Sony’s STR-DH790 delivers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without asking you to remortgage your home. It’s a 7.2-channel receiver that handles the three-dimensional audio formats that make overhead effects—rain, helicopters, footsteps above you—feel physically present. For the price, this is the most direct path to object-based surround sound.

Setup is straightforward. The included calibration microphone walks you through speaker distances and levels in a few minutes. You get four HDMI inputs, one with eARC, plus optical and coaxial audio inputs. Bluetooth is built-in for streaming music when you’re not watching movies. The 4K HDR pass-through supports Dolby Vision, so your TV’s picture quality stays uncompromised. At 90 watts per channel (into 8 ohms), it has enough power for most living rooms and bookshelf speaker setups.

The remote feels basic and the on-screen menus are dated—you’ll rely on the push-button controls more than you’d like. There’s no Wi-Fi or streaming apps built in, so you’ll need a separate device for Spotify or AirPlay. If you want a no-fuss Atmos receiver that prioritizes sound quality over smart features, this is a solid choice. Just budget for a streaming box if you want wireless music control.