Sony STRDH590 Black
Score: 76/100
JBL Bar 5.1
Score: 78/100Rankings
The JBL Bar 5.1 is a 5.1-channel soundbar system delivering 510 W of power and a wireless 10-inch subwoofer for strong bass. Its bulky packaging and heavy weight limit portability and ease of setup. Best suited for medium-large rooms where power outweighs size concerns.
The Sony STR-DH590 is an entry-level 5.2-channel AV receiver delivering strong per-channel power and full-stack 4K 60p HDR including Dolby Vision. Its main limitations are the absence of Wi-Fi/network streaming and a modest HDMI port count. Best for budget-conscious beginners setting up a 5.1/5.2 system in small-to-medium rooms.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5.2best | 5.1 | |
145 W | 510 Wbest | |
— | 10 inbest | |
— | 1.25 inbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 18.25 lbbest | 29.7 lb |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
5best | 5best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Total Power Output (W) | 145 W | 510 W |
Audio(1) | ||
Audio Channels | 5.2 | 5.1 |
Features(1) | ||
Dolby Atmos | true | false |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 18.25 lb | 29.7 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | H×W×D: 13.3×43.2×29.9 cm cm | 5.84×101.85×9.91 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the STR-DH590 for delivering strong power and full-stack 4K HDR (including Dolby Vision) at a beginner-friendly price, noting its discrete 5-channel amp, easy DCAC calibration, and robust Bluetooth and Hi-Res audio support. However, they also flag the lack of Wi-Fi/Ethernet and limited HDMI inputs as drawbacks for users seeking more networked or multi-device flexibility.
Everyday owners generally like the straightforward Bluetooth streaming, easy 4K setup, and useful FM tuner, but many express disappointment over the limited HDMI ports, absence of a companion app, and missing Wi-Fi/airplay capabilities, describing the interface as dated.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the JBL Bar 5.1's strong bass, high power output and convenient wireless surrounds, but they criticize its bulky packaging and note that the audio refinement falls short of premium competitors.
Everyday users love the deep bass and the flexibility of the battery-powered surrounds, yet many complain about the heavy, cumbersome box and the effort required to set it up alone.
“solid 4K HDR passthrough (full 4K/60p 4:4:4, Dolby Vision)”
“good but not great”
