Sony STRDH190
Score: 73/100
Marshall Acton III Midnight Blue 3.5 mm
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Marshall Acton III (Midnight Blue) offers the same 60 W of powerful stereo sound as the original, wrapped in a premium leather-like finish with tactile analog controls. It still needs a wall outlet and lacks smart-home connectivity, limiting its use to stationary indoor settings. Ideal for design-conscious listeners who want high-quality Bluetooth audio on a desk or shelf.
The Sony STR-DH190 is a compact 2-channel stereo receiver offering a built-in phono stage, 100 W per channel, and Bluetooth streaming. Its lack of digital inputs and manual impedance adjustments limit modern connectivity. Ideal for vinyl enthusiasts and analog-focused setups.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
20 kHzbest | — | |
100 Wbest | 60 W | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.76 kg | 2.849 kgbest |
2best | 2best | |
96 dBbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.09 %best | — |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 10.16 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Frequency Response (kHz) | 20 kHz | 0.045-20 kHz |
RMS Power (W) | 100 W | 60 W |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | unknown | 5.2 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 7.76 kg | 2.849 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 15944 cm³ | 6630 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the STR-DH190 for its clean, detailed audio and robust analog feature set, especially the built-in phono stage and vibration-reduced chassis. While its power output and input versatility are praised, critics note the lack of digital connectivity and the inconvenience of remote-only impedance settings, positioning it as a solid analog-focused receiver rather than a modern streaming hub.
Consumers generally love the receiver's straightforward analog performance, reliable Bluetooth, and value proposition. Common praise centers on easy vinyl setup and solid sound, while recurring complaints focus on missing HDMI, occasional Bluetooth hiccups, and the need to adjust speaker impedance manually.
“amazing sound from a versatile receiver”
“very balanced”
Professional reviewers highlight the Acton III's impressive 60 W output, dynamic loudness processing, and outward-angled tweeters that together produce a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage for a speaker of its size. They commend the blend of vintage Marshall aesthetics with modern Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and the convenience of physical knobs plus an app for EQ tweaks, while noting the lack of battery, water resistance, and smart-home features as notable omissions.
Everyday users consistently praise the Acton III for its powerful, balanced stereo sound, easy-to-use analog knobs, and stylish retro design that looks great on desks or shelves. Common complaints revolve around its need for constant AC power, occasional Bluetooth drop-outs at maximum volume, and the absence of portability or multi-room linking.
