Denon AVR-X540BT vs Onkyo TX-NR5100 – that is a question.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 7.2, 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 TX-NR5100 has a power of 80/8, 165/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-X540BT received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the TX-NR5100 is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Onkyo TX-NR5100. Both Denon AVR-X540BT and Onkyo TX-NR5100 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 Onkyo TX-NR5100 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-X540BT and the TX-NR5100. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR5100. 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 TX-NR5100 has 4/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the TX-NR5100. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-X540BT has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the TX-NR5100, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Onkyo TX-NR5100. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Denon AVR-X540BT and the Onkyo TX-NR5100 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the TX-NR5100. Only in the TX-NR5100 realized a DTS:X surround technology.