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Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver vs Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver

The Sony STR-DH590 is the stronger pick for a modern 4K TV setup. It has more HDMI inputs, two subwoofer outputs, and a real auto-calibration system (Advanced DCAC) that the Denon lacks. The Denon AVR-X250BT counters with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X virtualization, Dolby Vision and HLG support, and HEOS multiroom streaming. Build is comparable at this tier, and owners of both report reliable everyday performance. Choose the Sony for a straightforward 5.2 movie and music system; choose the Denon if you want object-based surround and multiroom audio.

  • Choose the Sony STR-DH590 if you want more HDMI inputs, dual subwoofer outputs, and automatic speaker calibration for a 5.2 setup.
  • Choose the Denon AVR-X250BT if you want Dolby Atmos and DTS:X virtualization, Dolby Vision, and HEOS multiroom streaming.

Prices

  • Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver: $57.99 at Ma boutique (last seen Nov 9)
  • Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver: $274.67 at AV Shack (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver is $216.68 cheaper than the Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Sony
Sony STR-DH590 5.2-channel AV receiver

Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver

Sony STR-DH590 5.2-channel AV receiver

$57.99at Ma boutiqueChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Ma boutique
Pros
  • Two subwoofer outputs for a 5.2 layout
  • Automatic DCAC calibration sets levels and distances
  • Four HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 and HDR pass-through
  • FM radio tuner and front headphone jack
  • Simple Bluetooth streaming with Bluetooth Standby
Cons
  • No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
  • No Wi-Fi, no app control, no multiroom
  • No Dolby Vision or HLG
  • No VRR for newer consoles
Denon
Denon AVR-X250BT 5.1 Channel AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X250BT 5.1 Channel AV Receiver

$274.67at AV ShackChecked 16 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit AV Shack
Pros
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X virtualization from a 5.1 layout
  • Dolby Vision and HLG support
  • HEOS multiroom plus Spotify Connect and Tidal
  • Five rear HDMI inputs plus one front
  • Bluetooth with memory for 8 paired devices
Cons
  • No automatic room calibration
  • Only one subwoofer output
  • HDCP 2.2 on just three of the HDMI inputs
  • No Wi-Fi or Ethernet port

What separates them

Sony STR-DH590 AV ReceiverDenon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver
Channel and subwoofer support5.2 channels with two subwoofer pre-outs5.1 channels with one subwoofer output
HDMI inputs4 inputs, 1 output, HDCP 2.25 rear plus 1 front input, 1 output, HDCP 2.2 on 3 inputs
Room calibrationAdvanced DCAC automatic calibration includedNo Audyssey or auto-calibration
Immersive formatsDolby Digital and DTS-HD Master Audio, no Atmos or DTS:XDolby Atmos and DTS:X via virtualization, Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixing
HDR supportHDR10 pass-throughDolby Vision and HLG in addition to HDR10
Streaming and multiroomBluetooth only, no Wi-Fi or app controlBluetooth with 8-device memory, HEOS multiroom, Spotify Connect and Tidal
High-frame-rate gaming60p, no VRR or ALLM4K/60 Hz pass-through, no VRR
Power145 W per channel at 6 ohms130 W per channel

Price history

$449.00$102.00
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver: lowest $102.00 on Nov 10 at miekevandermars.nl.
  • Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver: lowest $449.00 on Nov 10 at 220-Electronics.com.

Prices at every store

Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver

  • Ma boutiqueNew

    In stock

    $57.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Ma boutique
  • FFGNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $57.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit FFG
  • miekevandermars.nlNew

    In stockShips from Netherlands · duties may apply

    $102.00Checked 15 h ago
    Visit miekevandermars.nl
  • Les Appartements de JujuNew

    Availability unknown

    $220.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Les Appartements de Juju
All 23 stores and price history →

Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver

  • AV ShackNew

    In stockShips from India · priced in INR (₹25,800.00) · duties may applyReturn policy

    $274.67Checked 16 h ago
    Visit AV Shack
  • 220-Electronics.comNew

    In stockMade for another market

    $449.00+ $29.70 shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit 220-Electronics.com
  • The Revolver ClubNew

