Sony STRDH590
Score: 76/100
Polk Monitor XT70 Midnight Black
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Polk Monitor XT70 is a floor-standing tower speaker delivering detailed highs and deep bass with dual passive radiators, making it ideal for hi-res and Dolby Atmos setups. Its large size and lack of a built-in subwoofer may be drawbacks in smaller rooms. Best suited for medium-large home-theater spaces.
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 | — | |
145 W | 200 Wbest | |
— | 89 dBbest | |
— | 6.5 inbest | |
— | 1 inbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 18.25 lbbest | 35 lb |
1 years | 5 yearsbest | |
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 | 200 W |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 5 years |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 18.25 lb | 35 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | H×W×D: 13.3×43.2×29.9 cm cm | 101.6×25.4×22.86 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.
“solid 4K HDR passthrough (full 4K/60p 4:4:4, Dolby Vision)”
Professional reviewers consistently commend the XT70 for its linear on-axis response, low harmonic distortion, and the combination of a Hi-Res dome tweeter with dual passive radiators that deliver detailed highs and deep, clean bass. They also note its versatility across 4 Ω and 8 Ω amplifiers and its suitability for high-resolution audio and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X setups, while cautioning about sensitivity variance and the need for a capable amplifier.
Everyday users praise the XT70 for creating immersive, lifelike sound in movies, games and music, especially noting the strong bass and crystal-clear highs that work well with streaming services. The main themes of satisfaction revolve around easy integration with existing AVRs and the ability to fill medium-large rooms without a separate subwoofer, while the only recurring concern is the speaker's large footprint in smaller spaces.
