Onkyo TX-RZ820 vs Denon AVR-X540BT

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Onkyo TX-RZ820 and Denon AVR-X540BT takes place. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-RZ820 received 7.7 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-X540BT was rated 5.3 points. The release date of TX-RZ820 is 2017, and AVR-X540BT is 2018. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that TX-RZ820 has better performance than AVR-X540BT.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ820 over Denon AVR-X540BT

Main advantages Denon AVR-X540BT over Onkyo TX-RZ820

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-RZ820 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Denon AVR-X540BT supports a 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 TX-RZ820 this value is 160/8 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 TX-RZ820 8 out of 10, and the AVR-X540BT - 6.

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 only on the TX-RZ820.

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, Onkyo TX-RZ820 scored 8, and Denon AVR-X540BT scored 6 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, Onkyo TX-RZ820 got 8 points, but Denon AVR-X540BT received 6 points.

Onkyo TX-RZ820 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-X540BT has 5/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the TX-RZ820 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 TX-RZ820 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 6 for the AVR-X540BT.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 8 out of 10.

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

Onkyo TX-RZ820 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-X540BT got 5.

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. Onkyo TX-RZ820 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 only on the TX-RZ820.