Denon AVR-S540BT vs Sony STR-ZA810ES

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-S540BT and Sony STR-ZA810ES takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S540BT received 5.5 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-ZA810ES was rated 7.4 points. The release date of AVR-S540BT is 2018, and STR-ZA810ES is 2017. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that STR-ZA810ES has better performance than AVR-S540BT.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S540BT over Sony STR-ZA810ES

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA810ES over Denon AVR-S540BT

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-S540BT supports 5.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-ZA810ES supports a 7.2-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-ZA810ES this value is 100/8 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 STR-ZA810ES - 7.

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 STR-ZA810ES.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-ZA810ES 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 Sony STR-ZA810ES scored 9 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Sony STR-ZA810ES.

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 STR-ZA810ES only.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Sony STR-ZA810ES.

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 Sony STR-ZA810ES received 7 points.

Denon AVR-S540BT is equipped with 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-ZA810ES has 6/2 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 Sony STR-ZA810ES.

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 STR-ZA810ES.

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 Sony STR-ZA810ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 8 out of 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 STR-ZA810ES can be controlled by voice via 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

Denon AVR-S540BT got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Sony STR-ZA810ES got 7.

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. Sony STR-ZA810ES 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 STR-ZA810ES.