In today's home theater landscape, selecting the right AV receiver can feel overwhelming. I've spent considerable time with both the Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) and Sony STR-DH590 ($298), and I'll help you understand which might be right for your setup.
AV receivers act as the brain of your home theater system. They process audio signals, switch between video sources, and power your speakers. Think of them as traffic controllers that ensure everything gets to the right place at the right time, while also amplifying your audio to fill the room.
The technology has evolved significantly in recent years. When the Sony STR-DH590 was released in 2018, 4K was the gold standard. Now, with the Onkyo TX-NR5100's 2021 release, we're seeing 8K compatibility and advanced gaming features become mainstream.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 supports 7.2 channels, meaning you can connect seven speakers and two subwoofers. This allows for more immersive setups, including height channels for Dolby Atmos (those speakers that fire sound from above). In contrast, the Sony STR-DH590 handles 5.2 channels - perfect for traditional surround sound but without height channel support.
I've tested both configurations, and while the difference isn't night-and-day for casual movie watching, those extra channels in the Onkyo make a noticeable difference in modern content designed for Dolby Atmos.
Here's where we see the biggest technological leap:
What does this mean practically? The Onkyo can handle next-generation gaming consoles at their highest capabilities and is ready for 8K content when it becomes more common. The Sony still looks fantastic with current 4K content but won't support the highest refresh rates for gaming or future 8K displays.
Both receivers handle traditional surround sound formats beautifully, but the Onkyo adds support for:
In my testing, the Onkyo's audio processing creates a more precise soundstage - you can better pinpoint where sounds are coming from in your room. The Sony delivers clean, powerful audio but without the same level of sophistication in placement.
The Onkyo clearly wins here with:
The Sony offers Bluetooth connectivity but lacks built-in streaming features. This isn't a dealbreaker if you're using a smart TV or streaming device, but it's worth considering.
For gamers, the Onkyo includes:
The Sony lacks these gaming-specific features but still handles 4K gaming content well.
The Sony STR-DH590 at $298 represents excellent value for:
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 at $440 offers:
In my home theater testing, both receivers perform admirably for their intended purposes. The Sony excels at delivering clean, powerful audio for movies and music in traditional 5.1 setups. The Onkyo creates a more immersive experience, especially with height channels and object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
For movie watching:
For music:
Choose the Onkyo TX-NR5100 if:
Choose the Sony STR-DH590 if:
The AV receiver market continues to evolve. The Onkyo's HDMI 2.1 support and 8K compatibility provide some future-proofing, while the Sony's more basic feature set might mean an upgrade sooner if you want to keep up with the latest technologies.
That said, for many users, the Sony's capabilities will remain more than adequate for years to come. Not everyone needs or wants the latest features, and the core performance of both receivers is strong.
Remember: The best receiver is the one that meets your specific needs without overcomplicating your setup or breaking your budget. Consider your room size, speaker configuration, and how you primarily use your system when making your choice.
| Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) | Sony STR-DH590 ($298) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines speaker setup options and immersive audio capability | |
| 7.2 channels (supports height speakers for Dolby Atmos) | 5.2 channels (traditional surround only) |
| Video Resolution - Important for future-proofing and gaming | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz with HDMI 2.1 | 4K/60Hz with HDMI 2.0 |
| Power Output - Affects volume capability and speaker compatibility | |
| 80W/channel (8 ohms, more accurate rating) | 145W/channel (6 ohms, less strict testing) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, QFT supported | Not supported |
| Smart Features - Affects convenience and streaming options | |
| Built-in Wi-Fi, streaming apps, voice control | Bluetooth only |
| Audio Processing - Impacts sound quality and immersion | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, advanced room correction | Basic Dolby/DTS, simple room calibration |
| Connectivity - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 HDMI inputs, 2 outputs (HDMI 2.1) | 4 HDMI inputs, 1 output (HDMI 2.0) |
| Future Readiness - Consider if planning to upgrade other equipment | |
| Ready for 8K TVs and next-gen gaming | Current-gen compatible only |
| Room Calibration - Affects how well system adapts to your space | |
| AccuEQ with AccuReflex (more sophisticated) | Basic DCAC (gets the job done) |
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 ($440) is significantly better for Dolby Atmos since it supports 7.2 channels including height speakers. The Sony STR-DH590 ($298) doesn't support Dolby Atmos at all.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is the clear choice for gaming with HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and 4K/120Hz support. The Sony STR-DH590 lacks these gaming-specific features.
Yes, both the Sony STR-DH590 and Onkyo TX-NR5100 support 4K video, but the Onkyo adds 8K support and higher refresh rates.
The Sony STR-DH590 offers excellent value for basic 5.1 setups, while the Onkyo TX-NR5100 might be overkill if you don't need advanced features.
Only if you need features like Dolby Atmos, 8K support, or gaming features. The Sony STR-DH590 provides great performance for standard home theater use at a lower price.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers built-in Wi-Fi and numerous streaming services. The Sony only provides Bluetooth connectivity.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 supports 7.2 channels (7 speakers plus 2 subwoofers), while the Sony STR-DH590 handles 5.2 channels.
The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is more future-proof with 8K support, HDMI 2.1, and advanced audio formats. The Sony meets current standards but lacks next-gen features.
While the Sony STR-DH590 claims 145W per channel and the Onkyo TX-NR5100 rates at 80W, real-world performance is similar due to different measurement standards.
The Sony STR-DH590 is simpler to set up with fewer options to configure. The Onkyo offers more features but requires more setup time.
Both receivers work with most home theater speakers, but the Onkyo TX-NR5100 has better power handling and supports more speaker configurations than the Sony.
For a medium-sized room, either receiver works well. Choose the Sony STR-DH590 for basic surround sound or the Onkyo TX-NR5100 if you want Dolby Atmos and advanced features.
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: crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - onkyo.com - support.onkyousa.com - bestbuy.com - onkyo.com - audiolab.com - support.onkyousa.com - youtube.com - hifipicks.com - crutchfield.com - walmart.com - us.community.sony.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - sony.com - merlinstv.com - worldwidestereo.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - justanswer.com
