Sony STRDH590
Score: 78/100
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Black
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Sony STR-DH590 is a solid 5.2-channel AV receiver delivering strong power, 4K HDR support, and Bluetooth streaming in a compact package. It lacks immersive object-based audio formats and advanced smart-home features, making it best suited for straightforward 5.1 setups.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact 3-channel smart soundbar that adds Dolby Atmos, eARC and a faster processor to the original Beam, delivering immersive audio and robust smart-home integration. It excels in clarity and voice-assistant features, though its bass is modest and it lacks Bluetooth and DTS:X support.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
145 Wbest | — | |
4best | 1 | |
1best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 8.283 kg | 2.88 kgbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
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| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Video(1) | ||
HDMI Inputs | 4 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 8.2825 kg | 2.88 kg |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.2 | 3.0 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DSD, WAV | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the STR-DH590 for its solid power, reliable 4K HDR handling and effective D.C.A.C. calibration, while noting the lack of Atmos/DTS:X and smart-home features as limitations.
Everyday users rate the unit highly, highlighting its dynamic sound, easy Bluetooth streaming, and noticeable improvement from D.C.A.C., though they miss a modern remote and Wi-Fi/app control.
Professional reviewers praise the Beam (Gen 2) for its premium sound quality, clear dialogue, and effective Dolby Atmos implementation in a compact form factor, highlighting its strong smart-home features and seamless Sonos ecosystem compatibility, while noting drawbacks such as the absence of Bluetooth, limited Android support for Trueplay, and lack of DTS:X support.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the Beam's clear dialogue, easy HDMI ARC setup, reliable Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 streaming, and its sleek design, though recurring complaints focus on missing Bluetooth, Android Trueplay limitations, occasional eARC negotiation issues, and modest bass without a subwoofer.
“I can turn on the receiver from my phone and start playing music instantly.”
“Calibration mic is basic - works, but not as precise as Audyssey.”
“Rich, dynamic sound.”
