Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver review

Designed sleekly and sophisticatedly, the Sony STR-DH790 is a receiver with a strong build. Its traditional appearance combines nicely with most home entertainment configurations using a matte black finish. Its simple layout and neat lines help users fit their current equipment. It's good that the display panel is clear and readable even from a distance.

Still, the design has certain flaws. If you have limited space in your AV cabinet, some users find the receiver to be rather large. Though they feel a little cheap and plasticky compared to some of the more luxurious ones available, the buttons on the front panel are functional. Though the design is practical, it is not very innovative or unique. 

Connectivity-wise, the Sony STR-DH790 has a lot to offer. Great for connecting Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, it has several HDMI inputs—including HDMI 2.0a connections. The 4K passthrough and HDR support especially help users enjoy a clear, high-quality image on their TV.

Conversely, the receiver forfeits some of the more sophisticated connectivity choices available in more expensive devices. It does not support the most recent HDMI standards, such as HDMI 2.1, which, should you want to use it with next-generation gaming consoles needing these specs, might be a deal-breaker. Those who want to maintain their music and movies kept on external devices may find it difficult as there are no USB connections for directly playing media files. 

The Sony STR-DH790 shines well here. Particularly in the home theater configuration, users constantly compliment its audio prowess. Using Dolby Atmos and DTS, which provide immersive sound quality, the receiver gets audio output that is strong and vibrant whether your preferred music or a blockbuster movie is on view.

The 7.1 channel surround sound system gives you a rich and interesting audio experience that will help you to feel exactly at the center of the action. The receiver easily manages several sound formats to guarantee strong sound effects and clear dialogue.

On the downside, some customers have found that the STR-DH790 struggles somewhat at very high volume levels. Those who enjoy turning up the volume may find it concerning if it somewhat distorts when pushed to its maximum. Furthermore, even though the sound quality is usually outstanding, it might not match the depth and clarity of more costly models. 

For a basic home theater configuration, the Sony STR-DH790 is perfect. This receiver will fit very nicely in your medium-sized living room or entertainment area. Movie evenings, TV show binge-watching, and even casual gaming sessions would all be ideal for it.

Users especially find it helpful in settings when they wish for an improved audio experience without having high-end tools. If you're upgrading from an older receiver and wish something that supports newer audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS, it's also a wonderful option.

If you want to build up a high-end home theater or if you have a big area that calls for more strong amplification, though, it could not be the ideal choice. Under such circumstances, a more premium receiver could be required to entirely satisfy your needs.

The STR-DH790 performs satisfactorily on many different devices. Users have deftly combined it with gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming gadgets like Roku and Apple TV. The several HDMI inputs of the receiver guarantee that you have lots of choices for connecting several devices.

Compatibility with emerging technologies is one area where it falls short in. As was already noted, the absence of HDMI 2.1 could restrict its use with 8K TVs and the newest game consoles. Furthermore, those who want wireless choices for streaming music or device control could find it disadvantageous without Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Regarding use, the Sony STR-DH790 is really friendly. Configuring your audio settings is really simple because of the simple setup process and quick on-screen interface. Users highly value the integrated remote control for its sensible design and responsiveness.

Some customers, particularly about who adjust the sound for various room configurations, have found the setup process a little labor-intensive. The supplied calibration microphone does assist, but precise tuning might take some time and patience. Furthermore, even if the remote control is useful, initially its buttons and features could feel a bit overwhelming.

The pricing of the Sony STR-DH790 is among its main appealing features. For a quite reasonable price, it has many capabilities and good performance. Given the Dolby Atmos and DTS capabilities included in this price range, many found it to be quite value for money.

Still, the price does have certain trade-offs. Although it's reasonably priced, you could lose some of the sophisticated capabilities and connectivity choices seen in more costly receivers. If you are ready to pay a little extra, you may purchase a receiver with enhanced audio performance, additional connectivity choices, and higher build quality.