For smaller rooms and entertainment set-ups, you don’t necessarily need a large, expensive receiver. The compact and affordable AVR-S540BT has 5.2 channel support, plenty for immersive surround sound in most living rooms and other home entertainment spaces. In this Denon AVR-S540BT review, you’ll see why it’s an excellent option for those who want convenience and sound quality (without breaking their budget). (>>>Find on Amazon)
Denon AVR-S540BT Review of Specifications:
| Denon AVR-S540BT | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Video | 4K/60Hz |
| Amplifier | 5.2 Channel (140W per channel) |
| Sound | Dolby Vision |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Price | Find on Amazon |
Installation and Connectivity
You don’t need to be an A/V geek to set up the Denon AVR-S540BT. Both the front and rear panels are intuitively laid out and well-labeled, making it easy to connect your speakers and devices. The on-screen set-up assistant guides users through adjusting the EQ and connecting the display step-by-step, a process that’s both fast and easy to follow.
The 4 Quick Select buttons on the front of the AVR-S540BT don’t just change the input. Your audio settings will also be stored for each, letting you optimize the sound for each input and quickly switch between them.
From a connectivity standpoint, the Denon AVR-S540BT is well-equipped for use in a modern home theater. Its wired connectivity includes 5 HDMI inputs, along with RCA and antenna inputs, plenty to cover a range of content sources.
For those who plan to listen to music, the AVR-S540BT is a great choice in some situations. It has built-in Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with HEOS link, supporting multi-room music and wireless streaming from services like Pandora and Spotify. However, it doesn’t have a phono in for turntables, and its analog inputs in general are limited, so it very much comes down to how you get your music.
Pros
- Powerful, balanced sound for music and movies
- 4K signal processing with HLG and HDR support
- Built-in wireless music streaming and multi-room music
- Easy setup with guided on-screen assistant
- 4 Quick Select memory slots
- Intuitive control with smart remote or Denon remote app
- Front-facing USB and headphone ports
Cons
- Not as many input options as other receivers
- No 3D surround sound support
Sound Quality
Each of the 5.2 channels on the Denon AVR-S540BT is powered by 140 watts, and it does an excellent job maintaining the quality and strength of the audio signal, letting your speakers reach their full output potential. The 5.2-channel configuration is ideal for home theater surround sound, but it can also be used with 3.1 or 2.1 systems in smaller rooms.
Whichever channel setup you’re using, the Dolby TrueHD audio and lossless DTS HD surround sound of the AVR-S540BT gives you the ideal combination of mid-range clarity and low-end power for an immersive movie watching experience.
Video Quality
All 5 of the HDMI inputs on the Denon AVR-S540BT have a 60Hz 4K pass-through, supporting ultra HD resolutions from all content sources. This is paired with color technology like BT.2020 and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, ensuring the accuracy of the color signal when it reaches your display.
Ease of Use
The remote that comes with the AVR-S540BT is well-designed. All the buttons are clearly labeled and its not as overwhelming complicated as some receiver remotes. You can also download the Denon 500 Series Remote app on both Android and iOS devices if you’d rather control it through your phone or tablet (or if you lose the remote that came with it).
Unfortunately, the AVR-S540BT doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity or the smart control features that enables. There’s no built-in voice control, for example, and its wireless streaming is limited to select music apps.
In Summary: Denon AVR-S540BT Review
There are some things the Denon AVR-S540BT can’t do. It doesn’t have the channel support for Height Viirtualization and other 3D surround sound configurations, for one thing, and the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity limits its use in smart home systems. Having said that, those aren’t features we’d expect from a receiver at this price point. On sound and visual quality alone, the AVR-S540BT is an exceptional value. Its easy setup and control is a point in its favor, too, and its straightforward layout makes it an ideal first receiver for A/V beginners (>>> Check on Bhphotovideo).
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S540BT vs Denon AVR-S650H Comparison
- Denon AVR-S540BT vs Sony STR-DH590 Side By Side
- Onkyo TX-SR393 vs Denon AVR-S540BT