Pioneer VSX-532 VS Denon AVR-S540BT
Pioneer VSX-532
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-532.pdf
  • USB - 1
Denon AVR-S540BT
  • Brand - Denon
  • Manual - avr-x540bt.pdf
  • USB - 1

Denon AVRS540BT vs Pioneer VSX-532 – what will you choose?

Denon AVRS540BT vs Pioneer VSX-532

Do you really need a good receiver? This article is for you. I had a chance to test Pioneer VSX-532 vs Denon AVRS540BT. I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new receiver.

Features & Performance

Denon AVRS540BT vs Pioneer VSX-532 back

The devices operate using a 5.2-channel audio broadcasting scheme. If we compare these receivers in power output – Denon is better in this regard. The total output power of the Denon AVRS540BT model is 350 W, while that of the Pioneer is 210 W. Nevertheless, at the same time, Pioneer VSX-532 has more power per channel, it is 150 W vs 70 W. Both receivers can play 4K resolution video on a monitor connected via HDMI.

Connections & Setup

The Denon AVRS540BT versus Pioneer has 5 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI outputs. Pioneer VSX-532 has only 4 inputs and 1 output. Both receivers have built-in Bluetooth. Clear sound with all recognizable tones brought me real auditory pleasure. Playing bass is awesome!

The Denon AVR-X540BT AV receiver combines high-quality sound and a large number of advanced features. Bluetooth allows you to play AVR-X540BT music wirelessly from a tablet or smartphone, and the specialized Denon 500 Series Bluetooth application lets you control the receiver from a smartphone.

During testing, I noticed that the Pioneer VSX-532 did not turn on and did not turn off automatically with the TV. This independence allowed me to enjoy 30 different stations without even using the “big screen”. Thanks to a special application for iOS / Android, I can control the device without the remote.

Design

Denon’s front panel has a more rigorous and stylish design. The front panel of aluminum fits perfectly to the body.

The Pioneer VSX-532 looks very compact and classically rigorous. A matte front panel is an aesthetic advantage. All ports are very well labeled, easy to reach. All inputs and outputs do not spoil the appearance of the receiver.

Pros & Cons

Pioneer VSX-532

VS

Pros

    • I am glad that built-in decoders play almost all of my files properly. It is 100% worth of its price.
    • The total power output is 210 Watts, which is enough for enjoying proper sounding in my living room.
    • Not very important, but anyway, it can be both auto/manually switched on.

Cons

    • It does not have auto power off, so it bothers me each time to turn it off manually.
    • For me not so important, but note that it does not have networking capabilities.
    • The main disadvantage for me is that it cannot be controlled via a smartphone.

Denon AVR-S540BT

VS

Pros

    • Good compatibility with the popular streaming services – everything works perfectly.
    • Very low price (is about $250 for now).
    • The best video quality available for receivers nowadays: 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through with HDR.
    • The output video and sound is clear (after the calibration process), the signal is stable and noiseless (using high-grade cables).

Cons

    • Some customers claim that certain firmware updates may cause stability problems – the receiver may lag or some features may stop working at all.
    • Has no HDMI conversion and HDMI scaling features.

Specifications

Specification Pioneer VSX-532 Denon AVR-S540BT
Sound Features
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Dsp Preset Qty - 15
Surround System Class 5.1 channel 5.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Front Stage Surround Advance. Headphone Surround (V.S.S.)
Audio D/a Converter 24bit / 192kHz 24bit / 192kHz
Digital Sound Processor (dsp) -
Sound Output Mode - Surround Sound
Audio Formats
Flac
Dsd -
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Wav
Mp3
Built-in Decoders
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Dts Neural:x -
Dts-hd Master Audio -
Signal Processing
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K
3d Pass-through
Connector Type
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Hdmi Outputs 1 1
Hdmi Inputs 4 5
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 1
Optical Digital Inputs 1 2
Phones 1 1
Av Inputs 2 has not
Usb 1 1
Subwoofer Outputs 1 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Radio
Tuner Type digital digital
Preset Station Qty - 56
Preset Station 30 -
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Additional Features
Bi-amplifying
Air Studios Monitor Certification -
Audio Return Channel (arc)
X.v.color -
Apple Air-play Support
Deep Color -
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Mcacc Pro -
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Amplifier
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 150 W, 80 W 90 W, 70 W
Total Output Power 210 W 450 W
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.08 %
Functions
Amplifier Class -
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Digital Player
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Dimensions
Dimensions 12.6 x 17.1 x 6.6 inches 17.1 x 5.9 x 12.6
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
User Manual
Manual vsx-532.pdf avr-x540bt.pdf
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.35 W 0.1 W
Operational Power Consumption 210 W 310 W
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
General
Brand Pioneer Denon

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