Meet a value-focused 7-channel receiver that brings immersive formats to more living rooms. This compact unit unlocks Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in a 5.1.2 or 7.2 layout while keeping essentials like 4K/60 HDR pass-through and clear on-screen controls.
The device targets users who want a straightforward home cinema path without premium prices. It offers Bluetooth with AAC, four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, and support for HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020 and HDCP 2.2.
Expectations matter: headline power numbers look big, but realistic continuous ratings give a better idea of real-world sound and system behavior. The receiver uses spring-clip terminals for most speakers and has no network or USB media playback, which keeps cost down but limits flexibility.
Setup is approachable: a single-position mic and on-screen overlay make calibration simple. ARC from TV apps works well, and protection circuitry handles faults safely. In the next sections we’ll give a US-focused quick look, full connectivity details, hands-on performance notes, and a final verdict.
Budget-Friendly Home Cinema Receiver at a Glance
If you’re assembling a living-room theater on a budget, this receiver brings 7-channel power and modern video support.
Who it’s for in the U.S.
The sony str-dh790 suits users building a first home theater who want Atmos and DTS:X immersion without paying for streaming, multi-room, or app control. It amplifies seven channels, so you can choose a 5.1.2 layout for overhead effects or a 7.2 setup for fuller surrounds.
Connectivity is simple: four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output handle consoles, players, and streaming boxes. There are also stereo analog, coaxial and optical inputs, Bluetooth with AAC and an FM tuner. Note: there is no network connectivity and the USB port does not play media.
Practical points
- Match speakers rated 6–8Ω; 4Ω models are not supported under warranty.
- Supports 4K/60, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and BT.2020 so video stays intact when routed through the device.
- Typical use: watch apps on a Smart TV with ARC, or stream casual music via Bluetooth.
Tip: U.S. shoppers with a Sony TV or UBP‑X700 player may find smoother interoperability — and you can compare closely related equipment in our DH740 comparison.
Features, Connectivity, and Design: 7.2 Channels, 4K HDR Pass‑Through, and Practical Trade‑Offs
This unit pairs wide HDR pass-through with seven-channel amplification to cover most living-room setups.
Power and channels: The quoted peak is 145W x 7 into 6Ω at 1kHz/0.9% THD, but continuous spec is 90W/ch (2 ch driven) into 6Ω at 0.09% THD. In real rooms with 8Ω speakers expect roughly ~67W/ch for steady listening levels.
HDMI, video, and signal support
Four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output pass 4K/60 and HDR formats including HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. The unit preserves BT.2020 color and HDCP 2.2 so modern consoles and UHD players keep full video quality.
Formats, wireless, and what’s missing
Decoding covers major surround formats including dolby atmos dts:x and DTS:X height channels. Bluetooth supports AAC for better iPhone streaming. There is no network, no USB media playback, and no second zone — use a Smart TV or external streamer for apps and media.
| Feature | Detail | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 7.2 configurable (5.1.2 or 7.2) | Use 5.1.2 to enable height effects for atmos dts:x |
| Power output | 90W/ch (2 ch driven, 6Ω) | ~67W/ch into 8Ω typical listening |
| Inputs/Outputs | 4 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, analog, coaxial, optical | Label inputs in menu for easy switching |
| Build | Spring‑clip terminals, binding posts front L/R, headphone jack | Front panel menu overlay works with UHD HDR signals |
Sony STR-DH790 Review: Performance and User Experience
Quick setup. Place the supplied mic at the main listening seat and run DCAC to set distances, levels, and EQ. The auto-calibration often marks front speakers as Large, so check sizes and change to Small if you plan to use bass management.
Fine‑tune bass by lowering the subwoofer level or adjusting crossover points in the menu. Small manual tweaks improve dialogue clarity and prevent boomy low end.
Listening modes and sound quality
The on-screen Sound Effect menu gives Dolby Surround, Neural:X, Front Surround, Stereo, Multi-Channel Stereo, Direct and Pure Direct. Use dolby surround or Neural:X to upmix non‑Atmos content.
In a 5.1.2 layout, dolby atmos and atmos dts:x render convincing height cues and precise pans. For music, switch to pure direct or stereo to minimize processing and hear cleaner two‑channel audio.
