Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.
Overview
Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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 Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 has 7 channel amplifiers with Denon AVR-X540BT's being less powerful.
Let us have a look at some highlights of the models.
Denon AVR-X540BT Highlights
Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 Highlights
- 5.2 channels
- 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- HDR10, 4K Passthrough
- Bluetooth
- USB input
- 7.2 channels
- 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay, DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- USB and Phono inputs
We have evaluated both receivers. Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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
Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
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 Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X540BT over Yamaha Aventage RX-A820.
Denon AVR-X540BT has bigger power supply. In video department only Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10.
Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 | |
---|---|---|
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC | MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC |
HDR10 | ✔ | ✖ |
BT.2020 color space | ✔ | ✖ |
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 | up to 4K |
Bluetooth | ✔ SBC, AAC | ✖ |
Analog Tuner | ✔ FM/AM with RDS | ✔ FM/AM |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | ✔ | ✖ |
Bigger Power Supply | 310 W | 300 W |
Advantage of Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 over Denon AVR-X540BT
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 over Denon AVR-X540BT.
Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 has more channels, more power per channel, more channel processing, more zones and higher signal to noise ratio. It supports DSD streaming via HDMI, internet radio and SiriusXM. It has bi-amp capability, phono input and analog pre-outs.
Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 | |
---|---|---|
More Channels | 5.2 | 7.2 |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | ✖ | ✔ |
Bi-amp capability | ✖ | ✔ |
More Channel Processing | 5.1 | 7.1 |
Dolby Pro Logic | ✔ PLII | ✔ PLIIx |
Dolby Digital EX | ✖ | ✔ |
DTS-ES | ✖ | ✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC | WAV, FLAC |
DSD via HDMI | ✖ | ✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
Dialog Level Adjustment | ✖ | ✔ |
Dialogue Lift | ✖ | ✔ no presence speakers required |
Pure Direct Mode | ✖ | ✔ with video on mode |
Video Signal Upscaling | ✖ | ✔ up to 4K |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | ✖ | ✔ Component**, Composite |
AirPlay | ✖ | ✔ AirPlay |
Ethernet | ✖ | ✔ |
Wi-Fi | ✖ | ✔ via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately) |
More HDMI Inputs | 5 | 8 (1 front) |
More HDMI Outputs | 1 | 2 |
USB DC Out Port | ✖ | ✔ (USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp) |
More Analog Audio Line Inputs | 2 | 5 (1 front) |
More Analog Audio Line Outputs | ✖ | 2 |
Phono Input | ✖ | ✔ |
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 | 7.2 |
Front A/V Inputs | USB | HDMI, USB, analog audio, composite |
More Zones | 1 | 2 |
RS-232 Interface | ✖ | ✖ |
+12V Trigger Output | ✖ | ✔ (1) |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 1 / 1 |
Internet Radio | ✖ | ✔ |
SiriusXM Internet Radio | ✖ | ✔ |
More Speaker Terminals | 5 | 9 |
More Large Speaker Terminals | ✖ | 9 |
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 70 W (0.08% THD) | 100 W (0.09% THD) |
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 98 dB | 100 dB |
Higher FM S/N Ratio | Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB | Mono/Stereo: 71 dB/69 dB |
Lower FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0% | Mono/Stereo: 0.3%/0.5% |
Wider AM Frequency Range | 522 kHz - 1611 kHz | 530/531 MHz - 1710/1611 MHz |
Common Strengths of Denon AVR-X540BT and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Denon AVR-X540BT and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 share common strengths such as.
STRENGTHS | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
4K or 8K Video Passthrough | up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 | up to 4K |
New HDCP Version | 2.2 | 2.2 |
USB Input | 1 (Front) for USB memory | iPod®/iPhone®/iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player (MP3, WMA, AAC up to 48 kHz / 16-bit, FLAC/WAV up to 96 kHz / 24-bit) |
Composite Video Inputs | 2 | 5 (1 front) |
Zones | 1 | 2 |
Analog Tuner | ✔ FM/AM with RDS | ✔ FM/AM |
Common Weaknesses of Denon AVR-X540BT and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Denon AVR-X540BT and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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 analog multi-channel input, no Pandora, no Spotify, no Tidal and no Deezer.
WEAKNESSES | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
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 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 | ✖ | ✖ |
No Multi-Channel Input | ✖ | ✖ |
No Pandora | ✖ | ✖ |
No Spotify | ✖ | ✖ |
No Tidal | ✖ | ✖ |
No Deezer | ✖ | ✖ |
Selected Features
Amplifier
Denon AVR-X540BT has 5 channel and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 has 7 channel amplifiers. Denon AVR-X540BT delivers 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 delivers 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) but only Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 has stable performance at 4 Ω load.
Video Features
Denon AVR-X540BT supports 4K passthrough up to 60p and Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 supports 4K passthrough up to 30p. Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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.
