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Overview
Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Onkyo TX-NR535 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.
Denon AVR-X540BT Highlights
Onkyo TX-NR535 Highlights
- 5.2 channels
- 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- HDR10, 4K Passthrough
- Bluetooth
- USB input
- 5.2 channels
- 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately), DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB input
We have evaluated both receivers. Onkyo TX-NR535 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.
Denon AVR-X540BT
Onkyo TX-NR535
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...
Advantage of Denon AVR-X540BT over Onkyo TX-NR535
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X540BT over Onkyo TX-NR535.
Denon AVR-X540BT has more power per channel. In video department only Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.
Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 | |
---|---|---|
Dialog Normalization | ✔ | ✖ |
HDR10 | ✔ | ✖ |
BT.2020 color space | ✔ | ✖ |
More Optical Inputs | 2 | 1 |
Detachable Power Cord | ✔ | ✖ |
Longer Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years |
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 70 W (0.08% THD) | 65 W (0.7% THD) |
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 140 W (10% THD) | 120 W |
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 130 W (1% THD) | 120 W (1% THD) |
Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR535 over Denon AVR-X540BT
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR535 over Denon AVR-X540BT.
Onkyo TX-NR535 has more zones, bigger power supply and higher signal to noise ratio. It supports DSD streaming via HDMI and USB, gapless playback, internet radio, Pandora and Spotify.
Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 | |
---|---|---|
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC | FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC |
Gapless Playback | ✖ | ✔ |
DSD via HDMI | ✖ | ✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
DSD via USB | ✖ | ✔ 2-ch Input |
Jitter Reduction | ✖ | ✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio |
AirPlay | ✖ | ✔ AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | ✖ | ✔ |
Ethernet | ✖ | ✔ |
Wi-Fi | ✖ | ✔ |
More HDMI Inputs | 5 | 6 |
More Analog Audio Line Inputs | 2 | 7 (1 front) |
More Analog Audio Line Outputs | ✖ | 1 |
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs | 1 / No | 2 / No |
More Composite Video Inputs | 2 | 4 (1 front) |
More Component Video Inputs | ✖ | 1 |
More Component Video Outputs | ✖ | 1 |
Front A/V Inputs | USB | USB, Composite Video, RCA audio |
More Zones | 1 | 2 |
Internet Radio | ✖ | ✔ TuneIn |
Pandora | ✖ | ✔ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✔ |
More Large Speaker Terminals | ✖ | 5 |
Bigger Power Supply | 310 W | 380 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 |
Common Strengths of Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR535
Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR535 share common strengths such as bluetooth.
STRENGTHS | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
4K or 8K Video Passthrough | up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 | up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) |
Bluetooth | ✔ SBC, AAC | ✔ |
USB Input | 1 (Front) for USB memory | 1 (Front) |
Composite Video Inputs | 2 | 4 (1 front) |
Zones | 1 | 2 |
Analog Tuner | ✔ FM/AM with RDS | ✔ FM/AM with RDS |
Common Weaknesses of Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR535
Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR535 share common weaknesses such as no Dolby Atmos support, no DTS:X support, no Auro3D support, no Dolby Vision, no MHL input, 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, no Napster and no SiriusXM.
WEAKNESSES | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
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 DTS Dialog Control | ✖ | ✖ |
No Audyssey Dynamic EQ | ✖ | ✖ |
No Audyssey Dynamic Volume | ✖ | ✖ |
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 4K or 8K Video Upscaling | ✖ | ✖ |
No MHL Input | ✖ | ✖ |
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 | ✖ | ✖ |
Few HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
No Phono Input | ✖ | ✖ |
No Multi-Channel Input | ✖ | ✖ |
No Analog Pre-Outs | 0.2 | 0.2 |
No Tidal | ✖ | ✖ |
No Deezer | ✖ | ✖ |
No Napster | ✖ | ✖ |
No SiriusXM Internet Radio | ✖ | ✖ |
Old Bluetooth Version | 2.1 + EDR | 2.1 + EDR |
Selected Features
Amplifier
Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR535 have 5 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Onkyo TX-NR535 delivers 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Video Features
Both receivers support 4K passthrough 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.
WRAT
Onkyo TX-NR535 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-NR535 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.
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Onkyo TX-NR535
Onkyo TX-NR535 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 via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately). It has 6 HDMI inputs.
