Denon AVR-X540BT vs Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Denon AVR-X540BT versus Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X540BT received 5.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 was rated 8.5 points. The release date of AVR-X540BT is 2018, and Elite VSX-LX305 is 2021. As a result, it becomes clear that Elite VSX-LX305 is a better option for home theater than AVR-X540BT.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X540BT over Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305

Main advantages Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 over Denon AVR-X540BT

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X540BT supports 5.2-channels sound, but Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 supports a 9.2-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 Elite VSX-LX305 this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-X540BT it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X540BT 6 out of 10, and the Elite VSX-LX305 - 9.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible on the Elite VSX-LX305.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Denon AVR-X540BT 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-X540BT scored 6, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 scored 8 out of 10.

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

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, Denon AVR-X540BT got 6 points, but Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 received 7 points.

Denon AVR-X540BT is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available on Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305.

HDMI-CEC helps gadgets attached to your TV to link back and forth with your TV via HDMI ports. It is become possible to control all linked devices with one remote. The AVR-X540BT features HDMI CEC.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-X540BT in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 has the HDCP 2.3 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the Elite VSX-LX305 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 the AVR-X540BT were rated 6 out of 10 against the 8 for the Elite VSX-LX305.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The AVR-X540BT works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the Elite VSX-LX305 has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X540BT got 8 points, but the Elite VSX-LX305 has 9.

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 Elite VSX-LX305 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVR-X540BT has the ECO mode.

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

Denon AVR-X540BT got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 got 8.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the Elite VSX-LX305.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. The Elite VSX-LX305 licensed by IMAX.