If you are looking for a high-quality, inexpensive receiver for traditional turntables, the Sony STRDH190 is a good choice. This is one of the most popular products considering that it comes from a reputable brand.
When it comes to choosing a best stereo amplifier, you don’t need all the decorations common in most modern products. All you need is something that gives you satisfying results with your stereo needs using audio inputs and phono input.
Whether you are watching an intense action movie or listening to a classical orchestra, the sound quality output stands top on the list of features. When you put into consideration the quality of vinyl records, you can surely use a good amplifier.
The design
You can always recognize Sony amplifiers from anywhere. If there is a brand that stacks to one classic design, Sony knows just how to do it.
From the box, you will find a muscled-up Sony STRDH190 constructed for long-term use. Just like other amps, the Sony STRDH190 is a rectangular box containing an amplifier, a preamp, and a phono stage, among other products. With the phono preamp and sound input, it can produce plenty of power when connected to the turntable.
The design of Sony STRDH190 is similar to STR-DH190, STR-DN1080, and STR-DH790. The front panel features of the Sony STR-DH190 are two knobs, one for volume and the other for selecting functions.
At this price, you cannot expect a full display and microprocessors to drive it. But Sony has included one in this; perhaps because of the AVR function, it comes with.
I did not like the volume button because it feels very stiff. Unless you have to, it would be best to just leave it and use the remote control.
The radio and phono stage brings in the best of both worlds. I saw the button named ‘pure direct,’ which I still don’t understand its role. It only switched off the display more rather than doing anything else.
The back panel comes with all the connectivity you can get in an analog amplifier. The RCA connection and the gold-plated speaker wire inputs are all in clear view.
The STR-DH190 stereo receiver is spring-loaded speaker terminal did not strike me as impressive. I tried stuffing my banana plugs into them, but they seemed so hard to use. At this price, however, I could not complain very much.
STR-DH190 stereo receiver comes with a non-removable cord. This means you cannot replace or upgrade it. But you may never even need to since the cord is sturdy.
Consider a ‘hot’ symbol on the top of the amplifier. And there is a reason for this. This thing gets very warm even at the least output. It is important to be careful when it gets toasty. Sony specs the STR-DH190 for 6 ohms speaker load or higher. They have done this to pass UL certification with respect to the heat generated.
But it works well with 4 ohms as well. Hence, you don’t have to worry about performance in this regard.
The corners have been cut to save money. But you can always notice how the rear is just the chassis budge. They have a tiny little pad.
The front features plastic material. I like them more because they make less noise when you settle the device on a glass or metal surface. And Sony has used the same tricks as the stainless tips car exhausts, making you think they are all the same.
Features
Excellent amplification
The STR-DH190 stereo receiver lets you enjoy the experience of home audio goodness with ease and style. It is a simple yet fully functional Sony STRDH190 that will leave you well satisfied with yourself. It has the crucial features that most music listeners enjoy like the phono plugs and input and bluetooth for a turntable.
Powerful
An amplifier is only as good as its power output and amplification range. And the STR-DH190 stereo receiver offers the best of both worlds at an affordable price.
This amp delivers 100 watts per channel into an 8 ohms speaker. Its speaker impedance ranges from 6 to 16. But you can still use it well on a 4 ohms speaker.
As indicated above, the receiver tends to get hot; hence, you want to connect the right speakers.
Inputs and connectivity
One thing you can be sure of is the analog inputs on the STR-DH 190 stereo receiver. These are speakers you can easily connect to. Then just simply turn your receiver on and have it paired smartphone or tablet. Sony stereo receivers with bluetooth has everything a beginner audiophile will need. With bluetooth standby you can turn on your bluetooth stereo your portable device.
First, you get the phono input that lets you enjoy vinyl records on your turntable. Whether you have the traditional turntable or one of these modern gadgets, you can be sure of excellent output.
There are four stereo RCA outputs. Many amps at this price range do not have such a number, which is pretty recommendable for Sony.
A 3.5mm input and stereo RCA output ensure a secure connection to your audio sources.
This device is not only for analog functions. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music wirelessly. Connect this any music service, podcast, or Bluetooth-enabled device, and you can enjoy remote functionality. With this feature, the Sony STRDH190 comes as a wonderful alternative to some of its predecessors.
You can connect up to 4 speakers on the receiver. It uses automatic Class A/B switching, which lets you play them all at once, or separately.
And if you like listening to live news from around the world, there is an FM radio with more than 30 station presets.
I like the built-in headphone amplifier. The amp has a full-size headphone jack for private listening.
Accessories
In the box, you have a great control handset, batteries, and an FM antenna. It may not seem like much, but you can count on it for improved performance.
Sound
Hooking up the Sony stereo receiver is easy and straightforward. I quickly hooked my pair of BM305 Bower and Wilkins speakers to test their power. They are just bookshelf speakers, but very powerful in performance. They sounded great.
At first, play some of my favorite collections by Michael Learns and experienced a rich, warm sound with plenty of basses. This amplifier is powerful enough for a mid-sized room. It’s quite powerful considering most types of stereo can only produce 45 watters per channel into 8 ohms. But with the sound pressure, phono input and reinforced chassis, it can produce 112 watts per channels into 8 ohms. The sound pressure helps to eliminate background noises.
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Accepts a wide range of speakers
- A phono stage and headphone function
- Excellent stereo receiver sony includes two sets of phone input, digital input and analog audio inputs
- includes phono input and audio inputs with bluetooth standby
- 112 watts per channel into 8 ohms load
Cons
- The volume button is a bit stiff
- High competition
Verdict
The Sony STRDH190 integrated stereo amplifier is a very basic unit. No real frills or any decoration. Nevertheless, its sound production is incredible. Connect wirelessly to any Bluetooth device, and you are good to go. However, you may need something a little bigger if you want to hook monster speakers.