Front panel has USB, Composite Video and RCA audio inputs.


Detailed Specifications
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-NR535.
BASICS | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Denon | Onkyo |
Model | AVR-X540BT | TX-NR535 |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | UK | Others |
Release Year | 2018 | 2014 |
AMPLIFIER | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.2 | 5.2 |
THX™ Certification | ✖ | ✖ |
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | ✔ | ✔ |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | ✖ | ✖ |
Bi-amp Capability | ✖ | ✖ |
AUDIO | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
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 | ✖ | ✖ |
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, AAC, LPCM |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | ✔ up to 96 kHz | ✔ up to 96 kHz |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC |
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 for S/PDIF Audio |
DTS Dialogue Control | ✖ | ✖ |
Dialog Enhancement | ✖ | ✖ |
Dialog Level Adjustment | ✖ | ✖ |
Dialog Normalization | ✔ | ✖ |
Dialogue Lift | ✖ | ✖ |
Compressed Music Enhancer | ✔ | ✔ Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included) |
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-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | ✔ | ✔ AccuEQ |
VIDEO | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
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/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) |
Video Signal Upscaling | ✖ | ✖ |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | ✖ | ✖ |
Component Video Upscaling | ✖ | ✖ |
Analog to Analog Video conversion | ✖ | ✖ |
isf Certified Calibration Control | ✖ | ✖ |
CONNECTIVITY | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
MHL Input | ✖ | ✖ |
FireConnect | ✖ | ✖ |
FlareConnect | ✖ | ✖ |
Chromecast Built-In | ✖ | ✖ |
DTS Play-Fi | ✖ | ✖ |
Works with Amazon Alexa | ✖ | ✖ |
Works with SONOS | ✖ | ✖ |
AirPlay | ✖ | ✔ AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) |
Apple Product Connection | ✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad | ✔ iPod and iPhone via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) |
Remote App | ✔ Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle | Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | ✖ | ✔ |
Ethernet | ✖ | ✔ |
Ethernet Switch | ✖ | ✖ |
Wi-Fi | ✖ | ✔ |
Bluetooth | ✔ SBC, AAC | ✔ |
HDBaseT Compatible | ✖ | ✖ |
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI Inputs | 5 | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
USB Input | 1 (Front) for USB memory | 1 (Front) |
USB DC Out Port | ✖ | ✖ |
Analog Audio Line Inputs | 2 | 7 (1 front) |
Analog Audio Line Outputs | ✖ | 1 |
Phono Input | ✖ | ✖ |
Optical Inputs | 2 | 1 |
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 | ✖ | 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 | USB, Composite Video, RCA audio |
Speaker A/B | ✖ | ✖ |
Headphone Out | ✔ 6.3 mm | ✔ 6.3 mm |
ZONES | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Zones | 1 | 2 |
RS-232 Interface | ✖ | ✖ |
+12V Trigger Output | ✖ | 0 |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | ✔ | ✔ |
Detachable Power Cord | ✔ | ✖ |
RADIO | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | ✔ FM/AM with RDS | ✔ FM/AM with RDS |
Digital Radio | ✖ | ✖ |
Internet Radio | ✖ | ✔ TuneIn |
Pandora | ✖ | ✔ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✔ |
Tidal | ✖ | ✖ |
Deezer | ✖ | ✖ |
Napster | ✖ | ✖ |
SiriusXM Internet Radio | ✖ | ✖ |
CONSTRUCTION | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | ✖ | 5 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | ✔ | ✔ |
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | ✖ | ✖ |
Gold plated RCA terminals | ✖ | ✖ |
POWER | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz | AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
Power Consumption | 310 W | 380 W |
No Sound Power | ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W | 55 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W | 0.2 W |
GENERAL | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
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 150 mm x 329 mm 17-1/8" x 5-7/8" x 12-15/16" |
Weight | 7.5 kg | 8.1 kg (17.9 lbs) |
Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years |
SPECS | Denon AVR-X540BT | Onkyo TX-NR535 |
---|---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 70 W (0.08% THD) | 65 W (0.7% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 90 W (0.7% THD) | 90 W (0.7% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC) | 140 W (10% THD) | 120 W |
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 130 W (1% THD) | 120 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 (Direct Mode) |
Bluetooth Version | 2.1 + EDR | 2.1 + EDR |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
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