Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Onkyo TX-NR1010 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 Onkyo TX-NR1010 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. Onkyo TX-NR1010 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 Onkyo TX-NR1010.

In video department only Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
HDR10	✔	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔	✖
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 1080p
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately)
Longer Warranty	3 Years	2 Years

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR1010 over Denon AVR-X540BT.

Onkyo TX-NR1010 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, internet radio, Pandora and Spotify. It has bi-amp capability, phono input and analog pre-outs.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
More Channels	5.2	7.2
THX™ Certification	✖	✔ Ultra2 Plus
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp capability	✖	✔
More Channel Processing	5.1	9.1
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
Surround EX	✖	✔ also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✔ Neo:X
DTS-ES	✖	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, Dolby TruHD, LPCM, AAC
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	✔ up to 96 kHz	✔ up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
DSD via HDMI	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	✖	✔ 2-ch Input
Jitter Reduction	✖	✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology
Dialogue Lift	✖	✔ Screen Centered Dialog
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
Audyssey DSX	✖	✔
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT32
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component, Composite, PC
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✔ *
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✔ Composite, PC
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✔
MHL Input	✖	✔ Front HDMI
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✔
Ethernet	✖	✔
Wi-Fi	✖	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
More HDMI Inputs	5	9 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	7 (1 front)
Phono Input	✖	✔
More Optical Inputs	2	3 (1 front)
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	3 / No
More Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
More Component Video Inputs	✖	2
More Component Video Outputs	✖	1
PC In	✖	✔
More Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	9.2
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio, Optical
More Zones	1	3
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	2 (Zone2, Zone 3)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 1
Internet Radio	✖	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✖	✔
Spotify	✖	✔
More Speaker Terminals	5	11
More Large Speaker Terminals	✖	11
Bigger Power Supply	310 W	850 W
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	140 W (0.05% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	170 W (0.1% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	140 W (10% THD)	250 W
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	200 W (1% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	110 dB
Wider AM Frequency Range	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR1010 share common strengths such as bluetooth.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately)
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
Zones	1	3
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM with RDS

Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR1010 share common weaknesses such as no Dolby Atmos support, no DTS:X support, no Auro3D support, no Dolby Vision, no ChromeCast, no DTS Play-Fi, no Amazon Alexa, no SONOS, no analog multi-channel input, no Tidal, no Deezer, no Napster and no SiriusXM.

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
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 FireConnect	✖	✖
No FlareConnect	✖	✖
No Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
No DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Does Not Work with SONOS	✖	✖
No eARC	✖	✖
No Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖
No SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✖

Amplifier

Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and Onkyo TX-NR1010 has 7 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Onkyo TX-NR1010 delivers 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) but only Onkyo TX-NR1010 has stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

Denon AVR-X540BT supports 4K passthrough up to 60p and Onkyo TX-NR1010 supports 1080p passthrough. Onkyo TX-NR1010 can do 4K upscaling up to 30p. 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.

WRAT

Onkyo TX-NR1010 features Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout that prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image. If phase shift occurs and signal timing is not accurate, then neither is the resulting audio image.

3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry

Onkyo TX-NR1010 features 3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry. Standard amplifiers employ a negative feedback (NFB) design that counters distortion by feeding back the opposite phase of the output signal into the input stage. Unfortunately, NFB is easily affected by inverse electromotive forces from the speakers, leading to an increase in circuit noise. Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry is a core Onkyo technology incorporating a low-NFB design that makes the sound more natural. Sensitive to oscillations, this circuitry requires very advanced control technology in order to be incorporated into the amplifier.

THX™ Certification

Onkyo TX-NR1010 is THX™ certified which offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature RE-EQ, timbre matching, boundary gain compensation and THX Loudness Plus.

Advanced Music Optimizer

Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR1010 is done by Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer. While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine through the headphones of your portable digital player, the limitations of these files can be exposed when played back through a quality home entertainment system. This is because a significant amount of high-frequency bit information is lost during the file-compression process. To counter this, Onkyo has designed the Advanced Music Optimizer to compensate for lost bit information and improve the quality of compressed audio signals. This results in a clearer and more expansive sound. Also included in this technology is a loudness correction feature that further improves the audio character of compressed files.

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.

Onkyo TX-NR1010

Onkyo TX-NR1010 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It can also connect to bluetooth devices via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) . It has 9 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 9.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio and Optical 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 - Onkyo TX-NR1010.

BASICS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Brand	Denon	Onkyo
Model	AVR-X540BT	TX-NR1010
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	Europe
Release Year	2018	2012

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Channels	5.2	7.2
THX™ Certification	✖	✔ Ultra2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✖	✔

AUDIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	9.1
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	✖	✔ also known as Dolby Digital 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	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, Dolby TruHD, LPCM, AAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ up to 96 kHz	✔ up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
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	✖	✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology
DTS Dialogue Control	✖	✖
Dialog Enhancement	✖	✖
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✖
Dialog Normalization	✔	✔
Dialogue Lift	✖	✔ Screen Centered Dialog
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔	✔ Advanced Music Optimizer
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✖	✖
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
Audyssey LFC	✖	✖
Audyssey Sub EQ HT	✖	✖
Audyssey DSX	✖	✔
Direct Mode	✔	✔
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖	✖

CALIBRATION	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT32
Audyssey App Support	✖	✖

VIDEO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
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 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component, Composite, PC
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✔ *
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✔ Composite, PC
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✔

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
MHL Input	✖	✔ Front HDMI
FireConnect	✖	✖
FlareConnect	✖	✖
Chromecast Built-In	✖	✖
DTS Play-Fi	✖	✖
Works with Amazon Alexa	✖	✖
Works with SONOS	✖	✖
AirPlay	✖	✖
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad	✔ iPod and iPhone via front USB
Remote App	✔ Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle	✔ iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✔
Ethernet	✖	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖	✖
Wi-Fi	✖	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately)
HDBaseT Compatible	✖	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖	✖
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
HDMI Inputs	5	9 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
USB DC Out Port	✖	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	7 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	✖
Phono Input	✖	✔
Optical Inputs	2	3 (1 front)
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	3 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (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	✖	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	9.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio, Optical
Speaker A/B	✖	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Zones	1	3
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	2 (Zone2, Zone 3)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 1

MISC	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Advanced "Home" GUI
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
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	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Speaker Terminals	5	11
Large Speaker Terminals	✖	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	850 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W	120 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.15 W

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function	✔	✔
Dimensions (W x H x D)	434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm 17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"	435 mm x 198.5 mm x 463.5 mm 17-1/8" x 7-13/16" x 18-1/4"
Weight	7.5 kg	23.0 kg (50.7 lbs)
Warranty	3 Years	2 Years

SPECS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR1010
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	140 W (0.05% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	170 W (0.1% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	140 W (10% THD)	250 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	200 W (1% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ	200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	110 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)	5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode)
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

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