STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth Black

Speaking as a self-described "audiophile" (but a true audiophile with deep pockets would likely laugh), this was one of the best gifts I've given to myself in recent years (as I have a fairly large music library of nearly 600 albums of 1/3 vinyl, 2/3 CDs and some cassettes). Bought mine back in March--used to be $200, but when I saw it for $150 any hesitation went out the window and I grabbed it. I have been in love with it ever since. Fabulous sound and power (do you really need more than 100 watts per channel?), great remote control (not used to that, believe it or not), and it lives up to Sony quality. Powers my vintage components perfectly: > MCS Series 6202 Belt-Driven Turntable (had it since early 80s) > Nacamichi BX-300 Cassette Deck > Sony DVP-NS725P Disc Player (DVD but used mainly for CDs - audio-only connection) > LG TV connected via optical-to-analog adapter > KEF Reference Series 103/3 Stereo Speakers Interesting observation about the way the ports are labeled on the back: what would traditionally be identified as a tape deck port (with IN/OUT) is just "Input 4," and while it's connected to my tape deck for playback, the REC-OUT is connected to a USB audio adapter to digitally record anything (mostly vinyl of course) to my laptop for mastering and iPod/digital library access. The Bluetooth connectivity is awesome as well with powerful range - great for playing music from mobile devices (phone and iPod Classic with BT adapter). The front line-in 3.5 port, identified as a "Portable" is also a great feature. At first, I was surprised that there was no input for optical, however since digital-to analog adapters are inexpensive and readily available, I think it's best to leave it that way. Would rather have the option, rather than an optical-only port that would otherwise go unused unless one had a component that required it. HOWEVER, if I were to make any improvements, it would be to add a USB Out port (preferably on the front), for digital recording on a PC. However again, since adapters are inexpensive and accessible, and for the price I paid for this device, I ain't gonna complain. Front level analog balance, bass and treble controls would also be nice, but you have access to all that through the menu. If you feel due for a simple, powerful and awesome stereo receiver/amplifier upgrade without breaking your monthly budget, this is a winner.

I bought this to drive a pair of Klipsch R-620F Tower speakers. 1. It was really easy to set up. 2. The bluetooth connectivity was seamless when connecting to my laptop. 3. The sound quality is pretty impressive for a receiver of this price, 4. Since this receiver only transfers data as AAC through bluetooth you'll need to run 3.5mm headphone jack to RCA from your device to get HD Audio. This is a weakness but I knew it before I bought it. 5. The volume control is interesting because I can just sit at my laptop and adjust it without touching the receiver (through bluetooth). 6. Overall this unit is a very good buy based on dollar value. I will be upgrading in a year or so to Sony's sister receiver that has an LDAC codec for bluetooth, but I'm still very happy with this purchase.

I bought my STR-DH190 receiver to put in my "man cave" pool room. I respect SONY products, but I realized this 2-channel stereo receiver was a budget item, seemingly so inexpensive it must just be an entry-point-only receiver. I was shocked by its quality, sturdy construction, versatility and audiophile sound. It has Bluetooth connectivity, and a phono input for turntables. I hooked up a CD player, turntable, reel-to-reel, cassette deck, iPod, sub woofer and two sets of high end bookshelf speakers. The fronts are SONY Sscs5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speakers. The rears are Polk. The sound is shocking, and everyone who hears it can't believe how it rocks. Now that this receiver is actually on sale at almost a "give-away" price, I'm tempted to buy another one as a backup in case one of my other systems needs a replacement receiver. It is Bluetooth ready, so I pair an Echo Dot with it for streaming. It is an amazingly versatile and reliable product. Highly Recommended.

My Situation: I had a (good) 35 year old Sony receiver running my outdoor patio speakers - decent outdoor speakers installed with the house when it was built about 10 years ago. My annoyance was connecting an iPhone or iPad to the old stereo which I did with lightning to 3.5 mm wired connection. This of course meant someone's phone or an iPad had to be sitting inside by the stereo - which was a pain, especially when batteries were running low. The old stereo also had lots of buttons and plenty of confusion when anybody but me was using it. It was a pain and generally a sorry setup. My first thought was to just replace my outdoor speakers with wireless, Bluetooth speakers. First, there is VERY little choice here and I settled on the Pyle 5.25 Inch outdoor speakers. Speaker replacement was going to take a little more work getting power run but I figured the Bluetooth functionality would be worth it. Got the speakers, tested them before installing and the sound quality pretty much sucked, even compared to my existing speakers that had been outside for 10 years. Bluetooth wasn't great either. Returned. Next, I had the bright idea to just get a Bluetooth amp. This would allow me to replace the stereo mess in my cabinet with a very compact amp and I could just connect my existing speaker wires into and then connect an iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth. Again, very few options available. After reading (too many) reviews and (too much) searching, I settled on the Fosi Audio BT20A. I REALLY wanted this to work because the idea of replacing all my old stereo equipment with one tiny device was very appealing. Despite upgrading to 100 watts (I think the old Sony was 65), the sound quality was again a noticeable downgrade. PLUS, the Bluetooth connection was ridiculous. I could barely get outside with my phone before the sound started crackling. Returned. After another round of (too many) reviews and research, I decided to just replace with entire old Sony receiver (and equalizer) with the Sony STRDH190. I didn't want another big, clunky receiver, I was a little annoyed that Sony doesn't have a good app to run the receiver, and I didn't like that I couldn't turn the receiver on/off remotely from my phone. However, the STRDH190 works great. The sound is much stronger than I was getting before and the Bluetooth works GREAT - super easy to connect and I can walk around out by the pool and the connection stays strong. And that's what I wanted - good sound and good Bluetooth. The unit looks nice, although that doesn't matter so much because it's still sitting in a closed cabinet. Overall, the solution isn't perfect but Sony is quality stuff and I'm happy with the 2 big issues I needed covered - good sound and good Bluetooth connectivity.

