Sony STRDH790.CEK 7.2 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS: X 4K HDR AV Receiver - Black

Product Information

The receiver covers all of he sound frequencies the human ear can hear, and even a few that we can’t. It’ll send frequencies to your speakers from 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. Sophisticated sound formats give you control over which speakers are receiving certain channels of sound. Sound Processing Features HDR-compatible for extended picture contrast and brightness with compatible 4K TVs and HDR-encoded content

Advanced DCAC uses Automatic Phase Matching to align the phase of your speakers. This means you don’t need to use the same speaker on all channels for perfectly seamless sound. Simply let DCAC analyse the sound and match all the speakers to the front left and right channel’s characteristics. Dolby Atmos® processing for use with in-ceiling or "height" speakers for more enveloping surround sound Square wave performance was outstand­ingly good in ‘Direct’ mode, and exactly as I’d expect in ‘2CH’ mode. The two graphs ac­companying this review show a 10kHz square wave reproduced in the ‘Direct’ mode and a 5kHz square wave reproduced in ‘2CH’ mode by way of comparison. You can clearly see the limitations introduced by the analogue/ digital/analogue conversion process. There were some wrinkles with the HDMI equipment I used. Specifically, neither of my Beyonwiz PVRs would work with the HDMI input labelled BD/DVD. Both worked perfectly with the Game and Media Box inputs. The Beyonwiz T4 also worked with the SAT/CATV input, but while the picture came through from the T3 on that one, the sound wouldn’t. I tried different HDMI cables. Who knows what was going on there. The BD/DVD input worked fine with the Sony disc player (above) and my own selection of UHD and Blu-ray players. A useful button on the remote displays video and audio signal information on the screen, so you’ve got some information to work with.

Immersive home theater plus easy wireless music streaming

Alternatively, you can use the receiver to build a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup and enjoy immersive overhead sound effects from any spot in your living room. Dolby Atmos/ DTS: X decoding Although it is an entry-level AVR, it delivers exceptional soundstage and detail for movies and music. Sony’s DCAC is arguably one of the best calibration technologies available and does a great job of tuning your receiver to suit your listening space. The Sony STR-DH790 is truly a premium performer and one of the best 7.2 receivers that you can get your hands on out there. One minor quibble is that Sony really seems to like their bass. The first thing I noticed after unhooking my receiver and replacing it with the STR-DH790 was that this unit pumped out the bass at a significantly higher level given similar sound-field settings. I’m not sure why they go so heavy on the bass, but it’s easy enough to tweak if you’re coming from a different brand and appreciate a more subtle approach. Furthermore, with the 4K pass-through, you can transmit signals from the source device to the receiver without degrading picture quality. The unit also supports the latest HDR varieties including, HGL, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. Sleek and space-saving design

With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you get surround sound like they have in movie theatres. Rich, lifelike and all-encompassing.

The STR-DH790 features a dedicated electronic Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI input that streamlines connecting your compatible television to allow audio signals to run both to and from the television while requiring only a single video signal cable. The 790 has a lovely rich tone, that adds an extra warmth to any music. Action scenes and ambience have that extra dimension (now) thanks to the addition of Atmos. The one real issue I have with the overall design unit is something I’ll touch on a little later. In what I can only assume was a cost-cutting measure, this unit uses a strange mixture of binding posts and spring clips. Not really impressed there, Sony. Get the real big screen experience with a fully-fledged 7.1 channel surround speaker system. The ideal way to close up any gaps in your sound space – even in bigger rooms. All round virtual surround with S-Force PRO The Sony STR-DH790 shares a lot in common with the Onkyo TX-SR494. They’re both 7.2 channel receivers that are capable of being configured in 5.2, and they’re both aimed at the entry-level home theater consumer. They both support most of the same formats, like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 4K HDR video.

The connection choices for the Sony STR-DH790 are pretty good at its price point. You get 4 analog inputs, one digital optical and one coaxial. Unfortunately, the 790 doesn’t include dedicated turntable or USB inputs. Sony supplies 5-way binding posts for you to connect the left and right channels and the rest of the speakers are forced to use spring clip connections. Four HDMI inputs and 1 output adorn the top of the receiver. Unsurprisingly, the Sony 790 supports 4K video and most of its key features such as HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, 4:4:4 color space, and HDCP 2.2. If you’re looking for a network receiver, then the Sony STR-DH790 may not be the amp for you. It doesn’t have ethernet or WiFi, but it does have Bluetooth. So even though you can’t stream music over your network, with Bluetooth it’s still possible to stream music from your favorite music app to the receiver. The Sony has excellent output stage protection circuitry, including a heatsink temperature monitor that limits power output if the heatsink gets too hot… I'm surprised at the very basic GUI when compared with other Sony AV Amps that I've seen. I think a lot more could have been made with that, especially with some of the finer set-up tweaks like reassigning inputs etc. Overall, the Sony STR-DH790 is an impressive entry-level AV receiver designed to deliver immersive surround sound just like in cinema theaters. In terms of sound formats, the receiver accounts for both Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding. These formats position sound from every angle to provide a 360-degree surround sound (around and above you) that envelops you in the movie action completely. Smart Bluetooth connectivity the ambient temperature in your room, the less efficient the internal heatsink will be at dissipating heat).Setting up a variety of stereo and multispeaker configurations is fairly straight-forward. Everything from a basic 2.1 system or a 5.1.2 system using the two overhead speakers as additional front channels to a full-blown 7.2-channel surround sound system with Dolby Digital Atmos creating an immersive sound environment is possible. The STR-DH790 provides up to 1015 watts (145 watts per channel) total output power to let you enjoy a more theater-like sound. And as if this is not enough, the receiver offers you multiple options of setting up your system in any living or entertainment room. The rear panel also houses HDMI inputs, antenna connections, and an enhanced audio return channel to seamlessly connect your compatible television. Overall, the appearance of the Sony STR-DH790 is above-average. The brushed metal face and turned-finish knobs offer a touch of class to an otherwise utilitarian design. The Sony STR-DH790 is a solid receiver. Can you get a better sounding receiver? Yes, but not at this price point. For all intents and purposes, the 790 is an entry-level receiver with a little more power and punch. I really enjoyed the Sony STR-DH590 but, considering that for a few dollars more you get the added benefit of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, I would recommend the Sony 790 over its little brother.