Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-X540BT vs Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-X540BT has such a ratio W/Ohm - 70/8, 90/6, while the Elite VSX-LX505 has a power of 120/8, 230/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
Competitive models use the same DAC. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505. The model AVR-X540BT can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-X540BT works with TIDAL, Pandora, but the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-X540BT and the Elite VSX-LX505. Video scaling is only possible with the Elite VSX-LX505. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-X540BT has 5/1, and the Elite VSX-LX505 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the Elite VSX-LX505. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Denon AVR-X540BT has HDMI CEC. The AVR-X540BT has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the Elite VSX-LX505, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505. There is an ECO mode in AVR-X540BT. The Denon AVR-X540BT and the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the Elite VSX-LX505. Only in the Elite VSX-LX505 realized a DTS:X surround technology.