Adaptive DRC
Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 features Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) which automatically adjusts the dynamic range of the sound according to the volume level. This ensures that you hear clear dialog and vocals, and all sound effects at comfortable levels. There is no need to adjust the volume level as you listen; everything from whispers to big explosions will be heard clearly and comfortably at the same volume setting. It also tones down loud TV commercials, and is ideal for low-volume, late-night listening, when you do not want to disturb others.
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.
/UK/front-2.jpg)
/UK/back-2.jpg)
Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately). 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 7.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.
Front panel has HDMI, USB, analog audio and composite 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 - Yamaha Aventage RX-A820.
BASICS | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Denon | Yamaha |
Model | AVR-X540BT | RX-A820 |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | UK | Asia |
Release Year | 2018 | 2012 |
AMPLIFIER | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.2 | 7.2 |
THX™ Certification | ✖ | ✖ |
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | ✔ | ✔ |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | ✖ | ✔ |
Bi-amp Capability | ✖ | ✔ |
AUDIO | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
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 | ✔ PLIIx |
Dolby Digital 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 | MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | ✔ up to 96 kHz | ✔ up to 96 kHz |
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 | ✖ | ✖ |
DTS Dialogue Control | ✖ | ✖ |
Dialog Level Adjustment | ✖ | ✔ |
Dialog Normalization | ✔ | ✔ |
Dialogue Lift | ✖ | ✔ no presence speakers required |
Compressed Music Enhancer | ✔ | ✔ |
High-resolution Music Enhancer | ✖ | ✖ |
Audyssey Dynamic EQ | ✖ | ✖ |
Audyssey Dynamic Volume | ✖ | ✖ |
Audyssey LFC | ✖ | ✖ |
Audyssey Sub EQ HT | ✖ | ✖ |
Audyssey DSX | ✖ | ✖ |
Pure Direct Mode | ✖ | ✔ with video on mode |
CALIBRATION | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | ✔ | ✔ YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement) |
VIDEO | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
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 |
Video Signal Upscaling | ✖ | ✔ up to 4K |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | ✖ | ✔ Component**, Composite |
Component Video Upscaling | ✖ | ✖ |
Analog to Analog Video conversion | ✖ | ✖ |
isf Certified Calibration Control | ✖ | ✖ |
CONNECTIVITY | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
MHL Input | ✖ | ✖ |
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 |
Remote App | ✔ Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle | ✔ (iPhone/iPad, Android™ phone/tablet, Kindle Fire™) |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | ✖ | ✖ |
Ethernet | ✖ | ✔ |
Ethernet Switch | ✖ | ✖ |
Wi-Fi | ✖ | ✔ via optional YWA-10 adapter (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 |
USB Input | 1 (Front) for USB memory | iPod®/iPhone®/iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player (MP3, WMA, AAC up to 48 kHz / 16-bit, FLAC/WAV up to 96 kHz / 24-bit) |
USB DC Out Port | ✖ | ✔ (USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp) |
Analog Audio Line Inputs | 2 | 5 (1 front) |
Analog Audio Line Outputs | ✖ | 2 |
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 | 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 | 7.2 |
XLR Inputs | ✖ | ✖ |
XLR Pre-outs | ✖ | ✖ |
Front A/V Inputs | USB | HDMI, USB, analog audio, composite |
Speaker A/B | ✖ | ✖ |
Headphone Out | ✔ 6.3 mm | ✔ 6.3 mm |
ZONES | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Zones | 1 | 2 |
RS-232 Interface | ✖ | ✖ |
+12V Trigger Output | ✖ | ✔ (1) |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 1 / 1 |
MISC | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | ✔ | Graphical user interface |
Remote Controller | RC-1216 | ✔ (Preset) |
Detachable Power Cord | ✔ | ✔ |
RADIO | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | ✔ FM/AM with RDS | ✔ FM/AM |
Digital Radio | ✖ | ✖ |
Internet Radio | ✖ | ✔ |
Pandora | ✖ | ✖ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✖ |
Tidal | ✖ | ✖ |
Deezer | ✖ | ✖ |
SiriusXM Internet Radio | ✖ | ✔ |
CONSTRUCTION | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 9 |
Large Speaker Terminals | ✖ | 9 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | ✔ | ✖ |
Gold plated RCA terminals | ✖ | ✖ |
POWER | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz | AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
Power Consumption | 310 W | 300 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W | 0.1 W |
GENERAL | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
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 171 mm x 369 mm 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-1/2" |
Weight | 7.5 kg | 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs) |
Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years |
SPECS | Denon AVR-X540BT | Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 |
---|---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 70 W (0.08% THD) | 100 W (0.09% 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) | +0/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz) |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 5V, 1 A | USB2.0 5 V, 2.1 A |
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz | 87.5/87.50 MHz - 108.0/108.00 MHz |
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf) | Mono: 3 µV (20.8 dBf) |
FM S/N Ratio | Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB | Mono/Stereo: 71 dB/69 dB |
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0% | Mono/Stereo: 0.3%/0.5% |
AM Frequency | 522 kHz - 1611 kHz | 530/531 MHz - 1710/1611 MHz |
* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted