Home theater technology keeps evolving, and choosing the right AV receiver is crucial for building a great entertainment system. Let's compare two popular options: the newer JBL MA510 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver ($509.95) and the established Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver ($348.00).
AV receivers are like the command center of your home theater. They handle everything from processing audio signals to switching between video sources, while also providing the power to drive your speakers. Think of them as sophisticated audio-visual traffic controllers that ensure everything works together seamlessly.
When choosing a receiver, several key factors matter:
The Sony STR-DH790 offers a 7.2-channel configuration, which means it can power seven speakers plus two subwoofers. This setup allows for Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels for sounds that appear to come from above - imagine hearing a helicopter fly overhead in a movie.
The newer JBL MA510 provides 5.2 channels, focusing on traditional surround sound without height channels. While this might seem like a downgrade, JBL has invested in higher quality amplification - delivering 75W per channel at 8 ohms compared to Sony's somewhat lower power output. For most living rooms, both provide plenty of power, but JBL's implementation might offer cleaner sound at higher volumes.
Here's where we see significant differences. Released in 2023, the JBL includes HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 8K video at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. It also handles advanced gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) - these help eliminate screen tearing and reduce input lag when gaming.
The Sony, released in 2018, supports 4K at 60Hz through HDMI 2.0. While this is still excellent for most current content, it won't handle next-generation gaming consoles at their highest capabilities. However, if you're primarily watching movies or gaming at 4K/60Hz, the Sony remains completely capable.
Modern streaming has made wireless capabilities increasingly important. The JBL shines here with Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth support. This means you can easily stream music from virtually any device or service.
The Sony offers basic Bluetooth connectivity, which works well for casual music streaming but lacks the flexibility of Wi-Fi-based solutions. If you primarily use external streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, this limitation might not matter much.
At $509.95, the JBL MA510 represents modern AV receiver design. Its advantages include:
The higher price brings newer technology and more flexibility. For anyone building a system they want to last several years, these features matter.
Priced at $348.00, the Sony STR-DH790 offers compelling value:
The price difference of about $160 could be put toward better speakers or a subwoofer, which might have more impact on overall sound quality than the receiver's additional features.
In practical use, both receivers excel at their core functions. The Sony's Dolby Atmos support creates a more immersive soundstage for movies, while the JBL's superior amplification might provide more dynamic sound for music listening.
For movie watching, the Sony's additional channels allow for a more encompassing sound field, particularly in scenes with overhead effects. However, the JBL's processing and amplification quality means that within its 5.2 channel limitation, it might actually sound better in some situations.
Gaming performance clearly favors the JBL, especially for those with latest-generation consoles or gaming PCs. The HDMI 2.1 features make a real difference for competitive gaming or when using features like 120Hz refresh rates.
Both receivers include room calibration systems - Sony's DCAC and JBL's EZ Set EQ. These systems use included microphones to measure your room's acoustics and adjust settings accordingly. The JBL's system is more modern and potentially more accurate, but both work well for basic setup.
For larger rooms, the JBL's higher power output might be beneficial. However, the Sony's additional channels could provide more flexibility in speaker placement and sound distribution.
Both receivers represent different approaches to home theater audio. The JBL emphasizes future-proofing and modern connectivity, while the Sony focuses on proven performance and value.
For most users building a system in 2024, the JBL's modern features make it the more future-proof choice, despite its higher cost. However, if you're working with a stricter budget or specifically want Dolby Atmos, the Sony remains an excellent choice that will serve well for years to come.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs, room, and budget. Consider your primary use case (movies, gaming, music) and choose accordingly. Either way, both these receivers will provide excellent performance for their intended purposes.
| JBL MA510 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver ($509.95) | Sony STR-DH790 7.2 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver ($348.00) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup possibilities and immersive sound capabilities | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround, no height) | 7.2 channels (includes Dolby Atmos height channels) |
| Power Output - Affects audio clarity at higher volumes and larger room performance | |
| 75W per channel @ 8Ω (higher quality amplification) | 90W per channel @ 6Ω (adequate for most rooms) |
| Video Support - Critical for future-proofing and gaming performance | |
| HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz (latest standard) | HDMI 2.0 with 4K/60Hz (current standard) |
| Wireless Connectivity - Important for streaming flexibility | |
| Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth | Bluetooth only |
| Room Calibration - Impacts how well system adapts to your space | |
| Modern EZ Set EQ with smartphone app | Basic DCAC with included mic |
| Gaming Features - Matters for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, QFT supported (optimal for gaming) | Basic gaming support only |
| HDR Support - Affects picture quality with compatible TVs | |
| HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG (complete suite) | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG (missing HDR10+) |
| Price Value - Consider if the extra features justify cost | |
| Higher price, more future-proof features | Better value if Atmos is priority |
The Sony STR-DH790 ($348.00) is the better choice for Dolby Atmos as it supports 7.2 channels with height speakers. The JBL MA510 ($509.95) is limited to 5.2 channels and cannot process Atmos height effects.
The JBL MA510 is significantly better for gaming with HDMI 2.1 support, allowing 4K/120Hz gaming and features like VRR and ALLM. The Sony STR-DH790 is limited to 4K/60Hz.
The JBL MA510 costs $509.95 while the Sony STR-DH790 is priced at $348.00, making the Sony about $160 less expensive.
The JBL MA510 is more future-proof with 8K support, HDMI 2.1, and modern wireless features. The Sony STR-DH790 uses older HDMI 2.0 technology.
The JBL MA510 offers superior streaming capabilities with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in. The Sony STR-DH790 only offers basic Bluetooth connectivity.
Both have room calibration, but the JBL MA510 features a more modern EZ Set EQ system with smartphone app support, while the Sony STR-DH790 uses a basic DCAC system.
The Sony STR-DH790 provides a more immersive movie experience with 7.2 channels and Dolby Atmos support. However, the JBL MA510 offers superior video processing with 8K support.
The Sony STR-DH790 has a simpler setup process with basic controls and straightforward calibration. The JBL MA510 requires using smartphone apps but offers more precise setup options.
Yes, both support 4K, but the JBL MA510 supports up to 4K/120Hz while the Sony STR-DH790 is limited to 4K/60Hz.
The JBL MA510 provides 75W per channel at 8 ohms with higher quality amplification, while the Sony STR-DH790 offers 90W per channel at 6 ohms.
Either receiver works well in small rooms, but the Sony STR-DH790 might be the better value since the JBL's higher power output and advanced features may be unnecessary in smaller spaces.
For a future-proof system, the JBL MA510 is the better choice with modern features. However, if budget is a concern and you want Dolby Atmos, the Sony STR-DH790 remains a solid choice.
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: trustedreviews.com - av-connection.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - safeandsoundhq.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - musicdirect.com - sweetwater.com - crutchfield.com - bestbuy.com - ynetnews.com - walts.com - sony.ca - walmart.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - abcwarehouse.com - crutchfield.com - sony.co.uk - sony.ie - youtube.com
