Sony STR-DH590 vs Yamaha RX-V4A

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Review of Sony STR-DH590 versus Yamaha RX-V4A will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DH590 received 4.2 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V4A was rated 6.5 points. The release date of STR-DH590 is 2018, and RX-V4A is 2020. RX-V4A is better suited for home theater use than the STR-DH590. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Sony STR-DH590 over Yamaha RX-V4A

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V4A over Sony STR-DH590

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 6 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 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 STR-DH590 this value is 145/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V4A it is 80/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DH590 5 out of 10, and the RX-V4A - 7.

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-V4A.

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-V4A scored 9 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. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the RX-V4A 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, Sony STR-DH590 got 6 points, but Yamaha RX-V4A received 5 points.

Competitors in our review have 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 on Yamaha RX-V4A.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Sony STR-DH590 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-V4A has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 7 for the RX-V4A.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The STR-DH590 works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the RX-V4A has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Yamaha RX-V4A.

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-V4A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DH590 got 4 points, but the RX-V4A has 7.

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-V4A can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. Yamaha RX-V4A 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 5 points out of 10.