Home theater technology keeps evolving, but AV receivers remain the essential hub that brings everything together. The Yamaha RX-V385 ($299) and Sony STR-DH590 ($298) are two popular entry-level options that were both released in early 2018. While that may seem dated, these models still deliver the core features most users need today - making them worth considering if you don't need the latest bells and whistles.
Let's dive into what these receivers do and how to choose between them for your setup.
An AV receiver acts as the command center for your home theater, handling three main jobs:
Both the Yamaha RX-V385 and Sony STR-DH590 handle these core tasks well, supporting modern standards like 4K video, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and high-resolution audio formats. They're 5-channel receivers, meaning they can power a traditional surround setup with front left/right, center, and two surround speakers.
The Sony edges ahead slightly in raw power, delivering 90 watts per channel versus Yamaha's 70 watts. However, power ratings can be misleading - the Yamaha's superior room correction (YPAO) and audio processing often result in better real-world sound quality. YPAO uses a microphone to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust settings automatically, while Sony's basic DCAC calibration is less sophisticated.
Both receivers support 4K video at 60fps and modern HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG). They'll work perfectly with any current TV or gaming console. The Yamaha has a slight edge with HDCP 2.3 copyright protection (versus 2.2 on the Sony), which could matter for future compatibility.
Each receiver provides four HDMI inputs - plenty for most setups with a TV, gaming console, streaming device, and Blu-ray player. The Sony offers more analog inputs (helpful for older devices), while the Yamaha has better digital processing for modern sources.
In a typical living room setup, both receivers deliver engaging surround sound. The Yamaha's superior room correction makes a noticeable difference in challenging spaces - reducing boomy bass and evening out frequency response. If your room has awkward acoustics or you can't place speakers ideally, this could be a deciding factor.
For music, the Yamaha's better digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and processing provide slightly clearer, more detailed sound. The Sony isn't far behind, and some users actually prefer its warmer character. Both support Bluetooth streaming, though neither offers Wi-Fi or modern features like AirPlay or Chromecast.
Both receivers handle gaming well, supporting 4K/60Hz passthrough with HDR. Input lag is minimal, making them suitable for modern consoles. Neither supports HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or 4K/120Hz - you'll need a newer, pricier receiver for those capabilities.
The Yamaha RX-V385 typically offers better long-term value due to its superior room correction, processing, and future-proofing. Its user interface is also more refined, making it easier to adjust detailed settings.
The Sony STR-DH590 counters with dual subwoofer outputs (versus one on the Yamaha) and slightly more power. It's also generally easier to set up initially, though less flexible for fine-tuning.
Since these receivers launched in 2018, we've seen several technological advances:
However, these features typically appear only in receivers costing $500+. For basic home theater use, these 2018 models remain capable performers at attractive prices.
Choose the Yamaha RX-V385 if:
Choose the Sony STR-DH590 if:
Both receivers represent solid value in 2024, despite their age. The Yamaha RX-V385 is the better all-around choice for most users, offering superior sound quality and room correction. However, the Sony STR-DH590 remains competitive, especially if you prioritize raw power or need dual subwoofer outputs.
For a typical home theater setup using primarily digital sources (streaming, gaming, Blu-ray), the Yamaha's advantages in processing and room correction make it worth choosing. If you're connecting older components or want the simplest possible setup, the Sony might be your better bet.
Remember - while newer receivers offer additional features, they often cost significantly more. These proven models deliver the core functionality most users need at very reasonable prices.
| Yamaha RX-V385 ($299) | Sony STR-DH590 ($298) |
|---|---|
| Power Output per Channel - Determines how loud and clear speakers can play | |
| 70W (2ch driven, better real-world performance) | 90W (1ch driven, higher peak power) |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in real-world rooms | |
| YPAO (advanced multi-point measurement) | DCAC (basic single-point measurement) |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Affects bass flexibility and placement options | |
| Single output (sufficient for most rooms) | Dual outputs (better for large rooms) |
| HDCP Version - Important for future device compatibility | |
| 2.3 (more future-proof) | 2.2 (current standard) |
| Audio Processing - Impacts sound quality and surround effects | |
| Advanced (17 DSP modes, better processing) | Basic (fewer options but good core performance) |
| DAC Quality - Determines digital audio conversion quality | |
| Burr-Brown 384kHz/32-bit (audiophile-grade) | Standard DAC (good but basic) |
| Setup Complexity - Affects initial user experience | |
| More complex (but more adjustable) | Simpler (better for beginners) |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 in/1 out (standard for price point) | 4 in/1 out (standard for price point) |
| 4K HDR Support - Essential for modern video sources | |
| Full support (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) | Full support (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) |
| Bluetooth Audio - Important for music streaming | |
| Yes, with compressed music enhancer | Yes, basic support |
The Yamaha RX-V385 ($299) is generally better for home theater use due to its superior room correction (YPAO) and better audio processing. However, the Sony STR-DH590 ($298) offers dual subwoofer outputs which can be beneficial in larger rooms.
Yes, both the Yamaha RX-V385 and Sony STR-DH590 support 4K/60Hz video and all current HDR formats including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. They'll work perfectly with 4K TVs and gaming consoles.
Both can handle most speakers effectively. The Sony STR-DH590 offers slightly more power (90W vs 70W per channel), but the Yamaha RX-V385's better processing often results in clearer sound quality.
The Sony STR-DH590 is generally easier to set up initially with a more straightforward interface. The Yamaha RX-V385 takes more time to configure but offers more detailed adjustment options.
Yes, both support 4K/60Hz gaming from PS5 and Xbox Series X. Neither supports HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz or VRR, but they're fine for most gaming scenarios.
Both include Bluetooth streaming capability. The Yamaha RX-V385 includes a compressed music enhancer for better Bluetooth audio quality, while the Sony STR-DH590 offers basic Bluetooth functionality.
Both receivers offer 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output, sufficient for most setups with a TV, gaming console, streaming device, and Blu-ray player.
The Yamaha RX-V385 generally produces better surround sound due to its superior room correction and DSP modes. The Sony STR-DH590 performs well but offers fewer adjustment options.
The Yamaha RX-V385 has a slight edge with HDCP 2.3 support (vs 2.2 on the Sony). Both handle current video formats well but lack newer features like 8K or HDMI 2.1.
Most home theaters work fine with one subwoofer. The Sony's dual outputs can be helpful in larger rooms or for more even bass distribution, but it's not essential for most users.
The Yamaha RX-V385 typically offers better music performance due to higher quality DACs and better digital processing. The Sony STR-DH590 sounds good but isn't quite as refined.
Yes, both offer excellent value for basic home theater needs. While newer models offer additional features like 8K and HDMI 2.1, they typically cost significantly more. These receivers remain capable performers for most users.
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: usa.yamaha.com - usa.yamaha.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - hifiheaven.net - europe.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - hifiengine.com - abt.com - abcwarehouse.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
