Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Marantz SR5011 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. The Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and the Marantz SR5011 has 7 channel amplifiers with Denon AVR-X540BT's being less powerful.

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

We have evaluated both receivers. Marantz SR5011 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 SR5011.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✖
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✖

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Marantz SR5011 over Denon AVR-X540BT.

Marantz SR5011 has more channels, more power per channel, more channel processing, more advanced room correction system, more zones, bigger power supply and higher signal to noise ratio. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DSD streaming via USB, gapless playback, internet radio and Spotify. It has bi-amp capability, DTS Dialog Control, analog multi-channel input and analog pre-outs. In video department only Marantz SR5011 supports Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
More Channels	5.2	7.2
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp capability	✖	✔ assignable
More Channel Processing	5.1	7.1
Dolby Atmos	✖	✔ up to 5.1.2
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖	✔
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
DTS:X	✖	✔ up to 5.1.2
DTS Neural:X	✖	✔
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
DTS Dialog Control	✖	✔
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
Pure Direct Mode	✖	✔
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT
Audyssey App Support	✖	✔
Optimized Bass Redirection	✖	✔
Dolby Vision	✖	✔ (via firmware update)
HLG	✖	✔ (via firmware update)
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✔ up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component, Composite
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✔
AirPlay	✖	✔ AirPlay
Ethernet	✖	✔
Wi-Fi	✖	✔
More HDMI Inputs	5	8 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	1	2 (simultaneous)
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	4
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
More Component Video Inputs	✖	2
More Component Video Outputs	✖	1
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✔ 7.1
More Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	7.2
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B	✖	✔ assignable
More Zones	1	2
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	1
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Advanced Graphic User Interface
More GUI Languages	3	9
Internet Radio	✖	✔ vTuner
Spotify	✖	✔
More Speaker Terminals	5	7
More Large Speaker Terminals	✖	7
High Grade Audio Components	✖	✔
Bigger Power Supply	310 W	650 W
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	100 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	140 W (0.7% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	140 W (10% THD)	200 W (10% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	180 W (1% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	100 dB

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz SR5011 share common strengths such as HDR10 and bluetooth.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
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	✔ SBC, AAC
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for USB memory
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Zones	1	2
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM with RDS

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz SR5011 share common weaknesses such as no Auro3D support, no MHL input, no HEOS, no ChromeCast, no DTS Play-Fi, no Amazon Alexa, no SONOS, no phono input, no Pandora, no Tidal, no Deezer, no Napster and no SiriusXM.

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
No DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
No IMAX Enhanced	✖	✖
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖	✖
No DSD via HDMI	✖	✖
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 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	✖	✖
No Phono Input	✖	✖
No Pandora	✖	✖
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖
No SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✖
Old Bluetooth Version	2.1 + EDR	2.1 + EDR

Amplifier

Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and Marantz SR5011 has 7 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Marantz SR5011 delivers 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) but only Marantz SR5011 has stable performance at 4 Ω load. Since 2016 all receiver manufacturers have dropped front wide channel support. Marantz SR5011 is no exception.

Video Features

Both receivers support 4K passthrough up to 60p. Marantz SR5011 can do 4K upscaling up to 30p. Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10 and Marantz SR5011 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.

Dolby Atmos and Dolby Surround upmixer

Marantz SR5011 supports Dolby Atmos with its Dolby Surround upmixer. It can be configured upto 5.1.2 channels using internal amplifiers.

Dolby Atmos is the first cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound - the helicopter, a car screeching around a corner, a melodic bird call - can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. You'll feel like you're inside the action, in ways you've never experienced before.

Dolby Atmos for the home represents every sound in the original cinema mix as an audio object. Extensions to the Dolby Audio™ codecs, along with an advanced scalable algorithm, allow Dolby Atmos to be delivered via Blu-ray Disc and streaming media. A spatially-coded substream is added to Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus. A Dolby Atmos audio/video receiver (AVR) adapts the cinema experience to your home theater from seven speakers to as many as 34 in 24.1.10 configuration, recreating the original artistic concept. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X and Neural:X upmixer

Marantz SR5011 supports DTS:X with its Neural:X upmixer. It can be configured upto 5.1.2 channels using internal amplifiers.

