Donner 5.2 Channel AV Receiver vs Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver

The Sony STR-DH590 is the safer pick for most people building a movie system. It decodes Dolby Digital and DTS-HD Master Audio, has four HDMI inputs instead of two, and includes automatic speaker calibration that the Donner lacks. The Donner is the better fit for a mixed analog setup: it adds a phono input for a turntable, Bluetooth 5.3, USB playback and FM with direct frequency entry. Neither has VRR or the newest HDMI 2.1 features, so serious current-gen console owners should look higher up either range.

• Choose the Donner if you play vinyl, want Bluetooth streaming and USB files, and your sources are mostly stereo or analog rather than Dolby/DTS surround.
• Choose the Sony if you want real Dolby and DTS decoding, more HDMI inputs, and auto calibration to set speaker levels for you.