It makes sense comparing Denon AVR-X540BT vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X540BT has 5.2 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-S950H. Regarding power, then AVR-X540BT has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for AVR-X540BT and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. None of the models support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Only the Denon AVR-S950H can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. 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 AVR-S950H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix. 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 AVR-S950H can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-X540BT. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Denon AVR-X540BT has 5/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-S950H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The AVR-X540BT supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. The AVR-S950H 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 AVR-S950H can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the AVR-S950H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-S950H.