1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Denon AVR-S540BT (USA version)
Highlights
- 5.2 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K Passthrough
- Bluetooth
- USB input
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Content
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 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.
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-S540BT.
PROS |
---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
New HDCP Version |
HDR10 |
Dolby Vision |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
Bluetooth |
USB Input |
Composite Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
CONS |
---|
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 eARC |
No HDR10+ |
No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
No HEOS |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
No Ethernet |
No Wi-Fi |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few RCA Line Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Pandora |
No Spotify |
No Tidal |
Old Bluetooth Version |
Predecessor
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.
Audio Section
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.
Video Section
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.
Inputs and Outputs
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
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Specifications
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
Successor
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.