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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |