Receiver review: STR-DH190 better value than AXR85?

[Vincent3]

According to the review below, the Cambridge Audio AXR85 looks like it isn't a worthwhile upgrade over the Sony STR-DH190. If you've auditioned both, do you agree? I've seen plenty of reviews that praise the Sony's value proposition, but I would have thought the Cambridge Audio (and the NAD) were in a different league.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stereo-receiver/

 

[NW1]

I believe I paid $150 for my STR-SH190 a year or two ago and prior to that they were cheaper still. Apples and oranges vs. the $499 AXR85 but even at $200, the Sony may still be the better bargain. Similar output power. Both support a turntable and two pair of speakers. I use a Schiit external DAC and MM/MC preamp. A couple of things I don't like about the Sony: stiff volume and no balance controls.

 

[Vincent3]

I believe I paid $150 for my STR-SH190 a year or two ago and prior to that they were cheaper still. Apples and oranges vs. the $499 AXR85 but even at $200, the Sony may still be the better bargain. Similar output power. Both support a turntable and two pair of speakers. I use a Schiit external DAC and MM/MC preamp. A couple of things I don't like about the Sony: stiff volume and no balance controls.

The Sony's balance is adjustable in the amp menu.

With this thread in mind, I've come to better appreciate the Sony's value proposition. I agree about the shoddy volume knob, but I mostly use the remote control. Speaking of the remote control, its design and feel in the hand are fantastic. I've switched back and forth a few times between the Sony and powered speakers, and the Sony's intuitive remote was one of the things I missed most about the receiver.

I'm also a fan of the labeling function for the Sony's four line-level inputs.

Two things disappoint me about the Sony: the lackluster sound quality of the FM tuner and the headphone output. Both are important to me, so the Sony probably won't be my long-term receiver.