Denon AVR-S540BT (USA version)

•   Overview
•   Pros and Cons
•   Predecessor
•   Audio Section
•   Video Section
•   Multi-zone Playback
•   Inputs and Outputs
•   Specifications
•   Successor

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

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 68 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

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

Here we are comparing Denon AVR-S540BT to its predecessor AVR-S530BT and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Denon AVR-S540BT	vs	Denon AVR-S530BT
Dolby Vision		vs
HLG		vs
Newer Bluetooth Version	3․0 + EDR	vs	2․1 + EDR

DOWNGRADES	Denon AVR-S540BT	vs	Denon AVR-S530BT
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon AVR-S530BT.

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).

Speaker Configurations

Denon AVR-S540BT's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Configurations: Available configurations are:
5.2 with internal amplifier.

Sound Processing

Room Calibration

Denon AVR-S540BT comes with room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

HDMI

Denon AVR-S540BT features 5 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: 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%.
• HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Denon AVR-S540BT is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Denon AVR-S540BT supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as 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.

• HDR10: HDR10 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 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
• Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

Audio

• Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
• Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

Video

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

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Denon AVR-S540BT.

BASICS
Brand	Denon
Model	AVR-S540BT
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2018

AMPLIFIER
Channels	5.2
Discrete Amplification
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Mono Block Power Amplifier Construction
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	5.1
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
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X
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
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
PCM	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
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialog 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
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
Audyssey App Support
Optimized Bass Redirection
Bass Sync

VIDEO
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version	2.2
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
BT.2020 color space
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
Video Signal Upscaling
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
MHL Input
FireConnect
FlareConnect
HEOS
Chromecast Built-In
DTS Play-Fi
Works with Amazon Alexa
Works with SONOS
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
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
HDBaseT Compatible
HDMI Inputs	5
HDMI Outputs	1
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for USB memory
USB DC Out Port
RCA Line Input	2
RCA Line Output
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
Composite Video Input	2
Composite Video Output	1
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input
Component Video Output
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V Inputs	USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")

ZONES
Zones	1
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0

MISC
On-Screen Display
GUI Languages	3
Control4 SDDP
Display	1 line
Remote Controller	RC-1216
Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display	/ /
Detachable Power Cord
Denon Link HD
Setup Assistant
Quick Select plus / Quick Select	/

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM Internet Radio

CONSTRUCTION
Front Panel	not Metal
Speaker Terminals	5
Large Speaker Terminals
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
High Grade Audio Components
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	310 W
No Sound Power	ECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power off
Dimensions (W x H x D)	434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm 17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"
Weight	7.6 kg (16 lbs 12 oz)
Warranty	3 Years

SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2	70 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2	90 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	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
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	98 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
Bluetooth Version	3․0 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 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	520 kHz - 1710 kHz
AM Effective Sensitivity	18 µV

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

In 2022 Denon AVR-S540BT was replaced by AVR-S570BT. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.

UPGRADES	Denon AVR-S570BT	vs	Denon AVR-S540BT
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	up to 192 kHz	vs	up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF	vs	FLAC
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
Dynamic HDR		vs
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
QFT		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs
More 8K Inputs	4	vs
More Large Speaker Terminals	5	vs
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	70 W (0.08% THD)	vs	70 W (0.08% THD)
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․2	vs	3․0 + EDR
Lower FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%	vs	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%

DOWNGRADES	Denon AVR-S570BT	vs	Denon AVR-S540BT
Less HDMI Inputs	4	vs	5
Less Composite Video Inputs		vs	2
Less Composite Video Outputs		vs	1

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon AVR-S570BT.