Denon AVR-S640H vs Denon AVR-S540BT

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-S640H and Denon AVR-S540BT takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S640H received 6.2 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S540BT was rated 5.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-S640H has better performance than AVR-S540BT.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S640H over Denon AVR-S540BT

Main advantages Denon AVR-S540BT over Denon AVR-S640H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 6 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 5.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the AVR-S640H this value is 75/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S540BT it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 6 of 10 for both receivers.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Denon AVR-S640H has Pure Direct mode.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-S640H scored 7, and Denon AVR-S540BT scored 5 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVR-S640H.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the AVR-S640H only.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-S640H has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 6 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-S640H got 10 points, but the AVR-S540BT has 8.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The AVR-S640H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 5 points out of 10.