A Famed Japanese Hi-Fi Company’s New Amplifier Is Poised for Modern-Day Audiophiles
Just add speakers.
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At the tail end of 2024, Onkyo announced a big rebrand or a "rebirth." After years of focusing mainly on AVR systems, the storied Japanese audio brand revealed it was returning to the hi-fi market.
It proved this by introducing its high-end Icon series of amplifiers and traditional hi-fi components throughout 2025, priced from $1,499 to $1,999.
Fast forward to today and, as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, Onkyo is introducing its Muse Series of integrated amplifiers, which are slightly more affordable and positioned towards new-age audiophiles.
Onkyo Muse Series of Amplifiers
The Y-40 (shown) and the Y-50 are integrated streaming amplifiers. - Credit: Onkyo
The Y-50 and Y-40
Onkyo's Muse Series features two integrated amplifiers: the flagship Y-50 and the slightly more affordable Y-40 . Both have a fully digital circuit design, Class D amplification, a wealth of wired connections and support for high-resolution streaming over Wi-Fi. They are designed as "just add speakers" hi-fi components.
According to the brand, they deliver "unparalleled high-fidelity performance and cutting-edge streaming technology."
Both amplifiers can be used with a turntable. However, the Y-50 (shown) is the only one with a built-in phono preamplifier. - Credit: Onkyo
The Y-50 and the Y-40 share a lot in common. They are the same exact size and look nearly identical — and yes, they're both available in black or silver finishes — but they differ in power.
The Y-40 is the less powerful of the two. It's capable of driving 150 watts into ohms. - Credit: Onkyo
Power differences
The Y-50 is the flagship model and, naturally, it's designed to drive larger, more demanding loudspeakers, making it a better fit for bigger rooms. It's capable of delivering 250 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
On the flip side, the Y-40 delivers 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
As for playback, the bread and butter of both amplifiers is streaming — and they have the exact same capabilities. Each supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2.
The 5.46-inch color LCD display can show song metadata, an analog-style VU meter, or streaming menus for song selection. - Credit: Onkyo
On the physical connections side, each of Onkyo's Muse amplifiers is highly versatile. Both boast inputs for RCA, coax, phono and HDMI ARC, so you can make each the hub to your home theater. They also boast headphone jacks and subwoofer outputs, too.
That said, the flagship Y-50 has two key advantages. First, it has a built-in phono preamplifier, which is a convenience for those looking to add a turntable to their setup. Second, it supports Onkyo's Room EQ room calibration technology, so it can fine-tune its sound for the room it's in.
Onkyo's Muse amplifiers will be available in May 2026. - Credit: Onkyo
Price and availability
For those interested, you'll have to wait a little — Onkyo's Muse series amplifiers won't be available for purchase until May 2026.
The Y-50 will cost $1,499, while the Y-40 will cost $999. Both will be available in either black or silver finishes.
Onkyo Muse Y-40
Onkyo Muse Y-50
About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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