Sony 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 SpeakersInteresting 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.

As an audiophile I can say that the Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver is in a class by itself. Some experts will say that the amp is not nearly as important as the speakers, but don't believe them. This receiver sends a natural and clear sound to your speakers with 100 watts/channel. I'm driving a pair of JBL L220's, which sound great, and show a noticeable improvement over a much more expensive (but dated) Integra receiver the Sony is replacing. The one poor feature of the Sony is a disappointing FM tuner, which I find to be barely acceptable and with noticeably bad fidelity. It's not worthy of the amp section. But making up for this deficit is the fine Bluetooth, which transfers a great fidelity signal from my smartphone. Don't think there's anything in this Sony's price range that's as good a value. Very happy with purchase overall.

It is a neat amplifier.I use a small record player I bought on Amazon and output it into this amp's input.The LP turntable has ceramic cartridge so it goes smoothly into a regular input.No issues.It gives good bass.The treble could be more but it is ok.I have two of them now,one in each music room.Decent remote.No issues

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.

I grew up listening to vinyl records and this receiver is not only a great price but also has that treasured phono jack. I paired it with the Audio-Technica Turntable and dusted off my 30yr old Bose 501"s tossed the audio cable and replaced it with Amason Basics Audio Cable and it sounds fantastic. The Sony STR-DH190 WORKS AND SOUNDS GREAT WITH A TURNTABLE. You will love all the other great features it has to offer. It's like being a kid in a candy store...enjoy.