Denon AVRX4400H vs Sony STR-DH590

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An overview of Denon AVRX4400H and Sony STR-DH590 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Denon AVRX4400H received 9.2 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-DH590 was rated 4.2 points. The release date of AVRX4400H is 2017, and STR-DH590 is 2018. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that STR-DH590 is inferior in audio processing features to AVRX4400H.

Main advantages Denon AVRX4400H over Sony STR-DH590

Main advantages Sony STR-DH590 over Denon AVRX4400H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVRX4400H supports 9.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-DH590 supports a 5.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the AVRX4400H this value is 165/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DH590 it is 145/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVRX4400H 9 out of 10, and the STR-DH590 - 5.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the AVRX4400H.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVRX4400H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVRX4400H scored 7, and Sony STR-DH590 scored 5 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVRX4400H.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the AVRX4400H only.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVRX4400H got 10 points, but Sony STR-DH590 received 6 points.

Denon AVRX4400H is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-DH590 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Denon AVRX4400H.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVRX4400H has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVRX4400H were rated 10 out of 10 against the 6 for the STR-DH590.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Denon AVRX4400H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVRX4400H got 10 points, but the STR-DH590 has 4.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The AVRX4400H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVRX4400H has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Denon AVRX4400H got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Sony STR-DH590 got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Denon AVRX4400H can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the AVRX4400H.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Denon AVRX4400H has Auro-3D on its feature list.