A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

DTS Neural:X is an upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.

Current Feedback Topology

Marantz SR5011 features Current Feedback Topology which is a well known, Marantz’ original circuit technology. The Current Feedback amplifier technology fits perfectly with the high requirements set for Super Audio software providing wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited resulting in a very low phase shift. Marantz receivers and amplifiers equipped with Current Feedback can keep the phase compensation via Negative FeedBack (NFB) to a minimum, resulting in high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency for the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback amplification, the Current Feedback amplification makes the power amplifier in-sensitive to difficult loudspeaker loads.

HDAM

Marantz SR5011 features exclusive Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology found on their Reference Series components. Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards to replace standard IC's. These HDAM's consist of discrete surface mount components with short mirror image L/R signal paths. Those devices are doing exactly the same thing as the Op-Amps, but outperform the regular IC Op-amps dramatically in terms of the Slew Rate and reduced noise level, resulting in a much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years Marantz developed different types of the HDAM to improve quality and to fit to the special requirements of a product category like CD or amplifier.

MDAX2

Compressed music enhancement in Marantz SR5011 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 SR5011

Marantz SR5011 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 8 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 7.1 multi-channel analog inputs and 7.2 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 SR5011.

BASICS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Brand	Denon	Marantz
Model	AVR-X540BT	SR5011
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	UK
Release Year	2018	2016

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Channels	5.2	7.2
Discrete Amplification	✔	✔
THX™ Certification	✖	✖
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✖	✔ assignable

AUDIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖	✔ up to 5.1.2
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖	✔
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✖
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
Surround EX	✖	✖
DTS:X	✖	✔ up to 5.1.2
DTS Neural:X	✖	✔
DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
DTS Neo	✔ 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 SR5011
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT
Audyssey App Support	✖	✔
Optimized Bass Redirection	✖	✔
Bass Sync	✖	✖

VIDEO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
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	✖	✔ up to 4K 24/25/30p 4:4:4
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component, Composite
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✖
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✔

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
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 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✖
Ethernet	✖	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖	✖
Wi-Fi	✖	✔
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ SBC, AAC
HDBaseT Compatible	✖	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖	✖
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
HDMI Inputs	5	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (simultaneous)
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for USB memory
USB DC Out Port	✖	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	4
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	✖
Phono Input	✖	✖
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs	✖	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖	✖
Component Video Inputs	✖	2
Component Video Outputs	✖	1
PC In	✖	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✔ 7.1
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	7.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B	✖	✔ assignable
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Zones	1	2
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	1

MISC	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Advanced Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages	3	9
FL Display	✔ 1 line	✔ port hole
Remote Controller	RC-1216	RC024SR
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	No / No / No	No / No / No
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔
Setup Assistant	✔	✔

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM with RDS
Digital Radio	✖	✖
Internet Radio	✖	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✖	✖
Spotify	✖	✔
Tidal	✖	✖
Deezer	✖	✖
Napster	✖	✖
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✖

CONSTRUCTION	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Front Panel	Not Metal	Metal
Speaker Terminals	5	7
Large Speaker Terminals	✖	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
High Grade Audio Components	✖	✔
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	650 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W	ECO On/Off: 45 W/75 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.2 W

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
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 161 mm x 346 mm (with antenna: 440 mm x 230 mm x 346 mm)
Weight	7.5 kg	10.0 kg (22 lbs 1 oz)
Warranty	3 Years	3 Years

SPECS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR5011
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	100 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	140 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	140 W (10% THD)	200 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	180 W (1% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ	200 mV/47 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	100 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 - 108.0 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	522 kHz - 1611 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