Sony - STRDH190- 2-Ch. Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth & Phono Input for Turntables - Black

This Sony receiver is an excellent value for the incredibly low asking price. Sound is crisp, clean and solid with plenty of power for both of my speaker systems. And it is especially convenient to be able to select between two sets of speakers. The most important controls are on the front panel -- the rest are easily accessible from the remote. The phono pre-amp gives high quality results that are equally satisfying in both rock and classical music. Input names can be customized, which is a very helpful feature. The built-in analog tuner is good, though the dipole antenna supplied by Sony does not pull in much signal. It uses a proprietary connector, so it's not easy to attach a better antenna. There are plenty of analog inputs: four of them, plus phono, Bluetooth, and a front panel jack. Connecting to an Android phone with Bluetooth was simple, though I don't understand why I can't also connect wirelessly to my Alexa Echo. Speaker connections are old school, but very easy to use. What's missing? There are no USB inputs, so you can't connect directly to your computer (which is my primary audio source these days). You can't connect headphones wirelessly with Bluetooth -- something every cell phone and computer can do now. There's no HD radio, so the extra channels offered by many broadcasters now are inaccessible. And apparently US versions of this receiver can't display RDS data -- so there's no artist/title info when listening to music on the radio. I would gladly have paid more than the $200 asking price for this unit to get these features, all of which should be standard in the 21st century.

The Sony STRDH190 is an excellent value: plenty of stereo line inputs, phono input, Bluetooth, FM receiver, and enough clean power to drive my old only-moderately efficient speakers to decent levels. And this at a very reasonable price. It is easy to set up, easy to use, and includes a remote control. The receiver is not too heavy (I suspect the main part of its weight is a hefty power transformer) for me (with shoulder replacements) to easily put in place on a shelf; its fairly shallow depth also aids in easy placement. I could not be more pleased with this purchase. One doesn't often find values like this anymore. I know I sound like a Sony sales rep, but I'm just a satisfied Best Buy customer.

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.