Denon AVR-S540BT

    70
    Image cannot be found
    USA
    UK
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    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.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2018 Lineup
    4. Changes from the AVR-S530BT
    5. Amplifier
    6. Speaker Configurations
    7. HDMI
    8. Room Calibration
    9. Inputs and Outputs
    10. Replaced by AVR-S570BT
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications

    1. Overview

    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 70 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.

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

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

    2. Pros and Cons

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

    PROs

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

    CONs

    •   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

    •   5 HDMI Inputs

    3. Denon 2018 Lineup

    In 2018 Denon released 12 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Denon 2018 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioHDRZones Price
    AVR-X8500H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		13.2150 W13.215.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		3
    AVR-X6500H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		11.2140 W11.211.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		3
    AVR-X4500H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2125 W11.211.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		3
    AVR-X3500H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2105 W7.27.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		2
    AVR-X2500H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.295 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		2
    AVR-X1500H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.280 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		2
    AVR-X550BT Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.270 W5.1HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		1
    AVR-X250BT Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.170 W5.1HDR101
    AVR-S940H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.290 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		2
    AVR-S740H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.275 W7.1Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		2
    AVR-S640H Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.275 W5.1HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		1
    AVR-S540BT Image cannot be found 5.270 W5.1HDR10
    Dolby Vision    		1

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-X8500H vs AVR-X6500H vs AVR-X4500H vs AVR-X3500H vs AVR-X2500H vs AVR-X1500H.

    4. Changes from the AVR-S530BT

    Denon AVR-S540BT has replaced AVR-S530BT. Here we present differences between these two models.

    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 AVR-S530BT.

    5. Amplifier

    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).

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.2
      Power Output70 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

      6. 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.

      7. 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 via HDMI ports. 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
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      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 4:4:4
      Video Signal Upscaling

      8. Room Calibration

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

        9. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 line inputs for analog audio connection.
        • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs 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

        Front A/V Inputs

        • USB
        Image cannot be found
        Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS
        HDMI Inputs5
        HDMI Outputs1
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 (Front) for USB memory
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs2
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs2
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs

        10. Replaced by AVR-S570BT

        In 2022 Denon AVR-S540BT was replaced by Denon AVR-S570BT. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Denon AVR-S540BT and its successor.

        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
        Dynamic HDR vs
        Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
        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 AVR-S570BT.

        11. Evaluation

        We evaluate Denon AVR-S540BT and give score of 70 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 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.


        OVERALL
        70

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        71

        We give Denon AVR-S540BT a score of 71 for Amplifier features.

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

        Audio Features

        AVERAGE
        58

        We give Denon AVR-S540BT a score of 58 for Audio Features features.

        •   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

        We give Denon AVR-S540BT a score of 94 for Video Features features.

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

        Connectivity

        AVERAGE
        64

        We give Denon AVR-S540BT a score of 64 for Connectivity features.

        •   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

        We give Denon AVR-S540BT a score of 55 for Zones features.

        •   No Zones

        Radio

        AVERAGE
        61

        We give Denon AVR-S540BT a score of 61 for Radio features.

        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL
        BrandDenon
        ModelAVR-S540BT
        TypeA/V Receiver
        CountryUSA
        Release Year2018
        PredecessorDenon AVR-S530BT
        SuccessorDenon AVR-S570BT
        AMPLIFIER
        Channels5.2
        Power Output70 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
        DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing5.1
        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 USBMP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 96 kHz
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBFLAC
        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
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
        Audyssey App Support
        Optimized Bass Redirection
        Bass Sync
        VIDEO FEATURES
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.2
        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 4:4:4
        Video Signal Upscaling
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth 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
        Remote App Denon 500 Series Bluetooth Remote App for iOS and Android devices and Amazon Kindle
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS
        HDMI Inputs5
        HDMI Outputs1
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 (Front) for USB memory
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs2
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs2
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        ZONES
        Number of Zones1
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output
        Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0
        MISCELLANEOUS
        On-Screen Display
        GUI Languages3
        Control4 SDDP
        Display 1 line
        Remote ControllerRC-1216
        Pre-programmed / Learnable / LCD Display / /
        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
        CONSTRUCTION
        Front Panelnot Metal
        Speaker Terminals5
        Large Speaker Terminals
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        High Grade Audio Components
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Power Consumption310 W
        No Sound PowerECO On/Off: 26 W/35 W
        Standby Power0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power off
        PHYSICAL
        Dimensions (W x H x D)434 mm x 151 mm x 319mm
        17 1/8" x 6" x 12 5/8"
        Weight7.6 kg (16 lbs 12 oz)
        SPECIFICATIONS
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)70 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)90 W (0.7% 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
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)98 dB
        Frequency Response (Analog In)+1/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz, Direct mode)
        Bluetooth Version3․0 + EDR
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 5V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
        FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 2.8 µV (20.2 dBf)
        FM Effective Sensitivity1.2 µV (12.8 dBf)
        FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 70 dB/67 dB
        FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%
        AM Frequency520 kHz - 1710 kHz
        AM Effective Sensitivity18 µV
        Warranty3 Years

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

        Discussion

        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.