Denon AVR-X540BT vs Sony STR-ZA1000ES

Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Sony STR-ZA1000ES 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 Sony STR-ZA1000ES has 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.

Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Denon AVR-X540BT 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.	Sony STR-ZA1000ES was introduced in 2016. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.

We evaluated Denon AVR-X540BT and Sony STR-ZA1000ES and gave them scores of 68 and 73 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

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

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X540BT over Sony STR-ZA1000ES.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	vs	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	vs
HDR10		vs
BT.2020 color space		vs
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC	vs
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")	vs
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	vs	FM/AM
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals		vs
Bigger Power Supply	310 W	vs	290 W

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony STR-ZA1000ES over Denon AVR-X540BT.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	vs	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
More Channels	5.2	vs	7.2
Bi-amp capability		vs
More Channel Processing	5.1	vs	7.1
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII	vs	PLIIx
Surround EX		vs
DTS-ES		vs	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
DSD via HDMI		vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Dialogue Lift		vs	Center Speaker Lift Up
Pure Direct Mode		vs
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 4K/60p
More HDMI Outputs	1	vs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
More RCA Line Inputs	2	vs	4
More Component Video Inputs		vs	2
More Component Video Outputs		vs	1
Ethernet		vs
Ethernet Switch		vs	8-Port Gigabit
Speaker A/B		vs
More Zones	1	vs	3
RS-232C Interface		vs
+12V Trigger Output		vs	1 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	vs	1 / 2
More Speaker Terminals	5	vs	7
More Large Speaker Terminals		vs	7
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	vs	120 W (0.9% THD)
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	vs	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
Wider AM Frequency Range	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Longer Warranty	3 Years	vs	5 Years

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-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.		Advanced D.C.A.C.
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2 (1 input / 1 output)
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM/AM

WEAKNESSES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Low Power Output	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
No Dolby Atmos
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
No DTS:X
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
No Dolby Vision
No eARC
No 8K Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
No Wi-Fi
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
Few 8K Inputs
No Phono Input
No RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
No Digital Radio
No Pandora
No Spotify
No Tidal

Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
5 channel Amplifier: Denon AVR-X540BT features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).	7 channel Amplifier: Sony STR-ZA1000ES features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Channels	5.2	7.2
Power Output	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

Denon AVR-X540BT's and Sony STR-ZA1000ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Configurations: Available configurations are:
Denon AVR-X540BT: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA1000ES: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• Bi-Amp: Sony STR-ZA1000ES is able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Denon AVR-X540BT comes with 5 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

Sony STR-ZA1000ES comes with 5 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 4K Upscaling on Sony STR-ZA1000ES: It can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI sources.
• 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 Denon AVR-X540BT only).
• 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)

Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10

Sony STR-ZA1000ES does not support HDR. 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-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2 (1 input / 1 output)
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p

TERMINALS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
HDMI Inputs	5	5
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	2	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs		2
Component Video Outputs		1

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Brand	Denon	Sony
Series		ES
Model	AVR-X540BT	STR-ZA1000ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA and Canada
Release Year	2018	2016
Predecessor	Denon AVR-S530BT
Successor	Denon AVR-X550BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Channels	5.2	7.2
Power Output	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Discrete Amplification
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	7.1
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	PLIIx
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
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI		2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift		Center Speaker Lift Up
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
Sound Optimizer
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-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.		Advanced D.C.A.C.
Calibration Microphone		Mono
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2	2.2 (1 input / 1 output)
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling		up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
HEOS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
HDMI Inputs	5	5
HDMI Outputs	1	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory	1 (Front) for update and setting
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1	1
RCA Line Inputs	2	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2	2
Composite Video Outputs	1	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs		2
Component Video Outputs		1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch		8-Port Gigabit
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	USB	USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Number of Zones	1	3
Powered Zones		2
Zone 2 Outs		HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs		RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output		1 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
On-Screen Display		Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	3	3
Control4 SDDP
Display	1 line
Remote Controller	RC-1216
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	/ /
Denon Link HD
Setup Assistant
Quick Select plus / Quick Select	/

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Analog Tuner	FM/AM with RDS	FM/AM
Presets		60 (30/30)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Front Panel	not Metal
Speaker Terminals	5	7
Large Speaker Terminals		7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
High Grade Audio Components
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Power Supply	AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W	290 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W
Standby Power	0.1 W	0.3 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off

PHYSICAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Dimensions (W x H x D)	434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm 17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"	430 mm x 174 mm x 410 mm 17" x 6-7/8" x 16-1/4"
Weight	7.5 kg	12.3 kg (27 lbs. 2 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	70 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)		90 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)		90 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	90 W (0.7% THD)	120 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)		150 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	140 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ	150 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance		2 V/1 kΩ (Subwoofer)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)		96 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI		2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance		1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
FM Effective Sensitivity	1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
AM Frequency	522 kHz - 1611 kHz	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity	18 µV
Warranty	3 Years	5 Years

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