The Denon AVR-X540BT vs Denon AVR-X1600H comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X540BT has 5.2 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-X1600H. Regarding power, then AVR-X540BT has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when AVR-X1600H has a power of 80/8, 120/6. 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 384 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-X1600H. Only the AVR-X1600H supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Only the Denon AVR-X1600H 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-X1600H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, 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. Both competitors are not able to scale the HDMI signal. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the AVR-X540BT.
The Denon AVR-X540BT has 5/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-X1600H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X1600H. 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-X1600H. The AVR-X1600H 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-X1600H can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the AVR-X1600H has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the AVR-X1600H.