Everyday control and reliability
HDMI/ARC from TV apps worked well in testing; if a source misbehaves try another hdmi input and check the signal info. The unit’s protection circuitry shut down safely during a wiring fault and restored operation after restart, which adds peace of mind when swapping speakers.
| Area | Behavior | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Calibration | Single‑position DCAC mic sets distances, levels, EQ | Confirm speaker sizes and set crossovers manually |
| Modes | Dolby Surround, Neural:X, Stereo, Direct, Pure Direct | Use Pure Direct for music; Neural:X for upmixing |
| HDMI/ARC | Works with TV apps; occasional quirks with some PVRs | Swap ports and verify signal info if needed |
| Reliability | Protection trips safely on short, resumes after restart | Keep speaker impedance at 6–8Ω for stable operation |
Conclusion
When stable 4K/60 pass-through and immersive formats matter, this receiver is a strong, no‑nonsense choice for home cinema. The device delivers solid Atmos and DTS:X rendering and preserves HDR workflows including dolby vision for crisp video and clear sound.
Setup is simple thanks to DCAC, the overlay menu, and easy front access to settings. Use dolby surround or Pure Direct and switch to stereo for music. The front panel and remote make quick changes during viewing effortless.
Trade-offs include no network or USB playback and spring‑clip speaker terminals. Expect realistic power output for apartments and mid‑size rooms with 6–8Ω speakers. Check your hdmi inputs and plan layout before purchase.
In short, this model focuses on core technology and everyday control. If you want immersive sound, dependable video outputs, and simple operation, it makes a smart, value‑focused point in the market.
FAQ
What channels and speaker formats does this 7.2-channel receiver support?
The unit handles a 7.2 layout and can decode up to 5.1.2 when using Dolby Atmos or DTS:X processing. It supports typical speaker loads of 6–8 ohms and includes simple bass management to route low frequencies to a subwoofer.
Does it pass modern video formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10?
Yes. The receiver offers 4K/60Hz pass-through and supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision, plus BT.2020 color space and HDCP 2.2 compatibility on its HDMI inputs and output for current 4K sources.
Can I stream music from my phone via Bluetooth and is AAC supported?
Bluetooth streaming is available and it supports AAC for higher-quality wireless audio from iOS devices. Note that there is no built-in network streaming (Wi‑Fi) or USB media playback on this model.
How much power does it deliver and is it enough for most living rooms?
The receiver supplies modest power per channel designed for typical home setups. It’s suitable for small to medium living rooms with efficient speakers; very large rooms or low-sensitivity drivers may need a more powerful amplifier.
Is there an automatic room calibration system and how precise is it?
It includes Sony’s DCAC microphone-based setup to set speaker distances, levels and basic EQ. The calibration is fast and useful for average rooms, though enthusiasts may prefer manual tweaks to bass management and crossover points.
Can I use ARC or eARC for TV audio return from streaming apps?
The receiver supports ARC for returning audio from a connected TV, which covers most TV app sound. Full eARC bandwidth is not offered, so some advanced high-bitrate object formats from TV apps may be limited.
What connections are on the front panel for convenience?
The front panel includes a headphone jack and spring-clip speaker terminals, plus a remote control for adjustments. There’s no front USB for media playback, and inputs are focused on HDMI and analog options.
Does it offer Pure Direct or stereo modes for music listening?
Yes. You can switch to Stereo, Direct or Pure Direct modes to bypass some processing and preserve a cleaner signal path for music, which improves stereo imaging and dynamics.
Are there any notable omissions or trade-offs to consider?
Key trade-offs include the lack of network streaming, no USB media playback, and spring-clip terminals instead of binding posts. These omissions help keep the price down but may matter to users who want built-in streaming or more robust connections.
Is the HDMI switching reliable for multiple devices and game consoles?
HDMI switching for multiple sources is stable for most setups and supports 4K/60 passthrough. Some advanced HDR metadata handling and high-bitrate audio via eARC may be limited compared with higher-end models.
How does it handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X upfiring speakers?
The receiver decodes Atmos and DTS:X to deliver immersive height effects when used with upfiring or in-ceiling channels in a 5.1.2 arrangement. Performance is convincing for movies; room placement and speaker quality strongly influence the result.
Will this unit work well for both movies and music?
It balances movie immersion and music playback competently for a budget-friendly receiver. Movies benefit from Atmos/DTS:X decoding, while music plays cleanly in Stereo or Pure Direct, though audiophiles may want separate dedicated components for top-tier music fidelity.
What should buyers in the United States know about setup and usability?
Setup is straightforward with on-screen menus and the DCAC mic. Expect simple speaker hookups and basic calibration. Menus cover signal routing, speaker sizes, levels and bass management; experienced users can fine-tune from there.
Does the receiver include protection features and reliable operation over time?
The design includes standard protection circuitry to prevent damage from overload and thermal stress. Users report reliable day-to-day operation when used within recommended speaker loads and ventilation guidelines.
Are there any firmware updates or smart features to add later?
This model lacks network connectivity, so firmware updates and smart feature additions are limited compared with networked AVRs. Check the manufacturer’s support pages for any available firmware delivered via service centers or USB if provided.
