DH790 receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These are top-notch surround sound technologies. They make your home feel like a cinema.
The receiver has a 7.2-channel setup. This might not use Dolby Atmos to its fullest. But, it’s better than old surround sound systems. You can also set it up for 5.1 or 7.2 channels. This makes it easy to add height speakers later for a better Atmos experience.
DTS:X support adds more to the receiver’s sound abilities. It’s another way to get that immersive feel. Whether you like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, the STR-DH790 has you covered.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Supported up to 7.2 channels |
| DTS:X | Supported up to 7.2 channels |
| Surround Sound Channels | 5.1 or 7.2 configuration |
| Ability to Upgrade to Height Speakers | Yes, for a full Atmos experience |
With the Sony STR-DH790, dive into the exciting world of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound. It takes your home entertainment to new levels.
Connectivity Options and Ports
The Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver has everything you need for your entertainment. It has many HDMI inputs and outputs, wireless options, and different audio inputs. This makes it easy to fit into your home theater.
HDMI Inputs and Outputs
The Sony STR-DH790 has four HDMI inputs. You can connect devices like 4K Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming boxes. These inputs support 4K at 60Hz and HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDCP 2.2.
It also has one HDMI output with Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) support. This makes it easy to connect your TV for better audio.
Wireless Connectivity Features
The Sony STR-DH790 supports Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming. You can connect your phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth devices. It also supports the AAC codec for high-quality audio.
Audio Input Options
The receiver has many audio input options. It has four stereo analog inputs, one coaxial digital input, and one optical digital input. These options work with a wide range of audio sources.
The speaker connections use binding posts and spring clips. They work with different speaker cables up to 1.5mm.
| Connectivity Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| HDMI Inputs | 4 |
| HDMI Output | 1 (with eARC support) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth with AAC codec |
| Analog Audio Inputs | 4 stereo |
| Digital Audio Inputs | 1 coaxial, 1 optical |
| Speaker Connections | Binding posts and spring clips |
The Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver is very flexible. It works well with many HDMI devices, wireless music streaming, and different audio inputs. It’s perfect for your home entertainment setup.
Setup and Calibration Process
Setting up the Sony STR-DH790 home theater system is easy and straightforward. It has a user-friendly on-screen display that guides you through the setup. This makes it simple to set up your speakers, inputs, and other settings.
The STR-DH790 has an advanced automatic calibration system called DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration). It uses a calibration microphone to analyze your room’s acoustics. This system optimizes the sound for your specific setup, adjusting speaker sizes, distances, levels, and equalizer settings.
While the automatic calibration works well, you might need to make some manual tweaks for the perfect sound. The receiver offers different sound field settings. You can choose from Dolby Surround, Neural-X, Front Surround, and various stereo modes. This lets you fine-tune the audio to your liking.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Calibration | The DCAC system uses a provided microphone to optimize speaker sizes, distances, levels, and EQ settings for your room. |
| Manual Adjustments | The receiver offers various sound field settings and controls to further fine-tune the audio experience to your liking. |
| Supported Formats | The STR-DH790 supports immersive surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more, for a truly cinematic experience. |
The Sony STR-DH790 makes setting up your home theater system easy and effective. Its powerful calibration features ensure your system delivers exceptional audio performance. This is true no matter the size or configuration of your room.
Audio Performance for Movies
The Sony STR-DH790 brings a new level of sound to your home. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating a 3D surround sound. This makes your movies feel like they’re happening right around you.
With its 7.2-channel system and digital signal processors, the receiver handles audio with precision. Whether it’s a new movie or a classic, you’ll feel like you’re right in the action. The Sony STR-DH790 makes every sound come alive.
Surround Sound Experience
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on the Sony STR-DH790 are top-notch. They create a full 360-degree sound field. Sounds seem to come from all directions, making movies and TV shows more engaging and real.
Bass Response and Management
The receiver’s strong amplifier and large power transformer deliver clear, powerful bass. The sturdy frame and rigid chassis help keep the sound deep and clean. But, you might need to tweak the bass levels for the best sound in your room.
The Sony STR-DH790 also has Advanced D.C.A.C. It fine-tunes the sound to fit your room perfectly. This ensures balanced bass and an immersive audio experience.
“The Sony STR-DH790 offers a truly immersive audio experience, transporting you right into the heart of the action on the big screen.”
Music Playback Quality
The Sony STR-DH790 receiver offers a great music listening experience. It can play audio from different genres clearly and with detail. Whether you stream music via Bluetooth or listen to Hi-Res Audio, you’ll enjoy the sound.
The Pure Direct function is a key feature. It reduces noise and lets the sound circuit focus on pure audio. This is great for music, as it improves the sound quality and stage. The receiver also supports Bluetooth Streaming, making it easy to connect your devices and play your favorite songs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Supported Audio Formats | CD, Bluetooth Streaming, Hi-Res Audio |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Supported Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Pure Direct Mode | Yes |
While the Sony STR-DH790’s music playback is excellent, it has fewer music input options than some rivals. Yet, for casual listeners, the available choices, like CD playback and Bluetooth streaming, should meet their needs for a good audio experience.
In summary, the Sony STR-DH790’s music playback quality is a major advantage. It delivers a clean and engaging sound. This makes listening to your favorite songs or high-resolution audio files more enjoyable.
Gaming Performance and Features
The Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver is perfect for an immersive gaming experience. It supports advanced audio and video technologies. You can enjoy the latest high-resolution visuals with its 4K HDR pass-through.
It also has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound processing. This creates a truly immersive audio environment.
Input Lag and Response Time
The Sony STR-DH790 doesn’t have specific low-latency gaming modes. But, its general performance is good for most gaming scenarios. Its HDMI inputs are labeled for a game console, making it easy to connect your gaming platform.
