Sony STR-DH190 - Top 10 Questions and Answers
BIKMAN TECHWelcome to the ultimate FAQ guide for the Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver! Here at BIKMAN TECH, we know that choosing the right audio equipment can be a complex process. You've got questions, and we've got the answers. We've delved deep into this popular 2.0 channel receiver, combing through official specs, customer reviews, and forum discussions to bring you clear, concise answers to the top 10 questions consumers ask. This guide will help you understand if the STR-DH190 is the perfect heart for your home audio setup. Let's dive in!
1. What type of speakers can I connect to the Sony STR-DH190?
This is one of the most crucial questions, and thankfully, the STR-DH190 is quite flexible. You can connect any pair of passive speakers with an impedance rating between 6 and 16 ohms. This covers a vast range of bookshelf, floor-standing, and other stereo speakers.
Speaker A/B Switching
A standout feature is the A+B speaker function. This allows you to connect two separate sets of speakers (Speakers A and Speakers B). You can then choose to play audio through just the A pair, just the B pair, or both simultaneously. This is perfect for powering speakers in two different rooms or having a separate set of speakers for different types of audio.
Note: The speaker terminals are spring-clip connectors, which work best with bare speaker wire or pin-type connectors. They may be too small for some thicker gauge wires or banana plugs.
2. Can I connect a turntable to this receiver?
Absolutely! This is a key selling point for the STR-DH190. It comes equipped with a dedicated Phono input complete with a ground screw terminal. This means you can connect most turntables directly to the receiver without needing a separate phono preamp, which is a fantastic feature for vinyl enthusiasts. Sony specifically sound-matched this receiver with their PS-HX500 and PS-LX310BT turntables for optimal performance.
3. How does the Bluetooth connectivity work?
The STR-DH190 features built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Here are the key details:
- Easy Pairing: It's a straightforward process to pair your device for the first time. The receiver can remember multiple paired devices.
- Bluetooth Standby: A very convenient feature! Once your device is paired, you can turn the receiver on directly from your device by simply selecting the STR-DH190 from your Bluetooth menu. No need to get up and press the power button.
- Good Range: Users report a stable connection up to 10 meters (about 33 feet), even through walls in some cases.
- High-Quality Audio: It supports both SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring good quality wireless audio, especially from Apple devices which use AAC.
4. Can I connect a subwoofer to the STR-DH190?
This is a common point of confusion. The Sony STR-DH190 is a stereo receiver and does not have a dedicated subwoofer pre-out (LFE) jack. However, you can still connect a powered (active) subwoofer that has speaker-level (high-level) inputs.
The connection method is as follows: You run speaker wires from the receiver's speaker terminals (either A or B) to the speaker-level inputs on your subwoofer. Then, you run another set of speaker wires from the subwoofer's speaker-level outputs to your main stereo speakers. This setup allows the subwoofer to receive the audio signal and play the low frequencies.
5. What are the main audio inputs available?
The STR-DH190 focuses on analog connectivity. It does not have any digital optical, coaxial, or HDMI inputs. This is important to consider based on your other equipment.
| Input Type | Quantity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo RCA Inputs | 4 | CD Player, Tape Deck, DAC, Streamer |
| Phono (RCA) Input | 1 | Turntable |
| 3.5mm Aux Input | 1 (on front) | Older iPods, Laptops (headphone out) |
It also has one stereo RCA output for connecting to a recording device or an external amplifier.
6. What is the power output and sound quality like?
The receiver delivers a solid performance for its class. It is rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. The internal design features a reinforced chassis and a large-capacity power transformer, which help to minimize distortion and vibration, resulting in a cleaner sound.
Pure Direct Mode
For audiophiles seeking the purest signal path, the Pure Direct mode is a valuable feature. When activated, it bypasses the tone (bass/treble) and balance control circuits. This provides a more direct and uncolored sound from your source, delivering improved signal clarity and detail.
7. Does the receiver come with a remote control?
Yes, the Sony STR-DH190 comes with a full-featured remote control. You can use it to control power, volume, input selection, speaker A/B switching, Bluetooth pairing, FM tuner presets, and more. It's a comprehensive remote that allows you to access all the receiver's main functions from the comfort of your couch.
8. How do I connect it to my TV?
Since the STR-DH190 lacks HDMI or digital optical inputs, you cannot connect it to most modern TVs using those methods. To get audio from your TV to the receiver, your TV must have an analog audio output, typically in the form of red and white RCA jacks. If your TV has this output, you can simply run an RCA cable from the TV's audio out to one of the available RCA inputs on the receiver. If your TV only has a headphone output jack, you could use a 3.5mm to RCA cable as an alternative.
9. What is the receiver's physical size?
The STR-DH190 has a standard component size, but with a relatively low profile, which helps it fit into more spaces. It's important to ensure you have adequate ventilation space around the unit to dissipate heat.
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 133 x 284 mm (17 x 5 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches)
- Weight: 6.7 kg (14 lbs 13 oz)
10. Is this receiver suitable for a home theater setup?
The Sony STR-DH190 is a 2.0 channel stereo receiver. It is designed specifically for listening to music in stereo and is not intended for a home theater or surround sound system. It cannot process surround sound formats like Dolby Digital or DTS and does not have the necessary outputs for center, surround, or height speakers. If you are looking to build a multi-channel home theater, you would need an A/V (Audio/Video) receiver.
We hope this detailed Q&A from BIKMAN TECH has cleared up any questions you had about the Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver. It stands out as an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a high-quality, versatile stereo system, especially for vinyl lovers. Its combination of a dedicated phono input, reliable Bluetooth, and solid power makes it a fantastic hub for your music. If these features match your needs, this receiver offers incredible value. Ready to build your dream stereo? Click to find the best deals on this fantastic receiver!
Do you have any other questions? Drop them in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to help! 👇
