Denon AVR-S540BT vs Pioneer SC-LX801 review

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The Denon AVR-S540BT vs Pioneer SC-LX801 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-S540BT has 5.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer SC-LX801. Regarding power, then AVR-S540BT has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when SC-LX801 has a power of 140/8, 200/6, 255/4. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/32-bit for AVR-S540BT and ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit for the SC-LX801. Only the SC-LX801 supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer SC-LX801 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-S540BT can work with the audio stream from TIDAL, Pandora, and the SC-LX801 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora. 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 SC-LX801 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-S540BT. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVR-S540BT has 5/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer SC-LX801. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. 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 SC-LX801 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S540BT. Both AVR-S540BT and SC-LX801 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the SC-LX801 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SC-LX801.