Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Pioneer SC-1522-K 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 Pioneer SC-1522-K has 9 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. Pioneer SC-1522-K 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 Pioneer SC-1522-K.

In video department only Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC
HDR10	✔	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔	✖
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 1080p
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✖
Longer Warranty	3 Years	1 Year

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-1522-K over Denon AVR-X540BT.

Pioneer SC-1522-K has more channels, more power per channel, more channel processing, more zones, bigger power supply and higher signal to noise ratio. It supports DSD streaming via HDMI, internet radio, Pandora and SiriusXM. It has bi-amp capability, DTS Dialog Control and analog pre-outs.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
More Channels	5.2	9.2
THX™ Certification	✖	✔ Select™2 Plus
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp capability	✖	✔ (Front Channel)
More Channel Processing	5.1	9.1
Dolby Pro Logic	✔ PLII	✔ PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX	✖	✔
Surround EX	✖	✔
DTS Neo	✔ Neo:6	✔ Neo:X
DTS-ES	✖	✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	✔ up to 96 kHz	✔ 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC	WAV/FLAC
DSD via HDMI	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter	✖	✔
Jitter Reduction	✖	✔ plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
DTS Dialog Control	✖	N/A
Dialog Enhancement	✖	✔
Dialogue Lift	✖	✔ via Dialog Enhancement
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✖	✔ Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
Pure Direct Mode	✖	✔
Video Signal Upscaling	✖	✔ up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component****, Composite
MHL Input	✖	✔ 1 Front
AirPlay	✖	✔ AirPlay
Ethernet	✖	✔
Wi-Fi	✖	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
More HDMI Inputs	5	8 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs	1	2 (simultaneous)
USB DC Out Port	✖	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	5
More Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	1
More Optical Outputs	✖	1
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
More Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
More Composite Video Outputs	1	2
More Component Video Inputs	✖	2
More Component Video Outputs	✖	1
More Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	11.2
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B	✖	✔
More Zones	1	3
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	2 / 1
Internet Radio	✖	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✖	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖	✔
More Speaker Terminals	5	11
More Large Speaker Terminals	✖	11
Bigger Power Supply	310 W	330 W
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	170 W (1.0% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	101 dB

Denon AVR-X540BT and Pioneer SC-1522-K share common strengths such as bluetooth.

STRENGTHS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 Front
Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
Zones	1	3
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM

Denon AVR-X540BT and Pioneer SC-1522-K 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 Spotify, no Tidal, no Deezer and no Napster.

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
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 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	✖	✔ up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
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 Spotify	✖	✖
No Tidal	✖	✖
No Deezer	✖	✖
No Napster	✖	✖

Amplifier

Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and Pioneer SC-1522-K has 9 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Pioneer SC-1522-K delivers 130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) but only Pioneer SC-1522-K has stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

Denon AVR-X540BT supports 4K passthrough up to 60p and Pioneer SC-1522-K supports 1080p passthrough. Pioneer SC-1522-K can do 1080p upscaling. 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.

Class D³ Amplifier

Pioneer SC-1522-K amplifier has Class D³ design. Such amplifiers contain advanced integrated circuitry technology creating unmatched power without sacrificing sound quality or performance. Class D³ amplifiers use a Direct Signal Path Design to provide the shortest audio signal path possible. By eliminating EMI filters, feedback loops, and current limiters of previous designs, Class D³ reduces ringing distortion and noise, especially in the high frequency audio band.

The power consumption of the Digital Class D³ Amplifier is significantly lower than traditional A/B amplifiers - letting you save energy and generate less heat without compromising performance. The Digital Class D³ Amplifier uses a simple structure employing a straight signal path, resulting in improved sound quality requiring less energy than competitive models yet producing more simultaneous power output. This direct signal path means no EMI filters, feedback loops or current limiting - a true engineering art. Unlike traditional designs, these amps deliver the strength to handle multiple low-impedance speakers without dramatic power loss. The efficiency of Class D³ means cooler operation while drawing just a fraction of the power consumed by conventional amplifiers, enhancing and extending component life and reliability.

THX™ Certification

Pioneer SC-1522-K 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 Sound Retriever

Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer SC-1522-K is done by Pioneer’s Advanced Sound Retriever. Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3 and WMA files stored on USB, Smartphone and portable media players. By restoring data that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneers Advanced Sound Retriever Technology enhances audio reproduction all the way upto 20 Khz frequencies.

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.

Pioneer SC-1522-K

Pioneer SC-1522-K can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately). It can also connect to bluetooth devices via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately). The Receiver supports AirPlay. It has 8 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 11.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, 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 - Pioneer SC-1522-K.

BASICS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Brand	Denon	Pioneer
Model	AVR-X540BT	SC-1522-K
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA
Release Year	2018	2012

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Channels	5.2	9.2
THX™ Certification	✖	✔ Select™2 Plus
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✖	✔
Bi-amp Capability	✖	✔ (Front Channel)

AUDIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
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	✖	✔
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	WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ up to 96 kHz	✔ 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC	WAV/FLAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖	✖
Gapless Playback	✖	✖
DSD via HDMI	✖	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter	✖	✔
USB DAC	✖	✖
Jitter Reduction	✖	✔ plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
Dialog Enhancement	✖	✔
Dialogue Lift	✖	✔ via Dialog Enhancement
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔	✔ Advanced Sound Retriever
High-resolution Music Enhancer	✖	✔ Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
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	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔	✔ MCACC Advanced

VIDEO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
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 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✖	✔ Component****, Composite
Component Video Upscaling	✖	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖	✖
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖	✖

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
MHL Input	✖	✔ 1 Front
FireConnect	✖	✖
FlareConnect	✖	✖
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 via front USB
Remote App	✔ Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle	iControlAV2012
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖	✖
Ethernet	✖	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖	✖
Wi-Fi	✖	✔ via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC	✔ via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
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
USB DC Out Port	✖	1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
Analog Audio Line Inputs	2	5
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	1
Phono Input	✖	✖
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs	✖	1
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No	2 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	1	2
S-Video Inputs	✖	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖	✖
Component Video Inputs	✖	2
Component Video Outputs	✖	1
PC In	✖	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	11.2
XLR Inputs	✖	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖	✖
Front A/V Inputs	USB	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B	✖	✔
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Zones	1	3
RS-232 Interface	✖	✔
+12V Trigger Output	✖	2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	2 / 1

MISC	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
On-Screen Display	✔	GUI
Remote Controller	RC-1216	learning remote control
Detachable Power Cord	✔	✔

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
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	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Front Panel	Not Metal	Brushed Aluminum
Speaker Terminals	5	11
Large Speaker Terminals	✖	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals	✔	✖
Gold plated RCA terminals	✖	✖

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	330 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.1 W

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
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 185 mm x 441 mm 17-1/8" x 7-1/4" x 17-3/8"
Weight	7.5 kg	15.1 kg (33.3 lbs)
Warranty	3 Years	1 Year

SPECS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Pioneer SC-1522-K
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	170 W (1.0% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ	380 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	101 dB
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A	USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2,1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
AM Frequency	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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