Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Marantz Slimline NR1506 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 5 channel amplifiers with Denon AVR-X540BT's being more powerful.

Let us have a look at some highlights of the models.

We have evaluated both receivers. Marantz Slimline NR1506 gets higher overall score in our ranking system which is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

Amplifier score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and 4K passthrough, upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X540BT over Marantz Slimline NR1506.

Denon AVR-X540BT has more power per channel and bigger power supply.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
More Optical Inputs	2	1
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM
Bigger Power Supply	310 W	180 W
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	50 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	60 W (0.7% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	140 W (10% THD)	100 W (10% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	85 W (1% THD)

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Marantz Slimline NR1506 over Denon AVR-X540BT.

Marantz Slimline NR1506 has more advanced room correction system. It supports DSD streaming via USB, gapless playback, internet radio, Pandora, Spotify and SiriusXM. It has analog pre-outs. In video department only Marantz Slimline NR1506 supports Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
DTS-ES	✖	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	✔ up to 96 kHz	✔ up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Gapless Playback	✖	✔
DSD via USB	✖	✔ 2-ch Input
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
Pure Direct Mode	✖	✔
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ
Optimized Bass Redirection	✖	✔
Dolby Vision	✖	✔ (via firmware update)
HLG	✖	✔ (via firmware update)
AirPlay	✖	✔ AirPlay
Ethernet	✖	✔
Wi-Fi	✖	✔
More HDMI Inputs	5	6 (1 front)
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	3
More Composite Video Inputs	2	3
More Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	2.2
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI, USB
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Hybrid Graphic User Interface
Internet Radio	✖	✔
Pandora	✖	✔
Spotify	✖	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔
More Large Speaker Terminals	✖	5
Wider AM Frequency Range	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz Slimline NR1506 share common strengths such as HDR10 and bluetooth.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
HDR10	✔	✔
4K or 8K Video Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
Composite Video Inputs	2	3
Zones	1	1
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz Slimline NR1506 share common weaknesses such as no Dolby Atmos support, no DTS:X support, no Auro3D support, no MHL input, no HEOS, no ChromeCast, no DTS Play-Fi, no Amazon Alexa, no SONOS, no phono input, no analog multi-channel input, no Tidal, no Deezer and no Napster.

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Few Channel Processing	5.1	5.1
No Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
No DTS:X	✖	✖
No DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
No DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
No IMAX Enhanced	✖	✖
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖	✖
No DSD via HDMI	✖	✖
No DTS Dialog Control	✖	✖
No Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
No Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
No HDR10+	✖	✖
No Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
No Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through	✖	✖
No VRR	✖	✖
No QFT	✖	✖
No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling	✖	✖
No MHL Input	✖	✖
No FireConnect	✖	✖
No FlareConnect	✖	✖
No HEOS	✖	✖
No Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
No DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Does Not Work with SONOS	✖	✖
No eARC	✖	✖
Few HDMI Outputs	1	1
Few Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	3
No Phono Input	✖	✖
No Component Video Inputs	✖	✖
No Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖
Old Bluetooth Version	2.1 + EDR	2.1 + EDR

Amplifier

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz Slimline NR1506 have 5 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Marantz Slimline NR1506 delivers 50 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) but only Marantz Slimline NR1506 has stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

Both receivers support 4K passthrough up to 60p. Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10 and Marantz Slimline NR1506 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision.

HDR10

High-dynamic-range (HDR) video has greater dynamic range than standard-dynamic-range (SDR) video with brigter whites and deeper blacks. HDR10 was announced on August 27, 2015, by the Consumer Technology Association and uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness and 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors.

Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision is an update to HDR10 by adding dynamic metadata that can be used to more accurately adjust brightness levels up to 10,000 nits maximum brightness on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis and supports up to 12-bit color depth (4096 shades of RGB) and 8K resolution.

MDAX2

Compressed music enhancement in Marantz Slimline NR1506 is done by Marantz’ MDAX2 technology. The use of compressed audio files like MP3, Windows Media™ Audio or AAC is getting more and more popular. The audio quality of these compressed files however is less than the original lossless files that are on a CD, especially lacking the higher frequencies and affecting the lower frequencies which make the audio image less wide and deep. The Marantz Digital Audio Expander 2, also called M-DAX2, recalculates the outputted frequency range. This enables you to get a more detailed and clearer sound.

Connectivity

Denon AVR-X540BT

Denon AVR-X540BT can also connect to bluetooth devices via built-in bluetooth adapter. It has 5 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

Front panel has USB input.

