Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Marantz SR6009 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 SR6009 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 SR6009 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 SR6009.

In video department only Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
HDR10	✔	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔	✖
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Marantz SR6009 over Denon AVR-X540BT.

Marantz SR6009 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 Audyssey DSX, DSD streaming via HDMI and USB, gapless playback, internet radio, Pandora, Spotify and SiriusXM. It has bi-amp capability, phono input, analog multi-channel input and analog pre-outs.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
More Channels	5.2	7.2
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp capability	✖	✔ assignable
More Channel Processing	5.1	7.1
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✔ Neo: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 HDMI	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	✖	✔ 2-ch Input
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
Audyssey DSX	✖	✔
Pure Direct Mode	✖	✔
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT + PRO
Optimized Bass Redirection	✖	✔
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✔ up to 4K 50/60Hz 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 (1 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	6 (1 front)
Phono Input	✖	✔
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
More Composite Video Inputs	2	4 (1 front)
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, Composite, L/R Audio
Speaker A/B	✖	✔ assignable
More Zones	1	2
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	1
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Advanced Graphic User Interface
Internet Radio	✖	✔
Pandora	✖	✔
Spotify	✖	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔
More Speaker Terminals	5	9
More Large Speaker Terminals	✖	9
High Grade Audio Components	✖	✔
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✔
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)	110 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	150 W (0.7% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	185 W (1% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	100 dB
Wider AM Frequency Range	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz SR6009 share common strengths such as bluetooth.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
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	4 (1 front)
Zones	1	2
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM

Denon AVR-X540BT and Marantz SR6009 share common weaknesses such as no Dolby Atmos support, no DTS:X support, no Auro3D support, no Dolby Vision, no MHL input, no HEOS, no ChromeCast, no DTS Play-Fi, no Amazon Alexa, no SONOS, no Tidal, no Deezer and no Napster.

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
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 DTS Dialog Control	✖	✖
No Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
No Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
No HDR10+	✖	✖
No Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
No Dolby Vision	✖	✖
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 Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖
Old Bluetooth Version	2.1 + EDR	2.1 + EDR

Amplifier

Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and Marantz SR6009 has 7 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Marantz SR6009 delivers 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) but only Marantz SR6009 has stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

Both receivers support 4K passthrough up to 60p. Marantz SR6009 can do 4K upscaling up to 60p. Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.

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.

Current Feedback Topology

Marantz SR6009 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 SR6009 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 SR6009 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 SR6009

Marantz SR6009 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 is a phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the cartridge output of the turntable directly to the Receiver. There are 7.1 multi-channel analog inputs and 7.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, USB, Composite and L/R Audio 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 SR6009.

BASICS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
Brand	Denon	Marantz
Model	AVR-X540BT	SR6009
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA
Release Year	2018	2014

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
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 SR6009
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖	✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖	✖
Dolby TrueHD	✔	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✖	✖
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
Surround EX	✖	✖
DTS:X	✖	✖
DTS Neural:X	✖	✖
DTS Virtual:X	✖	✖
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✔ Neo:X
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	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
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 SR6009
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT + PRO
Audyssey App Support	✖	✖
Optimized Bass Redirection	✖	✔
Bass Sync	✖	✖

VIDEO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
HDR10	✔	✖
HDR10+	✖	✖
Dynamic HDR	✖	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔	✖
Dolby Vision	✖	✖
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)	✖	✖
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 50/60Hz 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 SR6009
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	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for ZONE2)
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for iPod/iPhone and USB memory
USB DC Out Port	✖	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	6 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	✖
Phono Input	✖	✔
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2	4 (1 front)
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, Composite, L/R Audio
Speaker A/B	✖	✔ assignable
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
Zones	1	2
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	1

MISC	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Advanced Graphic User Interface
GUI Languages	3	3
FL Display	✔ 1 line	✔ port hole
Remote Controller	RC-1216	RC025SR
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	No / No / No	No / No / No
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔
Setup Assistant	✔	✔

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
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 SR6009
Front Panel	Not Metal	Aluminum
Speaker Terminals	5	9
Large Speaker Terminals	✖	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
High Grade Audio Components	✖	✔
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✔

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	650 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W	ECO On/Off: 50 W/80 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.2 W

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
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 398 mm (with antenna: 440 mm x 229 mm x 398 mm) 17-3/8" x 6-3/8" x 15-3/4" (with antenna up: 17-3/8" x 9-1/8" x 15-3/4")
Weight	7.5 kg	11.4 kg (25 lbs 2 oz)
Warranty	3 Years	3 Years

SPECS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Marantz SR6009
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	110 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	150 W (0.7% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	185 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 - 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