Sony STRDH190
Score: 68/100
Sonos Beam Gen 2 White
Score: 67/100Rankings
The Sony STR-DH190 is a compact 2-channel stereo receiver delivering 100 W per channel with a built-in phono preamp and Bluetooth receive-only streaming. It targets vinyl enthusiasts and casual listeners who value analog sound quality and a sturdy, low-profile design.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact soundbar offering Dolby Atmos and integrated voice assistants, delivering immersive audio for small to medium rooms while fitting seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem. Its lack of DTS support, thin bass, and reliance on HDMI eARC for Atmos are its main drawbacks.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 wattsbest | — | |
2 | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.756 kg | 2.88 kgbest |
— | 1 countbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
1 countbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Physical Specs(1) | ||
Weight (kg) | 7.756 kg | 2.88 kg |
Audio Performance(2) | ||
Channels | 2 | 5 |
Supported Audio Formats | WMA | Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (via Dolby Digital Plus or TrueHD), Multichannel PCM |
Accessories(1) | ||
Remote Control Included | true | false |
Design & Build(1) | ||
Finish | Black | Matte white |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the STR-DH190 for its solid build, reinforced chassis, and clear analog performance, noting the phono stage as a strong point for vinyl users while the lack of digital inputs is seen as a deliberate strength for analog-focused setups.
Everyday users consistently rate the receiver highly for sound quality and ease of use, especially appreciating the built-in phono input and stable Bluetooth streaming, though they miss digital inputs and wish Bluetooth could transmit.
Professional reviewers consistently rate the Beam (Gen 2) as the top choice for small rooms, praising its Dolby Atmos performance, compact form factor and deep integration with Alexa, Google Assistant and AirPlay 2, while noting its lack of DTS support, modest bass and the need for an eARC-compatible TV to unlock Atmos.
Everyday users love the Beam for its clear dialogue, easy setup and immersive Atmos feel in modest spaces, but many express frustration over the absence of Android Trueplay, thin bass and occasional voice-assistant lag.
“Great sound quality and the phono input works perfectly with my turntable.”
“I wish it had HDMI or optical inputs for my TV.”
“The remote is handy, but the front display is hard to read in low light.”
