Sony STR-DH590 vs Denon AVR-S540BT

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Sony STR-DH590 and Denon AVR-S540BT takes place. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DH590 received 4.2 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-S540BT has better performance than STR-DH590.

Main advantages Sony STR-DH590 over Denon AVR-S540BT

Main advantages Denon AVR-S540BT over Sony STR-DH590

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 STR-DH590 this value is 145/6 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S540BT it is 90/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DH590 5 out of 10, and the AVR-S540BT - 6.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-DH590 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 equal and was rated 5 out of 10.

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. Neither the STR-DH590, nor the AVR-S540BT has the RJ45 port.

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.

Sony STR-DH590 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S540BT has 5/1 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 rivals in our comparison were rated 6 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DH590 got 4 points, but the AVR-S540BT has 8.

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.