Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon HEOS AVR

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Let's compare Denon AVR-S540BT versus Denon HEOS AVR for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S540BT received 5.5 points out of 10 possible, and Denon HEOS AVR was rated 4.8 points. The release date of AVR-S540BT is 2018, and HEOS AVR is 2017. And as a result of the comparison, AVR-S540BT seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than HEOS AVR.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S540BT over Denon HEOS AVR

Main advantages Denon HEOS AVR over Denon AVR-S540BT

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. The Denon AVR-S540BT supports 5.2-channels sound, but Denon HEOS AVR supports a 5.1-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-S540BT this value is 70/8 W/Ohm, and for the HEOS AVR it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S540BT 6 out of 10, and the HEOS AVR - 5.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Denon HEOS AVR 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-S540BT scored 5, and Denon HEOS AVR scored 7 out of 10.

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

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 HEOS AVR 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, Denon AVR-S540BT got 6 points, but Denon HEOS AVR received 5 points.

Denon AVR-S540BT is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon HEOS AVR has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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-S540BT were rated 6 out of 10 against the 5 for the HEOS AVR.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available only on the Denon AVR-S540BT.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-S540BT got 8 points, but the HEOS AVR has 4.

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 HEOS AVR can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Only the Denon AVR-S540BT 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

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