Sony STRDH590
Score: 76/100
Polk Monitor XT15 Midnight Black
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Polk XT15 bookshelf speakers offer high-resolution audio and Dolby Atmos support in a compact form, delivering clear highs and respectable bass for small to medium rooms. Their trade-offs include limited low-frequency extension and a need for careful placement due to narrow dispersion. Best for budget-conscious listeners seeking immersive sound in limited space.
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 | 2 | |
145 Wbest | — | |
— | 86 dBbest | |
— | 8 Ωbest | |
— | 5.25 inbest | |
— | 1 inbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 18.25 lb | 9 lbbest |
1 years | 5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Audio Channels | 5.2 | 2 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 5 years |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 18.25 lb | 9 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | H×W×D: 13.3×43.2×29.9 cm cm | 10.6 x 7.18 x 6.5 in 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.
“solid 4K HDR passthrough (full 4K/60p 4:4:4, Dolby Vision)”
Professional reviewers commend the XT15 for delivering a balanced, detailed soundstage with impressive high-frequency extension and solid imaging for its price. They also note the limited low-frequency output and the need for careful placement due to narrow vertical dispersion and the rear-ported design.
Everyday users appreciate the speakers' compact footprint, straightforward wiring, and clear highs, especially in small home-theater setups. The most common complaints revolve around the need for a subwoofer to achieve deeper bass and the speakers' sensitivity to placement.
