An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Denon AVR-X540BT vs Marantz SR6013 comparison definitely makes sense.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X540BT has 5.2 versus 9.2 for Marantz SR6013. Regarding power, then AVR-X540BT has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when SR6013 has a power of 110/8, 150/6. 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 AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the SR6013. Only the SR6013 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 SR6013 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
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 SR6013 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 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Marantz SR6013. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the SR6013. 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 SR6013 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 SR6013 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the SR6013 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SR6013.