Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon AVR-X550BT

      Highlights

      • 5.2 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth

      Highlights

      • 5.2 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Denon AVR-S540BT to Denon AVR-X550BT 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 and equally powerful amplifiers.


      Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT

      Denon AVR-S540BT was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

      Denon AVR-X550BT was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.


      We evaluated Denon AVR-S540BT and Denon AVR-X550BT and gave both of them the score of 70 out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Denon AVR-S540BT

      Denon AVR-X550BT

      Amplifier
      71
      Amplifier
      71
      Audio Features
      58
      Audio Features
      57
      Video Features
      94
      Video Features
      94
      Connectivity
      64
      Connectivity
      63
      Zones
      55
      Zones
      55
      Radio
      61
      Radio
      68
      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      70

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-S540BT and Denon AVR-X550BT.

      PROS

      Denon AVR-S540BT

      Denon AVR-X550BT

      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Bluetooth
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Bluetooth
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Analog Tuner

      CONS

      Denon AVR-S540BT

      Denon AVR-X550BT

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   Low Power Output - 70 W
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal
      •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR
      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   Low Power Output - 70 W
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal
      •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Denon AVR-S540BT

      Denon AVR-X550BT

      •   5 HDMI Inputs
      •   5 HDMI Inputs

      3. Advantage of Denon AVR-S540BT

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-S540BT over Denon AVR-X550BT.

      Check the Price

      Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon AVR-X550BT
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC vs MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs
      Wider AM Frequency Range 520 kHz - 1710 kHz vs 522 kHz - 1611 kHz

      4. Advantage of Denon AVR-X550BT

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X550BT over Denon AVR-S540BT.

      Check the Price

      Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon AVR-X550BT
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      Analog Tuner FM/AM vs FM/AM with RDS

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
        HDR10
        Dolby Vision
        New HDCP Version2.22.2
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC SBC, AAC
        USB Input1 (Front) for USB memory1 (Front) for USB memory
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM with RDS
      WEAKNESSES Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Few Channels5.25.2
        Low Power Output70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Channel Processing5.15.1
        No Dolby Atmos
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No DTS:X
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No DSD via HDMI
        No HDR10+
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
        No Wi-Fi
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few HDMI Outputs11
        Few 8K Inputs
        Few RCA Line Inputs22
        No Phono Input
        No RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
        No Ethernet
        No Zones11
        No Digital Radio
        No Pandora
        No Spotify
        No Tidal
        Old Bluetooth Version3․0 + EDR3․0 + EDR

      6. Amplifier

      Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT

      5 channel Amplifier: Denon AVR-S540BT features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

      5 channel Amplifier: Denon AVR-X550BT features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).



        AMPLIFIER Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Channels5.25.2
        Power Output70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Discrete Amplification
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
        Bi-amp Capability

        Check the Price

        7. Speaker Configurations

        Denon AVR-S540BT's and Denon AVR-X550BT's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Configurations: Available configurations are:
        • Denon AVR-S540BT: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Denon AVR-X550BT: 5.2 with internal amplifier.

        Check the Price

        8. HDMI

        Denon AVR-S540BT and Denon AVR-X550BT come with 5 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
        • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
        • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Both receivers support HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.



        VIDEO FEATURES Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
        Video Signal Upscaling

        Check the Price

        9. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs.
        • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available on Denon AVR-S540BT and 2 optical inputs are available on Denon AVR-X550BT for digital audio connections.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Denon AVR-S540BT
          Inputs:
          5   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Denon AVR-X550BT
          Inputs:
          5   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Denon AVR-S540BT
          Inputs:
          2   Outputs: 1.
        • Denon AVR-X550BT
          Inputs:
          2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Denon AVR-S540BT: USB
        • Denon AVR-X550BT: USB

        Denon AVR-S540BT

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

        Denon AVR-X550BT

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        HDMI Inputs55
        HDMI Outputs11
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 (Front) for USB memory1 (Front) for USB memory
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs22
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs22
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs11
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs

        Check the Price

        10. Evaluations

        We evaluated Denon AVR-S540BT and Denon AVR-X550BT and gave both of them the score of 70 out of 100. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Denon AVR-S540BT

        Denon AVR-X550BT

        OVERALL
        70
        OVERALL
        70

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   Low Power Output - 70 W
        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   Low Power Output - 70 W

        Audio Features

        AVERAGE
        58
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   5.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No DSD via HDMI
        AVERAGE
        57
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   5.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        94
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        EXCELLENT
        94
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        AVERAGE
        64
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   5 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   No Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR
        AVERAGE
        63
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   5 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   No Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR

        Zones

        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones
        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones

        Radio

        AVERAGE
        61
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal
        AVERAGE
        68
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        11. Specifications

        GENERAL Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        BrandDenonDenon
        ModelAVR-S540BTAVR-X550BT
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryUSAUK
        Release Year20182018
        PredecessorDenon AVR-S530BT Denon AVR-X540BT
        SuccessorDenon AVR-S570BT
        AMPLIFIER Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Channels5.25.2
        Power Output70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Discrete Amplification
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
        Bi-amp Capability
        AUDIO FEATURES Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing5.15.1
        D.D.S.C. HD Digital
        Alpha Processing
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        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 USBMP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLACMP3, 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 USBFLACFLAC
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI
        DSD via USB
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction
        DTS Dialogue Control
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialog Level Adjustment
        Dialog normalization
        Dialogue Lift
        Compressed Music Enhancer
        High-resolution Music Enhancer
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
        Audyssey App Support
        Optimized Bass Redirection
        Bass Sync
        VIDEO FEATURES Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
        Video Signal Upscaling
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC SBC, AAC
        Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Chromecast Built-In
        Works with SonoS
        HEOS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input
        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 Denon 2016 AVR Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Kindle Fire
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        HDMI Inputs55
        HDMI Outputs11
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 (Front) for USB memory1 (Front) for USB memory
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs22
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs22
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs11
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsUSBUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        ZONES Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Number of Zones11
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output
        Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 00 / 0
        MISCELLANEOUS Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        On-Screen Display
        GUI Languages33
        Control4 SDDP
        Display 1 line 1 line
        Remote ControllerRC-1216RC-1216
        Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / / / /
        Denon Link HD
        Setup Assistant
        Quick Select plus / Quick Select / /
        RADIO Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM with RDS
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Front Panelnot Metalnot Metal
        Speaker Terminals55
        Large Speaker Terminals
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        High Grade Audio Components
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
        Power Consumption310 W310 W
        No Sound PowerECO On/Off: 26 W/35 WECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power off
        PHYSICAL Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Dimensions (W x H x D)434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm
        17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"
        434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm
        17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"
        Weight7.6 kg (16 lbs 12 oz)7.6 kg (16 lbs 12 oz)
        SPECIFICATIONS Denon AVR-S540BT Denon AVR-X550BT
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)70 W (0.08% THD)70 W (0.08% 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)140 W (10% THD)
        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 kΩ200 mV/47 kΩ
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)98 dB98 dB
        Frequency Response (Analog In)+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
        Bluetooth Version3․0 + EDR3․0 + EDR
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz2.4 GHz
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 5V, 1 AUSB2.0 5V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
        FM Effective Sensitivity1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
        FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dBMono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
        FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
        AM Frequency520 kHz - 1710 kHz522 kHz - 1611 kHz
        AM Effective Sensitivity18 µV18 µV
        Warranty3 Years3 Years

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

        Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
        ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.