Denon AVR-X540BT vs Marantz SR7013

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Review of Denon AVR-X540BT versus Marantz SR7013 will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X540BT received 5.3 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz SR7013 was rated 9.5 points. The release date of AVR-X540BT is 2018, and SR7013 is 2019. SR7013 is better suited for home theater use than the AVR-X540BT. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X540BT over Marantz SR7013

Main advantages Marantz SR7013 over Denon AVR-X540BT

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 10, 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 Marantz SR7013 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 SR7013 this value is 125/8 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 SR7013 - 10.

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 SR7013.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz SR7013 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-X540BT scored 6, and Marantz SR7013 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 Marantz SR7013 received 10 points.

Denon AVR-X540BT is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz SR7013 has 8/3 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 Marantz SR7013.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the SR7013 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 10 for the SR7013.

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 Marantz SR7013.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X540BT got 8 points, but the SR7013 has 10.

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 SR7013 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

Denon AVR-X540BT got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz SR7013 got 10.

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. Marantz SR7013 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 SR7013.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Marantz SR7013 has Auro-3D on its feature list.

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 SR7013 licensed by IMAX.