Gaming Sound Modes
- Dolby Atmos: Provides an enveloping 3D audio experience, placing sounds all around the listener for a more realistic and immersive gaming soundscape.
- DTS:X: Similar to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X creates a multidimensional audio environment, allowing for precise placement of in-game audio cues for enhanced spatial awareness.
- Surround Sound Modes: The receiver offers a variety of surround sound processing options, such as Dolby Surround, Neural-X, and Front Surround, allowing you to tailor the audio to your gaming preferences.
The Sony STR-DH790 supports cutting-edge audio technologies and clean video pass-through. It’s a great choice for gamers looking for an affordable and immersive home theater setup.
| Feature | Sony STR-DH790 | Onkyo TX-SR494 |
|---|---|---|
| 4K HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Surround Sound Modes | Multiple | Multiple |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| MSRP | $299.99 | $397 |
The table above compares the key gaming-related features of the Sony STR-DH790 and the Onkyo TX-SR494. Both models support 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. They provide a solid foundation for an immersive gaming experience.
User Interface and Remote Control
The Sony STR-DH790 home theater system has a mixed user experience. Its on-screen display is basic, which might confuse some users. But, the remote control is easy to use, making it simple to access important features.
The Bluetooth standby feature is a nice touch. It lets you turn on the STR-DH790 from a paired device. This adds a smart home feel to the system. Yet, the interface could be better labeled and organized for new users of home theater systems.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Output (Watts Per Channel) | 145 x 7 |
| Remote Control Included | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| AV Inputs | Optical Digital Input x 1 |
| Surround Sound Channels | 5.1.2, 7.2 |
| Richer Sounds extended guarantee | 6 Year Guarantee Extension – Free |
| Manufacturer’s guarantee | 1 Year |
| Product Dimensions (mm) | W 430 x H 133 x D 297 |
| Weight (kg) | 7.4 |
| Built-In Tuner | FM |
| Dolby Type | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby HD |
| AV Features | 3D Ready |
Even though the Sony STR-DH790’s user interface is not the most advanced, its remote control and Bluetooth standby feature make up for it. These features offer a user-friendly experience for those looking for an affordable home theater system.
Multi-Room Audio Capabilities
The Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver has some multi-room audio features. It lets you stream music wirelessly around your home with Bluetooth.
It doesn’t have Wi-Fi or wired network options for more complex setups. But, its Bluetooth lets you stream from phones, tablets, or other devices. This way, you can play music in any room with the STR-DH790 or compatible speakers.
The receiver supports the AAC codec for better sound quality. This is great for a simple, budget-friendly multi-room system without complex networks.
Even though it’s not the most advanced for multi-room, its Bluetooth streaming is a big plus. It lets you play your favorite music in different rooms at once.
“The Sony STR-DH790’s Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to stream music throughout your home, even if it lacks the more advanced multi-room features found in higher-end models.”
Value for Money Analysis
The Sony STR-DH790 is a great deal for its price, usually between $199-249. It matches the Onkyo TX-SR494 in price, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
While it might lack some advanced features and connectivity options, it’s a solid choice. It offers a great Home Theater System experience without costing too much.
Price Comparison with Competitors
Compared to other Affordable Dolby Atmos receivers, the Sony STR-DH790 is a strong contender. It has a lot of features and performs well, just like more expensive models. This makes it a great choice for those on a budget who want quality.
Feature-to-Cost Ratio
The Sony STR-DH790 is a smart buy. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, has a lot of power, and comes with many HDMI inputs and wireless options. All this for a price that’s hard to beat, making it a top value for a home theater system.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver?
The Sony STR-DH790 is a 7.2 channel receiver. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also has 4K HDR pass-through and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s priced between 9 to 9.
What is the design and build quality of the Sony STR-DH790?
The receiver has a sleek design with a brushed metal faceplate. It has two large adjustment knobs. The front panel has 12 thin buttons with small labels. It comes with a calibration microphone for easy setup.
What are the technical specifications and capabilities of the Sony STR-DH790?
It delivers 145 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1kHz, 0.9% THD, 1 channel driven). It supports 4K HDR pass-through, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. It also has Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Bluetooth connectivity.
How does the Sony STR-DH790 perform in terms of audio quality?
The receiver offers good sound quality across various media types. It has impressive Dolby Atmos functionality for its price. It has strong bass output, which may need adjustment to personal taste.
How well does the Sony STR-DH790 implement Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive surround sound experience. The Atmos functionality is limited by the 7.2 channel configuration. But it provides a big improvement over non-Atmos receivers.
What are the connectivity options and ports available on the Sony STR-DH790?
It has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output with eARC support. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, coaxial and optical audio inputs. It has a mix of binding posts and spring clips for speaker connections.
How easy is the setup and calibration process for the Sony STR-DH790?
The setup process is easy, guided by an on-screen display. It includes an automatic calibration system (D.C.A.C.) using the provided microphone. Manual adjustments may be needed for the best performance.
How does the Sony STR-DH790 perform for gaming?
It supports 4K HDR pass-through and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X for an immersive gaming experience. There’s no specific info on input lag or gaming-specific sound modes.
What are the user interface and remote control features of the Sony STR-DH790?
The on-screen display interface is basic and may confuse some users. The remote control makes it easy to operate. The Bluetooth standby feature lets you power on devices remotely.
What are the multi-room audio capabilities of the Sony STR-DH790?
It has limited multi-room audio capabilities compared to higher-end models. But, the Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless music streaming throughout the home.
How does the Sony STR-DH790 compare in value and price to its competitors?
The Sony STR-DH790 offers great value for its price range, usually between 9-249. It competes well with the Onkyo TX-SR494, providing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support at a budget-friendly price.
