Denon AVR-X540BT vs Sony STR-ZA1100ES

Here we are comparing Denon AVR-X540BT to Sony STR-ZA1100ES 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-ZA1100ES has 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.

Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES was introduced in 2017. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7ch + Phantom 2ch maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p video signal.

We evaluated Denon AVR-X540BT and Sony STR-ZA1100ES and gave them scores of 68 and 82 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-ZA1100ES.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	vs	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII	vs
DTS Neo	Neo:6	vs
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	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-ZA1100ES over Denon AVR-X540BT.

	Denon AVR-X540BT	vs	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
More Channels	5.2	vs	7.2
Bi-amp capability		vs
More Channel Processing	5.1	vs	7ch + Phantom 2ch
Dolby Atmos		vs	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
DTS:X		vs	up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DTS Neural:X		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
Dolby Vision		vs
HLG		vs
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)		vs
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		vs	Component, Composite
More HDMI Outputs	1	vs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
More RCA Line Inputs	2	vs	4
More Component Video Inputs		vs	2
Ethernet		vs
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	110 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-ZA1100ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.		D.C.A.C. EX
HDR10
New HDCP Version	2.2	2.2
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-ZA1100ES
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 Height Virtualization
No IMAX Enhanced
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
No HDR10+
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-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES 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-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Denon AVR-X540BT: Not supported.
Sony STR-ZA1100ES: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Denon AVR-X540BT: Not supported.
Sony STR-ZA1100ES: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Denon AVR-X540BT: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
Sony STR-ZA1100ES: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• Bi-Amp: Sony STR-ZA1100ES 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.

Dolby Atmos

Sony STR-ZA1100ES supports Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Sony STR-ZA1100ES supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X

Sony STR-ZA1100ES supports DTS:X.

• DTS Neural:X: Sony STR-ZA1100ES features DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.

AUDIO DECODING	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
Dolby Atmos		up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X		up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	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

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

Sony STR-ZA1100ES 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-ZA1100ES: It can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Sony STR-ZA1100ES supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• 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)

Denon AVR-X540BT supports HDR10

Sony STR-ZA1100ES supports 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.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Sony STR-ZA1100ES supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

VIDEO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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
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-ZA1100ES
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

GENERAL	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
Brand	Denon	Sony
Series		ES
Model	AVR-X540BT	STR-ZA1100ES
Type	A/V Receiver	A/V Receiver
Country	UK	USA
Release Year	2018	2017
Predecessor	Denon AVR-S530BT	Sony STR-ZA1000ES
Successor	Denon AVR-X550BT	Sony STR-AZ1000ES

AMPLIFIER	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1	7ch + Phantom 2ch
D.D.S.C. HD Digital
Alpha Processing
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos		up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic	PLII
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X		up to 5.1.2 plus 2 phantom rear surround channels
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	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
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control		All Channels
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-ZA1100ES
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.		D.C.A.C. EX
Calibration Microphone		Stereo
EQ for D.C.A.C.		31 band EQ
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO FEATURES	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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
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, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
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-ZA1100ES
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
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
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-ZA1100ES
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
Zone GUI		for Zone 2
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output		1 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
On-Screen Display		Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	3	3
Control4 SDDP
Display	1 line
Remote Controller	RC-1216	RM-AAU217
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	/ /
Denon Link HD
Setup Assistant
Quick Select plus / Quick Select	/

RADIO	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES
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-ZA1100ES
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	12.6 kg (27 lbs. 13 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS	Denon AVR-X540BT	Sony STR-ZA1100ES
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)		100 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)	110 W (0.9% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)		140 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)
Ethernet Standard		100BASE-TX
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