Sony STR-DH590 vs Yamaha RX-A870BL

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To get informed with the specs of the receivers, we suggest you read the Sony STR-DH590 and Yamaha RX-A870BL review. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DH590 received 4.2 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-A870BL was rated 8.3 points. The release date of STR-DH590 is 2018, and RX-A870BL is 2017. This review shows us that the RX-A870BL is a better choice as a home AV receiver than the STR-DH590.

Main advantages Sony STR-DH590 over Yamaha RX-A870BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A870BL over Sony STR-DH590

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-DH590 supports 5.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-A870BL supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DH590 5 out of 10, and the RX-A870BL - 8.

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 on the RX-A870BL.

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, Sony STR-DH590 scored 5, and Yamaha RX-A870BL scored 8 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Yamaha RX-A870BL.

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 RX-A870BL only.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Yamaha RX-A870BL.

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, Sony STR-DH590 got 6 points, but Yamaha RX-A870BL received 9 points.

Sony STR-DH590 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-A870BL has 8/2 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 RX-A870BL 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 STR-DH590 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 10 for the RX-A870BL.

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 with Yamaha RX-A870BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DH590 got 4 points, but the RX-A870BL has 10.

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 RX-A870BL can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa. Yamaha RX-A870BL 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

Sony STR-DH590 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-A870BL got 7.

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. Yamaha RX-A870BL 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 on the RX-A870BL.