Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Onkyo TX-NR515 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-NR515 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-NR515 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-NR515.

In video department only Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Dialog Normalization	✔	✖
HDR10	✔	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔	✖
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 1080p
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✖
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✖
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM
Longer Warranty	3 Years	2 Years

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR515 over Denon AVR-X540BT.

Onkyo TX-NR515 has more channels, more power per channel, more channel processing, more advanced room correction system, more zones and higher signal to noise ratio. It supports DSD streaming via HDMI, internet radio, Pandora, Spotify and SiriusXM. It has bi-amp capability.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
More Channels	5.2	7.2
Bi-amp capability	✖	✔
More Channel Processing	5.1	7.1
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
DTS-ES	✖	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, 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, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
DSD via HDMI	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Jitter Reduction	✖	✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
Audyssey Dynamic EQ	✖	✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume	✖	✔
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	✔	✔ Audyssey 2EQ
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component**, Composite
MHL Input	✖	✔ Front HDMI
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✔
Ethernet	✖	✔
Wi-Fi	✖	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
More HDMI Inputs	5	8 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	1	2 (simultaneous)
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	5
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
More Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
More Component Video Inputs	✖	1
More Component Video Outputs	✖	1
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
More Zones	1	2
Internet Radio	✖	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✖	✔
Spotify	✖	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔
More Speaker Terminals	5	9
More Large Speaker Terminals	✖	7
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	80 W (0.7% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	125 W (0.1% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	140 W (10% THD)	160 W
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	100 dB
Wider AM Frequency Range	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR515 share common strengths such as.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
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	2
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM

Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR515 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 phono input, no analog multi-channel input, no analog pre-outs, no Tidal, no Deezer and no Napster.

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
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 USB	✖	✖
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 Phono Input	✖	✖
No Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
No Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖

Amplifier

Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and Onkyo TX-NR515 has 7 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Onkyo TX-NR515 delivers 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)

Video Features

Denon AVR-X540BT supports 4K passthrough up to 60p and Onkyo TX-NR515 supports 1080p passthrough. Onkyo TX-NR515 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-NR515 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.

Advanced Music Optimizer

Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR515 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-NR515

Onkyo TX-NR515 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It has 8 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

Front panel has HDMI/MHL, USB and Composite Video 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-NR515.

BASICS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Brand	Denon	Onkyo
Model	AVR-X540BT	TX-NR515
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA
Release Year	2018	2012

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Channels	5.2	7.2
THX™ Certification	✖	✖
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✖
Bi-amp Capability	✖	✔

AUDIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
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: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	FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, 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, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖	✖
Gapless Playback	✖	✖
DSD via HDMI	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	✖	✖
DSD to PCM Converter	✖	✖
USB DAC	✖	✖
Jitter Reduction	✖	✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialogue Control	✖	✖
Dialog Enhancement	✖	✖
Dialog Level Adjustment	✖	✖
Dialog Normalization	✔	✖
Dialogue Lift	✖	✖
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-NR515
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔	✔ Audyssey 2EQ
Audyssey App Support	✖	✖

VIDEO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
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
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✖
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✖

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
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	✖
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 iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
USB DC Out Port	✖	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	5
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	✖
Phono Input	✖	✖
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs	✖	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs	✖	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖	✖
Component Video Inputs	✖	1
Component Video Outputs	✖	1
PC In	✖	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B	✖	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Zones	1	2
RS-232 Interface	✖	✖
+12V Trigger Output	✖	✖
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	✖

MISC	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
On-Screen Display	✔	✔ Advanced "Home" GUI
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✖

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM
Digital Radio	✖	✖
Internet Radio	✖	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✖	✔
Spotify	✖	✔
Tidal	✖	✖
Deezer	✖	✖
Napster	✖	✖
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔

CONSTRUCTION	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Speaker Terminals	5	9
Large Speaker Terminals	✖	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals	✖	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	5 A
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W	65 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.15 W

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
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 173.5 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"
Weight	7.5 kg	9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)
Warranty	3 Years	2 Years

SPECS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Onkyo TX-NR515
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	80 W (0.7% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	125 W (0.1% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	140 W (10% THD)	160 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	130 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	100 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)	5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 107.9 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