Denon AVR-S540BT vs Yamaha RX-V485

vs

An overview of Denon AVR-S540BT and Yamaha RX-V485 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S540BT received 5.5 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V485 was rated 7.4 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that AVR-S540BT is inferior in audio processing features to RX-V485.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S540BT over Yamaha RX-V485

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V485 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 Yamaha RX-V485 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 RX-V485 this value is 80/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S540BT it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S540BT 6 out of 10, and the RX-V485 - 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 RX-V485.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Yamaha RX-V485 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 Yamaha RX-V485 scored 7 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Yamaha RX-V485.

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 RX-V485 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 Yamaha RX-V485 received 8 points.

Denon AVR-S540BT is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V485 has 4/1 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 Yamaha RX-V485.

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-S540BT in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-V485 has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 9 for the RX-V485.

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 Yamaha RX-V485.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-S540BT got 8 points, but the RX-V485 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 RX-V485 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri.

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.