First off, I don’t think some of the negative reviews are the final word. For one thing, if you call yourself an “audiophile”, you probably shouldn’t be buying a $200 stereo amp….more like, ‘wouldn’t you spend a whole lot more for a better quality component to begin with’? I am old school…I still have albums, cassettes and CDs, plus I listen to the radio daily and I do have a tablet…which now, thanks to this unit, I can play through all 4 of my stereo speakers. Yeah, yeah! The flimsy piece of wire antenna that comes with the unit gives me good reception for the stations I regularly listen to. I like how I can access the first three of the fourteen stations I easily programmed into the unit, via the remote. The remote is very functional and handy….especially if you have trouble seeing the small print on the actual buttons on the face of the amplifier. I am no tech whiz…and I don’t have a lot of patience but it was very easy to duplicate my old set-up from the amplifier I was replacing…which was my 37 year old JVC…it finally died. I listened to an album and the sound is fine. You can adjust the bass and treble to your liking. The phono input jack accesses an equalizer so it is important to use the Phono Line In for your turntable. There is a button to press for high fidelity which supposedly cuts out background noise. That also seems to lower the volume a bit as well. Someone wrote that you can’t control the volume independently between left and right speakers..but you actually can using the settings via the remote. I read through the entire manual and I only got confused a couple of times. It is a very user-friendly manual and machine. It plays my CDs very well..nice and loud. I plugged my dual CD player into the 4th input which allows for playing and recording (line in/line out). Now the newness for me is the Bluetooth….it has many features..some of which I don’t want so I just go to the display and amp menu and click here and there and eventually find the setting I need. It is nice to now be able to listen to the podcasts on my tablet through my home speakers. I guess I am lucky…the package arrived in two days, everything was totally brand new and in excellent condition…It was a little bit of a challenge to get the speaker wires in the little holes but with readers and a headlamp and some calm, I did it. Fingers crossed that I don’t have any issues in the future. If you read the instructions and pay attention to little warnings I don’t see how anyone could complain about this item malfunctioning. Like I said…if you are an audiophile and very picky and meticulous about sound then don’t buy this for yourself. I am very sensitive to sound and a lot of sounds in life bother me…but everything coming out of my new stereo receiver is music to my ears. I love it! P.S. The only thing I can’t seem to do is to remove some radio stations from ones that I mistakenly set to preset. I can remove them as I go by changing the order number but at the end of the preset list there are remaining stations I don’t want to ever hear again. My fix was to program my preset list of fourteen twice and then the first two as stations 29 and 30. So at least this way if scrolling through my presets I don’t have to listen to obnoxious music and talk..but only hear bits and pieces of stations I might consider listening to. I wish there was a way to just delete the presets entirely so you could start from scratch.

Got this 'cause my 40yo stereo was just plain tuckered out. Oh well. So I didn't need a $2000 replacement and didn't think I'd be happy with a $30 replacement so I chose this $200 Sony STRDH190. And I am a happy camper. Got my PC, Fios TV, and my favorite FM stations plugged in and I alternate between speakers and headphones. ****** PROS ***** Sound is good on speakers or headphones (haven't adjusted bass/treble yet). Easy enough to switch inputs with the remote. The volume doesn't need adjusting regardless of which input or output is selected. It can handle 6 different ways to plug in devices ******* CONS ******* Have to physically unplug the headphones to let the speakers work (I may try using the AUDIO OUTPUT jacks instead - wish me luck!). The remote has a limited set of use cases - example: I haven't figured out how to delete the 3 FM stations I added to the list as I was learning How To Add Stations. **** TL/DR **** If the price and specs are right for you I would recommend it !!! Added next day: I'm going to try to hook up an IR Blaster to Home Assistant to 1) reduce the number of remotes and 2) to enhance how the new stereo works. Should be good.

Great receiver/amplifier that works well with my 60's Dual phonograph. Instructions made all connections simple. Remote control makes any adjustments convenient and easy. Classic good looks with modern features. Sony electronics have always performed well. Now I am enjoying my original 60's vinyl albums.

It’s a good, straightforward receiver with plenty of power for my Klipsch floor standing speakers. Setup was quick and easy. The equalizer capability is adequate. If it had a bass boost contour control I would be ecstatic!