Home theater technology has evolved significantly in recent years, making AV receivers more important than ever. Today we're comparing the Yamaha RX-V4A ($450) and the Sony STR-DH590 ($300), two popular receivers that showcase different approaches to home theater audio.
An AV receiver acts as the brain of your home theater, handling everything from processing video signals to powering your speakers. Think of it as a smart hub that takes all your inputs (gaming consoles, streaming devices, cable boxes) and ensures they work together seamlessly.
The Yamaha RX-V4A, released in 2020, represents a more modern approach with features designed for next-generation gaming and video. The Sony STR-DH590, from 2018, focuses on reliable core features at a more accessible price point. This timing difference is crucial - the Yamaha arrived just as HDMI 2.1 and 8K were emerging, while the Sony predates these developments.
The Yamaha RX-V4A really shines with its video features:
The Sony STR-DH590 offers solid but more basic video handling:
For most current users, both receivers will handle video duties admirably. However, if you're planning to keep your receiver for many years or are serious about gaming, the Yamaha's future-proof features become more valuable.
Both receivers deliver excellent sound quality, but they approach it differently:
In real-world use, both receivers provide enough power for most home theaters. The wattage difference isn't significant enough to be noticeable in typical rooms.
The Sony takes a simpler approach, which many users will appreciate. Its straightforward interface and basic room correction make initial setup quick and painless. The Yamaha offers more features but requires more time to learn and configure properly.
Both receivers offer multiple HDMI inputs (4 each), but the Yamaha's are more advanced:
This is where the Yamaha RX-V4A really justifies its higher price:
The Sony STR-DH590 at $300 represents excellent value for users who:
The Yamaha at $450 makes sense for:
Consider these key questions:
For most users with a 4K TV who primarily watch movies and TV shows, the Sony offers everything needed at a lower price. However, if you're building a system for the long term or are serious about gaming, the Yamaha's additional features justify its higher cost.
Remember that both receivers are quality products from respected manufacturers. The choice really comes down to your specific needs and future plans rather than absolute performance differences.
| Yamaha RX-V4A ($450) | Sony STR-DH590 ($300) |
|---|---|
| HDMI Version - Determines future compatibility and gaming features | |
| HDMI 2.1 (8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz ready) | HDMI 2.0 (4K/60Hz max) |
| Power Output - Impacts speaker compatibility and room-filling capability | |
| 80W per channel (8 ohms, slightly lower but cleaner power) | 90W per channel (6 ohms, marginally more powerful) |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimal sound in your specific space | |
| YPAO (advanced multi-point measurement) | D.C.A.C. (basic single-point calibration) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz supported | Basic 4K/60Hz only |
| Multi-room Capabilities - Enables whole-home audio | |
| MusicCast with app control | None (Bluetooth only) |
| HDR Support - Affects picture quality with compatible TVs | |
| HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Network Connectivity - Determines streaming and control options | |
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet | Bluetooth only |
| Voice Assistant - Enables hands-free control | |
| Alexa, Google Assistant compatible | None |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 2 years | 1 year |
The Yamaha RX-V4A ($450) is significantly better for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and ALLM, plus 4K/120Hz support. The Sony STR-DH590 ($300) only supports basic 4K/60Hz, making it less suitable for next-gen gaming consoles.
Both perform well for movies, but the Yamaha RX-V4A has better room correction and processing. However, for basic movie watching, the Sony STR-DH590 delivers similar performance at a lower price.
The Sony STR-DH590 offers 90W per channel (6 ohms), while the Yamaha RX-V4A provides 80W per channel (8 ohms). In real-world use, this difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable.
If you're planning to keep your receiver for many years, the Yamaha RX-V4A's 8K compatibility is valuable. For current 4K setups, the Sony STR-DH590's 4K capabilities are sufficient.
The Sony STR-DH590 is simpler to set up with basic room calibration. The Yamaha RX-V4A offers more features but requires more time to configure properly.
The Yamaha RX-V4A offers comprehensive streaming through MusicCast, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The Sony STR-DH590 only supports Bluetooth streaming.
Neither receiver supports Dolby Atmos, as they are both 5.2 channel systems. You'll need a 7.2 or higher receiver for Atmos support.
The Sony STR-DH590 provides excellent value for basic home theater needs. The Yamaha RX-V4A costs more but offers future-proof features.
Yes, both support ARC (Audio Return Channel), allowing TV audio through HDMI. The Yamaha additionally supports eARC for higher-quality audio formats.
Both receivers fully support 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Vision. The Yamaha adds HDR10+ support and higher refresh rates.
The Yamaha RX-V4A features superior YPAO room correction compared to the Sony STR-DH590's basic D.C.A.C. system, resulting in better automated sound optimization.
The Yamaha RX-V4A offers full app control through MusicCast, while the Sony STR-DH590 only offers basic Bluetooth connectivity without app control.
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 - europe.yamaha.com - audioadvice.com - crutchfield.com - usa.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - proaudiobrands.com - justanswer.com - avstore.in - 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
