Denon AVR-X540BT vs Marantz AV7703 review

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The Denon AVR-X540BT vs Marantz AV7703 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X540BT has 5.2 versus 11.2 for Marantz AV7703. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for AVR-X540BT and 192 KHz/32-bit for the AV7703. Only the AV7703 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-X540BT can work with the audio stream from TIDAL, Pandora, and the AV7703 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, Sound Cloud.

Video features

These units support HDR technology. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The AV7703 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-X540BT. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVR-X540BT has 5/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Marantz AV7703. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The AV7703 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. Both AVR-X540BT and AV7703 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the AV7703 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AV7703.