If you're looking to build or upgrade your home theater system, choosing the right AV receiver is crucial. Today we're comparing two popular options: the $679.95 JBL MA710 and the $348.00 Sony STR-DH790. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
Modern AV receivers serve as the command center of your home theater, handling everything from switching between video sources to processing surround sound. Think of them as highly sophisticated audio-visual traffic controllers. They've evolved significantly over the past few years, with key improvements in video processing, wireless connectivity, and immersive audio support.
What used to be simple amplifiers with basic switching capabilities have become sophisticated entertainment hubs. The latest models support features like 8K video, wireless streaming, and advanced room correction - capabilities that were unheard of just a few years ago.
The JBL MA710 represents the latest generation of receivers, supporting 8K video at 60Hz. This means it can handle video with four times the resolution of 4K, though 8K content is still rare in 2024. It also supports 4K at 120Hz, which is particularly important for the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
In contrast, the Sony STR-DH790, released in 2018, supports 4K at 60Hz - more than adequate for current content but lacking the future-proofing of 8K support. Both receivers handle HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which provides better contrast and more vibrant colors, though the JBL supports more formats.
When it comes to power output, both receivers are quite capable:
While the numbers might suggest a significant difference, in real-world usage, both provide plenty of power for most home theater setups. The JBL uses newer Class D amplification, which runs cooler and more efficiently, while the Sony uses traditional amplification technology.
This is where we see the biggest technological leap between these models. The JBL MA710, being newer, offers:
The Sony STR-DH790 is more basic with:
At nearly double the price, the JBL MA710 needs to justify its premium. For many users, the decision comes down to whether the additional features - particularly 8K support and advanced streaming capabilities - are worth the extra cost.
In typical home theater settings, both receivers perform admirably. The Sony STR-DH790 has proven itself reliable over years of use, with particularly good performance in:
The JBL MA710, while newer, shows its strengths in:
Both receivers include room calibration systems, but they take different approaches:
In practice, both systems work well, though the Sony's system has been refined over more years of development.
The AV receiver market continues to evolve, with new features and capabilities emerging regularly. The JBL MA710 represents the current state of the art, while the Sony STR-DH790 represents a mature, proven design at a more accessible price point.
For most users building a home theater in 2024, the Sony STR-DH790 offers excellent value, providing all the essential features needed for a great experience. However, if you're planning for the future or need the latest connectivity options, the JBL MA710's premium features may be worth the investment.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use your home theater system. Consider your priorities carefully, and choose the receiver that best aligns with your goals and budget.
| $679.95 JBL MA710 | $348.00 Sony STR-DH790 |
|---|---|
| Price Range - Sets expectations for features and future-proofing | |
| Premium pricing for latest tech | Mid-range pricing with core features |
| Video Resolution - Important for future compatibility and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz support | 4K/60Hz support only |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs (3 HDMI 2.1), 1 output | 4 inputs, 1 output |
| Power Output - Affects speaker compatibility and room-filling sound | |
| 110W/channel (8Ω) | 90W/channel (6Ω) |
| Wireless Connectivity - Determines streaming flexibility | |
| Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.3 with AptX HD | Bluetooth only |
| Audio Format Support - Impacts home theater experience | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, advanced streaming codecs | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Special Features - Consider if these justify price difference | |
| Phono input, class D amp, EZ Set EQ | Advanced D.C.A.C. room calibration |
| Release Timeline - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2023 model with latest features | 2018 model, proven reliability |
For most home theaters, the $348.00 Sony STR-DH790 offers better value with its core features and proven reliability. However, if you need 8K support or advanced streaming, the $679.95 JBL MA710 is worth considering despite its higher price.
The main difference is that the JBL MA710 supports 8K video and has more advanced connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3), while the Sony STR-DH790 is limited to 4K but costs significantly less.
Unless you're specifically planning to buy an 8K TV soon, the 4K support of the Sony STR-DH790 is sufficient for current content. Most users won't need 8K capability for several years.
The JBL MA710 is better for gaming due to its HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz, which is ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X. The Sony STR-DH790 supports 4K/60Hz, which is still good for most gaming needs.
The JBL MA710 offers superior music streaming with Wi-Fi and high-quality Bluetooth codecs. The Sony STR-DH790 only has basic Bluetooth, making it more limited for streaming.
The JBL MA710 offers 110W per channel (8Ω), while the Sony STR-DH790 provides 90W per channel (6Ω). In real-world use, both provide ample power for most home theater setups.
Yes, both the JBL MA710 and Sony STR-DH790 support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound.
The Sony STR-DH790 is generally easier to set up due to its simpler feature set and mature room calibration system. The JBL MA710 has more features but requires more configuration.
Only the JBL MA710 has a phono input for directly connecting a turntable. The Sony STR-DH790 would require an external phono preamp.
The JBL MA710 supports up to 6 HDMI devices, while the Sony STR-DH790 can connect 4 devices. Consider how many gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and other devices you'll need to connect.
Both have good room calibration systems. The Sony STR-DH790 uses Advanced D.C.A.C., which is well-proven, while the JBL MA710 uses EZ Set EQ, which is newer but equally effective.
The price difference is only worth it if you need the JBL MA710's advanced features like 8K support, Wi-Fi streaming, or phono input. For basic home theater use, the Sony STR-DH790 offers better value at nearly half the price.
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 - musicdirect.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - puretheatre.com - crutchfield.com - mm.jbl.com - av-connection.com - electronics.woot.com - worldwidestereo.com - th.jbl.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - ynetnews.com - walts.com - sony.ca - walmart.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - abcwarehouse.com - crutchfield.com - sony.co.uk - sony.ie - youtube.com
