Design

It's evident from the first view of the Onkyo TX-SR393 and the Sony STR-DH590 that both have a simple, no-frills attitude toward design. These basic black boxes fit any entertainment arrangement without calling notice.

The somewhat additional heaviness of the Onkyo TX-SR393 gives it a strong, lasting feel. Setting it up, you find the weight and how strong it feels. Perfect if you want to sit down and enjoy your music or movies without disturbance, the front is basic with a big volume knob and few controls. In a gloomy area, the display is just bright enough without being intrusive. It is simple to read.

On the other hand, if space is limited, the Sony STR-DH590 seems to be somewhat more elegant and small. The front panel is sleek with a smaller, but still sturdy, volume knob. Though smaller, the display is still clear and legibly readable. The Sony fits well in a modern living space and seems more current.

Design counts in real-life usage, particularly if you value appearances. While Sony's clean appearance would be more enticing for a living room arrangement where visitors might see it, Onkyo's tough feel fits a devoted home theater.

Connectivity

This is the beginning of things becoming intriguing. Though they handle connections somewhat differently, both the Onkyo TX-SR393 and the Sony STR-DH590 offer everything you need to begin operating.

Four HDMI inputs and one relatively standard output define the Onkyo TX-SR393. But it also features Bluetooth, which is a big benefit if you like streaming music from your tablet or phone. The Bluetooth connection is simple; simply link your gadget and you're good to go. I tried it to stream Spotify and it works well. It's good that it simply works instead of having you fiddle around with many options.

Conversely, the Sony STR-DH590 provides one output and four HDMI inputs, so there is no actual difference. Sony then puts in something known as HDCP 2.2 compatibility, which essentially indicates it's ready for 4K content—great if you like high-definition movies or games. It also has Bluetooth, and from what I have heard, the connection is equally dependable as Onkyo's. I linked my phone and within seconds I was playing my preferred playlists.

Onkyo offers you a few extra choices, nevertheless, regarding audio inputs. If you are connecting older equipment, its many RCA ports and even a digital optical input might be helpful. Sony keeps things simpler, which might be advantageous if you intend not to connect many devices.

In actual life, this suggests the Onkyo would be more appropriate for someone combining old and modern technology. Should you have an ancient CD player or a vintage turntable, the additional Onkyo inputs will be rather useful. If you mostly have modern gadgets like a 4K Blu-ray player or a gaming console, the Sony is more simple, which is good. Although the Bluetooth on both is straightforward to set up, the Onkyo provides somewhat more versatility, should you so choose.

Performance

Here you really begin to see the variations between the Sony STR-DH590 and the Onkyo TX-SR393. Particularly if you value sound quality as much as I do, performance determines whether an AV receiver succeeds or fails.

All over, the Onkyo TX-SR393 produces good sound. It may occupy the room whether you're listening to a jazz CD or seeing an action movie. It manages the lows, I found; you can feel the bass without it dominating anything else. The highs are sharp without being harsh; the middle is clean. I tried it with many musical genres—rock, classical, pop—and it handled each one effortlessly. Watching movies is a fantastic delight, particularly if you like those loud, explosive soundtracks.

But the Onkyo excels in surround sound. It supports Dolby Atmos, thereby giving films a whole new perspective. The immersive experience will be enhanced if your speaker arrangement allows noises to emanate from above you. Watching "Mad Max: Fury Road" it seemed as if I were there in the heart of the action. The sound simply draws you into the movie, moving around you.

In terms of performance, the Sony STR-DH590 also fights fairly. Though it lacks the force of the Onkyo, it is not slouchy either. The sound handles a broad spectrum of material well and is clear and well-balanced. Though it's not as forceful as the Onkyo's, the bass is still strong. each music and movie benefits from the crisp mids and highs that help to highlight the nuances in each.

One thing I value about Sony is how well it manages conversation. Even with the background music playing, the conversation in "The Social Network" was clear and simple to grasp. It supports Dolby Atmos as well, albeit not as well as on the Onkyo. Still there, it is more subdued. If you are not a die-hard movie enthusiast, you may not find the difference; however, if you are, Onkyo has the advantage.

If you really like movies and want a complete surround sound experience, then in real-life usage, the Onkyo is most likely the superior option. It has the ability and tools to make your movie evenings unique. Though not as strong, the Sony is still a fantastic performer and could be a better choice if you're looking for something that manages movies and music equally well without overstretching.

Where and When to Use

In a dedicated home theater arrangement, the Onkyo TX-SR393 seems more at home. It has the ability and elements to make a movie evening unforgettable. This is the one to opt for if you have a large space and you take your movies very seriously.

The Sony STR-DH590 would be the best choice, however, if you are arranging in a smaller area or a living room. Though it lacks the strength of the Onkyo, it still has enough power to blast a room with music. It is also more compact. The Sony is likewise a good option if you're not seeking to explore a lot of options, as it's also somewhat simpler to operate.

In actual life, I would say the Sony is for someone who wants a little of everything—movies, music, TV—without becoming too technical; the Onkyo is for the movie enthusiast who wants the whole experience.

Compatible Devices

With both modern and vintage gear, the Onkyo TX-SR393 performs well. If you have a turntable or an older DVD player, you will like the additional inputs it provides. It also supports HDMI for all of your contemporary gadgets, and the Bluetooth connection runs almost on every phone or tablet.

The Sony STR-DH590 pays somewhat greater attention to emerging technologies. It has the HDMI inputs your Blu-ray player, game console, or streaming device needs. The Bluetooth is strong and runs well with most contemporary tablets and cell phones.

In actual life, the Onkyo could be the superior option if you blend old and modern equipment. If you are using more recent devices, however, the Sony will perform just perfectly.

Ease of Use

Where the Sony STR-DH590 excels marginally is in ease of use. Particularly if you're not technical, it's simply a little more user-friendly. The on-screen options are simple and the setup is simple as well. It doesn't overwhelm you with choices, which is good if you simply want things up and running quickly.

Although the Onkyo TX-SR393 has a few additional options to fool around with, it is not difficult to use. If you want to change things, that's fantastic; however, if you're looking for something basic, it may be a bit too much. It might take some getting accustomed to as the remote control is also somewhat more disorganized than Sony's.

In actual life, the Sony is the best choice for someone who prefers simplicity. Onkyo will provide you with more choices and control, however, if you value such things.

Cost

Usually a little more costly, the Onkyo TX-SR393 pays for the additional features and power. Your house theater setup is important, hence, the investment is well worth it. If you want good performance but are on a budget, the Sony STR-DH590 is a wonderful choice because it comes in at a cheaper price range. Particularly if you do not need all the additional capabilities that Onkyo has, you are getting a lot of value for your money.

In actual terms, especially for home theater configurations, the Onkyo is an investment for anyone seeking a more immersive audio experience. Although more reasonably priced, the Sony does not compromise quality and may be a better choice if you are juggling performance with financial restraints. This is a reasonably priced approach to improving your audio configuration without going broke.