Marantz Slimline NR1506

Marantz Slimline NR1506 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or built-in wi-fi adapter. It can also connect to bluetooth devices via built-in bluetooth adapter. The Receiver supports AirPlay. It has 6 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 2.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI and USB inputs.

And in the end let us list the detailed specifications of the receivers side-by-side.

Note: The following table shows only those details which are applicable for both models and excludes the ones that are applicable for only one model. If you want to see a full list of specs for each model please visit their individual pages here - Denon AVR-X540BT and here - Marantz Slimline NR1506.

BASICS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Brand	Denon	Marantz
Model	AVR-X540BT	NR1506
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA
Release Year	2018	2015

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Channels	5.2	5.2
Discrete Amplification	✔	✔
THX™ Certification	✖	✖
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✖	✖

AUDIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	5.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖	✖
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✔ PLII
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✖
Surround EX	✖	✖
DTS:X	✖	✖
DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✔ Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio	✔	✔
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio	✔	✔
DTS 96/24	✔	✔
DTS Express	✔	✔
DTS-ES	✖	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced	✖	✖
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖	✖
PCM	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ up to 96 kHz	✔ up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖	✖
Gapless Playback	✖	✔
DSD via HDMI	✖	✖
DSD via USB	✖	✔ 2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter	✖	✖
USB DAC	✖	✖
Jitter Reduction	✖	✖
DTS Dialogue Control	✖	✖
Dialog Enhancement	✖	✖
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✔
Dialog Normalization	✔	✔
Dialogue Lift	✖	✖
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔	✔ MDAX2
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✖	✖
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
Audyssey DSX	✖	✖
Direct Mode	✔	✔
Pure Direct Mode	✖	✔
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖	✖

CALIBRATION	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ
Audyssey App Support	✖	✖
Optimized Bass Redirection	✖	✔
Bass Sync	✖	✖

VIDEO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
HDR10	✔	✔
HDR10+	✖	✖
Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔	✔
Dolby Vision	✖	✔ (via firmware update)
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)	✖	✔ (via firmware update)
Quick Media Switching (QMS)	✖	✖
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)	✖	✖
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)	✖	✖
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)	✖	✖
3-D Ready	✔	✔
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✖
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✖
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✖

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
MHL Input	✖	✖
FireConnect	✖	✖
FlareConnect	✖	✖
HEOS	✖	✖
Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Works with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Works with SONOS	✖	✖
AirPlay	✖	✔ AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	✔ Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle	✔ Marantz Remote App for iOS and Android devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✖
Ethernet	✖	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖	✖
Wi-Fi	✖	✔
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔
HDBaseT Compatible	✖	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖	✖
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
HDMI Inputs	5	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	1
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
USB DC Out Port	✖	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	3
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	✖
Phono Input	✖	✖
Optical Inputs	2	1
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	1 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2	3
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs	✖	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖	✖
Component Video Inputs	✖	✖
Component Video Outputs	✖	✖
PC In	✖	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	2.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B	✖	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Zones	1	1
RS-232 Interface	✖	✖
+12V Trigger Output	✖	✖

MISC	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Hybrid Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages	3	3
FL Display	✔ 1 line	✔ 1 line
Remote Controller	RC-1216	RC020SR
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	No / No / No	No / No / No
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔
Setup Assistant	✔	✔

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM
Digital Radio	✖	✖
Internet Radio	✖	✔
Pandora	✖	✔
Spotify	✖	✔
Tidal	✖	✖
Deezer	✖	✖
Napster	✖	✖
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔

CONSTRUCTION	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Speaker Terminals	5	5
Large Speaker Terminals	✖	5
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
High Grade Audio Components	✖	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	180 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.2 W

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function	✔	✔
Auto Power off	✔	✔
Dimensions (W x H x D)	434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm 17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"	440 mm x 105 mm x 376 mm (with antenna: 440 mm x 173 mm x 376 mm) 17-5/16" x 4-1/8" x 14-13/16" (with antenna up: 17-5/16" x 6-13/16" x 14-13/16")
Weight	7.5 kg	8.2 kg (18 lbs 1 oz)
Warranty	3 Years	3 Years

SPECS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz Slimline NR1506
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	50 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	60 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	140 W (10% THD)	100 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	85 W (1% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ	130 mV/47 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	98 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
Bluetooth Version	2.1 + EDR	2.1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A	USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)	Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
FM Effective Sensitivity	1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)	1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB	Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
AM Frequency	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity	18 µV	18 µV

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted