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Sony STR-DH190 - 2.0ch Stereo Receiver Phono Input and Bluetooth® Technology
Key Features
- Sound-matched to PS-HX500 and PS-LX310BT for optimal performance
- Phono input for connection to turntable
- BLUETOOTH® for easy connection with mobile devices
- Engineered for superior sound quality
- A and B speaker function for flexible installation
Sound-matched to PS-HX500 and PS-LX310BT turntables
Pair your receiver with either the PS-HX500 or the PS-LX310BT to get optimal sound from your vinyl.
Phono input for your turntable
Plug your turntable into your receiver via the phono input for appropriate pre-amplification and EQ.
Smarter Bluetooth® connectivity
Not only can you connect to the STR-DH190 through Bluetooth® and play all your favorite tracks, but with Bluetooth® Standby, you can turn your receiver on straight from your paired smartphone or tablet.
Connect your equipment
The STR-DH190 has four analog audio inputs and one output, for easy connection to your audio recording device and other audio equipment.
Power amplifier for minimal distortion
A discreet amplifier gives high power and a pure sound.
Precision audio with a reinforced chassis
A reinforced frame and beam chassis design reduces transmitted vibration from speaker sound pressure for more focused, powerful sound.
Expertly designed to reduce vibration
Rigid parts hold the heat sink in place, reducing transmitted vibration from speaker sound pressure.
The optimal layout for the Phono and transformer
The phono amplifier and transformer are positioned optimally to minimize interference from the magnetic field.
Flexible speaker installation
The STR-DH190's A+B function lets you connect two sets of front speakers. You can easily switch between A or B or use both together to run outdoor speakers or set them up in a different room from the same amp.
Large capacity power transformer built for clarity
Care and attention to the highest quality audio starts with the power transformer.
The Way The Artists Truly Intended
Enjoy the subtlest nuances of studio-quality sound in higher than CD quality with High-Resolution Audio. Passion for music unites every component from signal to speaker so it feels like the artist is performing right in front of you.
FM tuner with presets
An FM tuner with 30 digital presets with station names, as well as auto tuning.
Dealers selling Sony near you
Sony STR-DH190 — compact, analog-first stereo receiver
The Sony STR-DH190 delivers a surprisingly refined, easy-to-drive 2.0ch experience with a clear, well-resolved presentation across treble, midrange and bass. Reviewers like Andrew Dewhirst and Future Audiophile note excellent instrument separation and stable imaging for the price. Its analogue toolbox — dedicated phono input, multiple analog ins and simple Bluetooth streaming — makes setup straightforward, while a solid chassis and practical controls reflect reliable mainstream build quality. Dynamics are strong at typical levels but the 100W-per-channel class amp can run out of headroom with very inefficient speakers or at extreme volumes. Ideal for vinyl lovers, casual two-channel systems, or secondary rooms, the STR-DH190 stands out as an exceptional value sub-$250 receiver that trades digital bells for robust analog performance.
Pros
- Clear, well-resolved presentation with very good instrument separation and focused imaging for its class.
- Analogue-focused connectivity — dedicated phono input plus multiple analog ins and effortless Bluetooth pairing make setup versatile for vinyl and analog sources.
- Outstanding value for money at the sub-$250 price point, offering sound and features that undercut pricier competitors.
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Cons
- No digital inputs (optical/HDMI/Toslink), which limits integration with TVs and modern digital sources.
- Limited headroom for very inefficient or hard-to-drive speakers; performance can strain at high volumes.
Sound Quality
85/100
Dynamics
84/100
The amp is specified/reported around 100 watts into 8 ohms and performs competently at typical listening levels, offering reasonable punch and transient response. Reviewers caution it can struggle at very high volumes or with difficult speaker loads, so dynamics are good for its class but not reference-level or endlessly headroom-rich.
Soundstage Imaging
87/100
The reviewer reports very good instrument separation and clarity, noting that instruments were not difficult to pick out during dense mixes and the presentation remains well defined for the price. Imaging is focused and stable, producing a satisfying sense of layering and placement with typical two-channel recordings.
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Build Quality
86/100
Sony's engineering and manufacturing are cited positively, and the receiver feels solidly constructed for its price point. While not using exotic components, the chassis, controls and practical design reflect reliable mainstream build quality rather than boutique craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
84/100
Offers the expected analog toolbox for a stereo-focused receiver: multiple analog inputs, a dedicated phono input (MM), a front headphone jack and Bluetooth for wireless streaming. It lacks any digital inputs (optical/HDMI/Toslink) or a built-in DAC/streaming platform, so connectivity is solid for analog-first setups but limited for modern digital/TV integration.
Value for Money
90/100
Multiple reviewers describe the STR-DH190 as a standout value at its sub-$250 price point — "the value of the Sony STR-DH190 is really hard to beat" — and note it undercuts some Cambridge Audio and NAD rivals by $200-300. Given the sound quality, useful analogue features and Bluetooth convenience at that price, the receiver represents a clearly justified purchase for budget-conscious listeners.
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