This is a translation of a foreign article, so there may be translation errors.
https://www.ecoustics.com/products/onkyo-muse-streaming-amplifiers/
Onkyo celebrates 80th anniversary with new Muse network streaming amplifier series at CES 2026
Onkyo celebrates its 80th anniversary with the Muse Y-40 and Y-50, compact streaming integrated amplifiers featuring AirPlay 2, MM/MC phono, and HDMI ARC.
At CES 2026, Onkyo is celebrating its 80th founding anniversary by showcasing the Muse series, a new line of compact network streaming integrated amplifiers designed for 2-channel systems. This field is a highly competitive category, and Onkyo knows it well.
This is because competition from Eversolo, Marantz, Bluesound, and WiiM has raised expectations for features, usability, and value. The Muse series is not an exercise in nostalgia, but rather Onkyo's answer to that reality as a modern product line that precisely targets today's streaming-focused listeners.
The Muse series consists of two models, the Y-50 and Y-40, both of which are all-in-one network integrated amplifiers built on full digital signal paths and Axign Class D amplification. The Y-50 delivers 250 watts per channel at 4 ohms, while the Y-40 outputs 150 watts per channel at the same load. Both models are compact devices with a height of less than 4 inches, designed to drive actual speakers without the need to stack multiple separate components.
Both Muse models share the same dimensions of 3.9 x 13.8 x 12.6 inches (width x height x depth) and are available in black or silver finish. Visual details are restrained, featuring a large volume knob and heat vents with a traditional Japanese 'San Kuzushi' pattern.
The defining element of the Muse series is a 5.46-inch color LCD display that shows album art, track metadata, and an analog-style VU meter. This is not mere eye candy but a functional screen, intended to reduce dependence on smartphones or tablets after playback begins. Control is handled through the Onkyo Controller app, and it supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2 along with Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Onkyo Muse Y-50 Network Integrated Amplifier
The Muse Y-50 is the flagship model of the series and is a more serious option for users using demanding speakers or larger rooms. Built on an Axign Class D amplifier stage using a full digital signal path and high-current MOSFET output, it delivers 250 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This puts you comfortably in an area where you have little worry about speaker matching.
The front panel is dominated by a 5.46-inch color LCD that displays album art, track metadata, and an analog-style VU meter. This is not merely an aesthetic element. It reduces dependence on your smartphone or tablet during playback, something many streaming amplifiers still struggle with.
Connectivity is comprehensive. The Y-50 includes 3 analog RCA inputs, 1 coaxial digital input, HDMI ARC for TV and gaming audio, and a built-in MM/MC phono stage. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are standard, as is support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. A subwoofer pre-out and upgraded speaker terminals round out the rear panel.
Onkyo also included 'Onkyo Room EQ,' which enables basic room correction. This is a feature that is increasingly expected at this price point, and it helps the Y-50 compete more directly with feature-rich competitors.
Onkyo Muse Y-40 Network Integrated Amplifier
The Y-40 shares the overall design language and user interface with the Y-50 but scales back in key areas. Output is reduced to 150 watts per channel at 4 ohms, which is still more than enough power for most bookshelf speakers and many moderately sized tower speakers.
Like the Y-50, the Y-40 uses a full digital circuit design with Axign Class D amplification and includes the same 5.46-inch color LCD display featuring metadata and VU metering. Streaming support is identical, allowing you to connect to Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2 via the Onkyo Controller app over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Input options are practical: three analog RCA inputs, coaxial digital, HDMI ARC, and a phono input (MM/MC). Bluetooth is included for convenient playback, and you can pair it with a subwoofer to build a compact yet versatile 2-channel system.
The Y-40's difference lies in its intent. This product is designed for buyers who want a clean, streaming-first integrated amplifier for smaller rooms, simpler systems, and don't want to pay for outputs they won't use.
Onkyo's Muse Y-40 and Y-50 represent a serious and modern challenge to the network integrated amplifier category. It's not just because of the large screen on the front panel. The real core is the comprehensive streaming support (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz Connect, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2) packed into a compact chassis that can faithfully serve as the hub for a true 2-channel system.
Adding an MM/MC phono stage—something many budget-conscious competitors still lack (yes, we're looking at you, Denon)—Onkyo is clearly targeting buyers who want to solve their vinyl, TV via HDMI ARC, and streaming needs without compromise in one box.
The key is the price. Both Muse models are priced higher than competitors from Denon or Elac, so Onkyo can't necessarily win on value alone. The $999 Y-40 puts it closer to the price point of the Marantz M1, a product we really like sonically. Here, Onkyo's strength lies in its connectivity breadth (including MM/MC support) rather than cute minimalism. Meanwhile, the $1,499 Y-50 needs more convincing. At that price point, simply "higher wattage on the spec sheet" isn't enough.
With the Marantz M1 and Denon Amp Ultra already winning 'Editor's Choice' awards in this category for 2025, the Y-50 needs to demonstrably outperform its alternatives in terms of actual driving power and sound quality to justify its higher price. If it can prove its sonic mettle, it has a chance. Otherwise, it risks being just an expensive way to get a pretty VU meter.
Pricing and Availability
The Onkyo Muse series is scheduled to launch in May 2026.
-- Muse Y-40 Network Integrated Amplifier: $999 USD
-- Muse Y-50 Network Integrated Amplifier: $1,499 USD
Both models will be available in black or silver finishes and share the same compact chassis size (3.9 x 13.8 x 12.6 inches). Onkyo is showcasing the Muse series at CES 2026 ahead of its official release.
▶ Source: https://www.ecoustics.com/products/onkyo-muse-streaming-amplifiers/
