It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Denon AVR-S540BT vs Marantz NR1508.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S540BT has such a ratio W/Ohm - 70/8, 90/6, while the NR1508 has a power of 50/8. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-S540BT received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the NR1508 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. The model NR1508 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-S540BT works with TIDAL, Pandora, but the Marantz NR1508 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-S540BT and the NR1508. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-S540BT has 5/1, and the NR1508 has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Denon AVR-S540BT. HDMI eARC is not supported by the AVR-S540BT and the NR1508. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVR-S540BT and NR1508 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Denon AVR-S540BT and the Marantz NR1508 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.