Sony STR-DH790 7.2-Channel 4K AV Receiver – Best 7.2 AV Receiver Under $500

Description

Sony STR-DH790 7.2-Channel 4K AV Receiver – Best 7.2 AV Receiver Under $500 with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X & 4K HDR Pass-Through – Smart Home Maven

Description 

The Sony STR-DH790 delivers powerful, immersive surround sound in an affordable package, making it the best 7.2 AV receiver under $500 for budget-conscious home theater fans. With 145 watts per channel across seven channels, it supports both 5.2 and 7.2 speaker configurations, creating cinematic experiences with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Moreover, its HDMI 2.0 connectivity ensures full compatibility with modern video sources, supporting 4K/60Hz, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through for stunning visuals. Setup is simple with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC), while 40 FM/AM station presets and an intuitive interface keep operation user-friendly.

Finally, advanced features like bi-amp front speaker support, dual subwoofer outputs, and bass management provide flexibility and robust audio performance, making the STR-DH790 ideal for movies, music, and gaming—without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Key Features – Best 7.2 AV Receiver Under $500

• Powerful 7.2-channel audio with 145 W per channel, ensuring rich, dynamic sound for movies and music.

• Immersive surround formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for true 3D audio experiences.

• Seamless 4K HDR pass-through with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision via HDMI 2.0.

• Accurate room tuning using Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) for optimized acoustics.

• Enhanced bass performance with dual subwoofer outputs and bi-amp front speaker capability.

• Convenient presets with 40 FM/AM stations and 20 internet radio options (via connected device).

• Flexible audio options including bass management and multiple DSP modes tailored to your content.

• Easy playback through the front-panel USB input for MP3 and digital files.

Specifications – Best 7.2 AV Receiver Under $500

• Channels: 7.2 configuration with support for up to two subwoofers, delivering flexible bass management.

• Power Output: 145 W × 7 (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 ch driven) for powerful, room-filling sound.

• HDMI Connectivity: 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output (HDMI 2.0), supporting 4K/60Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

• Audio Formats: Full compatibility with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD for immersive 3D audio.

• Calibration: Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) ensures optimal speaker alignment and room acoustics.

• Tuner: Built-in FM/AM tuner with 40 station presets for easy radio access.

• Subwoofer Outputs: Dual subwoofer support for enhanced low-frequency depth.

• USB Playback: Front-panel USB port for convenient MP3 and digital audio playback.

• DSP Modes: Multiple surround and stereo DSP settings tailored for movies, music, and gaming.

“Works With” Compatibility – Best 7.2 AV Receiver Under $500

• For video playback, it connects seamlessly with Blu-ray/UHD players, streaming media devices, and 4K HDR TVs.

• In addition, it supports Dolby Atmos speaker configurations for immersive surround sound.

• Moreover, it pairs with TVs and consoles featuring Dolby Vision and HDR capability, ensuring top-tier visuals.

• For music lovers, it allows front USB playback of MP3 files for quick access.

• Additionally, it includes FM/AM radio support, easily managed through recalibration with the remote.

• Finally, the receiver offers DSP modes tailored for music genres and movie atmospheres, enhancing every listening session.

Setup + Maintenance Guide – Best 7.2 AV Receiver Under $500

Setup Steps

• First, wire all speakers, subwoofers, and HDMI sources such as a Blu-ray player or game console.

• Next, run Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) to accurately match your receiver’s sound to your room acoustics.

• Then, connect your display and enable Dolby Vision/HDR passthrough for optimal video quality.

• After that, select either surround or bi-amp mode, depending on your preferred setup.

• Finally, test audio tuning using a test tone or sample content to confirm balanced performance.

Maintenance Tips

• Regularly, keep firmware updated via USB service updates to ensure smooth functionality.

• Additionally, clean the unit with a soft microfiber cloth, avoiding moisture near controls.

• If your room setup changes, re-run DCAC calibration for the best sound profile.

• Lastly, turn off the receiver or use standby mode when inactive to save energy and extend lifespan.