    In stockPriced in INR (₹50,762.71)Return policy

    $540.43Checked 16 h ago
    Visit The Revolver Club
  • SamstoresNew

    In stockMade for another market

    $460.58+ $89.99 shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Samstores

Also available at

  • 220-ElectronicsCheck price at 220-Electronics
All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSony STR-DH590 AV ReceiverDenon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver
BluetoothYesBuilt-in Bluetooth
Height (")5.23622.40 cm
Width (")16.92943.60 cm
colorBlack—
ConnectionsOptical S/PDIF, 1/8" Headphone Jack, HDMI, Coax…—
No. of Sub Out (pcs)2—
Power SourceAC Mains—
No. of Optical S/PDIF (pcs)1—
No. of Coaxial S/PDIF (pcs)1—
No. of 1/8" Headphone Jack Out (pcs)1—
Depth (")11.693—
Surround Sound FormatsDTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby Digital, DT…—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony STR-DH590 AV ReceiverDenon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver
Automatic Speakers CalibrationYes—
No. of HDMI (pcs)4—
Type of AmplifierSurround Amplifier—
VRRNo—
HDRYes—
Frame Rate60p—
Tube AmplifierNo—
Type of CalibrationAdvanced DCAC—
No. of HDMI Out (pcs)1—
Output per Channel (6 ohm) (W)

What reviewers say

Sony STR-DH590 AV Receiver

Owners treat the STR-DH590 as a solid budget receiver that delivers clean 5.1 and 5.2 sound and easy setup for the money. Most criticism centers on its limited connectivity and the sparse menu system rather than its sound.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners say movie and game sound is clean and loud enough for medium rooms.
  • SetupPraisedBuyers find DCAC calibration and the initial hookup quick and straightforward.
  • ConnectivityCriticisedReviewers miss Wi-Fi, network streaming and app control.
  • HDMI featuresMixed4K HDR pass-through works, but there is no VRR and HDMI tops out at 60p.

Denon AVR-X250BT AV Receiver

Owner feedback is thin, but the receiver is generally described as an easy, reliable entry point into surround sound with solid power for the money. Complaints center on the missing room correction and the limited network features.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say the receiver is easy to wire up and configure for a basic 5.1 system.
  • Room correctionCriticisedBuyers miss Audyssey and have to set speaker distances and levels manually.
  • StreamingMixedBluetooth works well, but the lack of Wi-Fi and built-in music services is noted.
  • PowerPraisedThe 130-watt rating is reported as ample for small and medium rooms.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a 4K TV and game console?
The Sony has four HDCP 2.2 HDMI inputs and HDR10 pass-through, which covers most consoles and streamers. The Denon adds Dolby Vision and HLG, so pick it if your TV or sources use those formats. Neither supports VRR.
Do I need Atmos, and does the Denon deliver it?
The Denon creates Atmos and DTS:X effects through height virtualization on a standard 5.1 speaker layout. The Sony has no Atmos or DTS:X at all. If object-based sound matters to you, the Denon is the one to take.
Which is easier to set up?
The Sony, because its Advanced DCAC calibration measures your speakers and sets levels automatically. The Denon has no auto-calibration, so you set speaker levels and distances by hand.
Can I run two subwoofers?
Only on the Sony, which has two subwoofer pre-outs. The Denon has a single subwoofer output, so two subs would need a splitter.
Which lasts longer?
Both are mass-market receivers with similar build quality, and owner reports show no clear reliability gap. The Sony's calibration and extra subwoofer output matter more over time than any durability difference.
Is the Denon worth stepping up to over the Sony?
Step up only if you want Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Vision, or HEOS multiroom. If you mainly watch 4K HDR movies on a 5.2 setup, the Sony covers it with easier calibration.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best home theater receivers under $300
145
—
DSPNo—
Built-in DACNo—
Wi-FiNo—
HDCP Version2.2—
App ControlNo—
Audio File FormatsDSD—
RadioFM—
No. of 1/4" Jack Out (pcs)1—
No. of RCA (Line) (pcs)4—
CertificationCEC (Consumer Electronics Control)—
HDR TypeDolby Vision, HDR10, HLG—
BridgeableNo—
PortableNo—
No. of USB-A (pcs)1—
ALLMNo—
ARCARC—
Supported Video Formats2160p (4K)—
Total Wattage725 W—