Yamaha R-S202BL vs Sony STR-DH190

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Review of Yamaha R-S202BL versus Sony STR-DH190 will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Yamaha R-S202BL received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-DH190 was rated 5 points. The release date of R-S202BL is 2016, and STR-DH190 is 2018. STR-DH190 is better suited for home theater use than the R-S202BL. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Yamaha R-S202BL over Sony STR-DH190

Main advantages Sony STR-DH190 over Yamaha R-S202BL

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 2.0-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 R-S202BL this value is 140/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DH190 it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the R-S202BL 5 out of 10, and the STR-DH190 - 6.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-DH190 has Pure Direct mode.

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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Yamaha R-S202BL scored 4, and Sony STR-DH190 scored 5 out of 10.

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. Neither the R-S202BL, nor the STR-DH190 has the RJ45 port.

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, Yamaha R-S202BL got 2 points, but Sony STR-DH190 received 4 points.

Competitors in our review have 0/0 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the STR-DH190 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.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the R-S202BL got 5 points, but the STR-DH190 has 4.

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