If you're setting up a home theater system or upgrading your existing audio setup, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. Let's compare two popular options: the new JBL MA310 ($339.95) and the established Sony STR-DH790 ($348.00).
An AV receiver acts like the brain of your home theater system. It takes all your video sources (like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players) and audio inputs, processes them, and sends video to your TV while powering your speakers. Think of it as a super-powered entertainment hub that makes everything work together seamlessly.
The home theater world has seen significant changes lately, especially in how we handle video and audio. The JBL MA310 is brand new for 2024, while the Sony model has been around longer but remains competitive. Both support 4K video, which has become standard, but they handle newer features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) differently.
The most noticeable difference is in speaker support:
What does this mean practically? The Sony can support two additional speakers, either for rear surround or height channels (those cool ceiling-facing speakers that make sounds appear to come from above). If you're building a serious home theater, these extra channels matter.
Here's where things get interesting. The Sony STR-DH790 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - these are advanced surround sound formats that create more immersive sound by treating audio as objects that can move anywhere in three-dimensional space. Imagine hearing a helicopter actually sound like it's flying overhead.
The JBL sticks to more traditional formats like regular Dolby Digital and DTS. These still sound great, but they're more basic "5.1" surround formats. Think of it as the difference between regular 3D and IMAX 3D - both are good, but one offers more depth.
Power output also differs:
While these numbers might seem significantly different, in real-world usage, the difference isn't as dramatic as it appears. Both will drive most home theater speakers effectively.
Both receivers handle 4K video at 60Hz (meaning they can process 60 frames per second of 4K content), but the Sony edges ahead with broader HDR support:
This matters if you watch a lot of streaming content or UHD Blu-rays, as Dolby Vision is becoming increasingly common on these platforms.
The JBL MA310 takes a simpler approach to setup, which can be good or bad depending on your preferences. It includes basic room calibration but lacks some of the advanced features found in the Sony.
The Sony's Advanced D.C.A.C. calibration system does a more thorough job of optimizing sound for your specific room, measuring things like speaker distance, size, and even accounting for room acoustics.
In actual use, both receivers perform well, but they target slightly different users:
The JBL excels at:
The Sony shines with:
Here's where things get really interesting - these receivers are priced almost identically, with just an $8 difference. Given that the Sony offers significantly more features, it might seem like the obvious choice. However, if you don't need those extra features, the JBL's simpler approach and newer design might be appealing.
Choose the JBL MA310 if you:
Choose the Sony STR-DH790 if you:
For most users setting up a home theater, the Sony STR-DH790 offers more value despite being an older model. Its support for advanced audio formats and more flexible speaker configurations make it more future-proof. However, the JBL MA310 is an excellent choice if you prefer simplicity and don't need the extra features. Its newer design might also mean better reliability and support going forward.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, room size, and future plans for your home theater system. Either way, both receivers will serve as capable hearts of a home theater system - it's just a matter of matching their capabilities to your needs.
| JBL MA310 5.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver | Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $339.95 | $348.00 ($8 more for significantly more features) |
| Channel Configuration - Determines maximum speaker setup and room coverage | |
| 5.2 channels (basic home theater setup) | 7.2 channels (allows height speakers or rear surrounds) |
| Power Output - Impacts speaker compatibility and volume capability | |
| 60W per channel (8Ω) - adequate for smaller rooms | 90W per channel (6Ω) - better for larger spaces |
| Advanced Audio Formats - Critical for modern movie soundtracks | |
| Basic Dolby Digital/DTS (no object-based audio) | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (full 3D surround capability) |
| HDR Support - Affects picture quality with 4K content | |
| HDR10 only | HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision (better streaming compatibility) |
| Room Calibration - Important for optimal sound in your space | |
| Basic EZ Set EQ | Advanced D.C.A.C. with more precise measurements |
| Release Date - Impacts feature set and future support | |
| 2024 (newer model, current tech) | Pre-2024 (established model, proven reliability) |
| Energy Efficiency - Affects long-term operating costs | |
| <0.5W standby (very efficient) | Standard efficiency (exact specs not provided) |
For a basic home theater, both receivers work well, but the JBL MA310 ($339.95) offers a simpler setup and operation. However, the Sony STR-DH790 ($348.00) provides more future-proofing for nearly the same price.
Yes, both receivers support 4K/60Hz video. The Sony STR-DH790 has an advantage with broader HDR format support, including Dolby Vision, while the JBL only supports basic HDR10.
The biggest difference is that the Sony STR-DH790 supports 7.2 channels and Dolby Atmos, while the JBL MA310 is limited to 5.2 channels with traditional surround formats.
The Sony STR-DH790 is better suited for larger rooms with its 90W per channel power output, compared to the JBL's 60W per channel.
If you're building a serious home theater, the Dolby Atmos support in the Sony STR-DH790 provides more immersive sound. For basic setups, the JBL MA310's standard formats are sufficient.
The Sony STR-DH790 is more future-proof with its 7.2 channels, Dolby Atmos support, and broader HDR compatibility, despite being an older model.
Both handle 4K/60Hz gaming well, but the Sony STR-DH790 has slightly better video processing capabilities for gaming applications.
The JBL MA310 offers simpler setup and operation, making it ideal for users who want a straightforward experience without complex features.
Both receivers offer 4 HDMI inputs, allowing connection of multiple devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, with the JBL MA310 featuring newer Bluetooth 5.1 technology for potentially better wireless performance.
Given the minimal price difference, the Sony STR-DH790 offers better value with its additional features and capabilities, unless simplicity is your priority.
The JBL MA310 is already a 2024 model, while the Sony STR-DH790 is proven and feature-rich. Both are solid choices for current home theater needs.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - av-connection.com - mm.jbl.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com - jbl.com - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - skybygramophone.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - ynetnews.com - walts.com - sony.ca - walmart.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - abcwarehouse.com - crutchfield.com - sony.co.uk - sony.ie - youtube.com
