Onkyo Muse Y-40 black

Faced with the explosion of dematerialized music sources, bringing together streaming, amplification, and connectivity in a compact format has become a strong expectation. Onkyo responds to this demand with the Y-40, the first model in the Muse series, which marks the Japanese brand’s 80th anniversary. This integrated streaming amplifier is built on a fully digital architecture, generous power, and a front color display to offer an all-in-one solution ready to drive a pair of speakers without stacking separate components.

A 100% digital architecture right up to the power stage

The Y-40 breaks with hybrid designs by keeping the signal in digital form throughout its entire path, from network streams to the power transistors. The amplification stage is based on Class D technology developed by Axign, a Dutch company specializing in pulse width modulation controllers. This approach stands out thanks to its post-filter feedback loop, which operates directly at the speaker terminals, thereby correcting artifacts generated by the modulator and output filter. Efficiency is close to 95%, which limits thermal losses to less than 1.5 watts per channel at idle and allows for a compact, fanless chassis.

The high-voltage MOSFET outputs deliver 75 W per channel into 8 Ω in continuous operation over the entire audio band (20 Hz to 20 kHz, distortion below 0.08%), rising to 125 W into 4 Ω at 1 kHz. This power reserve is sufficient to drive floorstanding speakers with average sensitivity or compact monitors without running out of steam on transients. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 30 kHz, with tone controls acting at 100 Hz for bass and 10 kHz for treble, each adjustable over a range of ±10 dB.

Native streaming and comprehensive connectivity

The Y-40 integrates the main streaming platforms without requiring any external device: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect let you start playback directly from the relevant service’s app. AirPlay 2 and Google Cast add compatibility with Apple and Android ecosystems, while Bluetooth provides quick connections from a phone or tablet via the SBC and AAC codecs. Network connectivity is available via either 10/100 Ethernet or Wi‑Fi.

On the wired input side, three pairs of analog RCA connectors accommodate a CD player, tuner, or any other line-level device. The phono input supports moving magnet cartridges, allowing you to connect a turntable without an external phono preamp. One coaxial and one optical input handle digital sources, while the HDMI ARC socket simplifies connection to a TV so you can enjoy sound from programs or video games. A 6.35 mm jack headphone output and a preamplifier output complete the rear panel.

A 5.46-inch display at the heart of the interaction

The aluminum front panel of the Y-40 is dominated by a 5.46-inch color LCD that shows playback metadata, album artwork, and a virtual needle VU meter reminiscent of vintage equipment. This interface allows you to browse streaming services and view track information without systematically resorting to a smartphone. The Onkyo Controller app is still available for full control from iOS or Android, but the display offers appreciable day-to-day independence.

The central volume knob and ventilation grilles feature a San Kuzushi motif, a traditional Japanese geometric pattern that evokes the brand’s cultural heritage while ensuring efficient heat dissipation. The chassis measures 350 × 99 × 337 mm and weighs 4.4 kg, making it more discreet than a separate preamp and power amplifier stack.

A positioning focused on simplicity

Unlike the Y-50, the Y-40 does not feature Onkyo Room EQ automatic acoustic calibration. This choice targets setups where the user prefers to adjust tone settings manually or use a room whose acoustics are already under control. Power consumption reaches 65 W in operation, drops to 1.8 W in network standby, and falls below 0.4 W in deep standby.

Technical specifications

Amplification

• Amplification type: Class D with Axign technology and MOSFET outputs
• Amplifier channels: 2
• Output power:
  • 75 W per channel into 8 Ω (FTC, 20 Hz – 20000 Hz, THD 0.08%, 2 channels driven)
  • 125 W per channel into 4 Ω (1 kHz, THD 0.7%, 2 channels driven)
  • Maximum rated power: up to 150 W into 4 Ω
• Supported speaker impedance: 4 to 16 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 30000 Hz (+1 / -3 dB)
• Tone controls:
  • Bass: 100 Hz ±10 dB
  • Treble: 10000 Hz ±10 dB

Preamplification

• Preamplifier channels: 2
• Pre-out output: 1 unbalanced RCA pair

Connectivity

• Analog inputs:
  • 3 unbalanced RCA pairs
  • 1 Phono MM pair
• Digital inputs:
  • HDMI ARC
  • Coaxial
  • Optical
  • USB-A for playback from storage device
• Outputs:
  • 6.35 mm jack headphone output

Network and wireless connectivity

• Ethernet: 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX
• Bluetooth: SBC, AAC codecs
• Streaming compatibility: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast

Interface and features

• 5.46-inch color LCD screen with playback information display and analog VU meter
• Intuitive user interface
• Compatible with the Onkyo Controller app

Power consumption

• In operation: 65 W
• In network standby: 1.8 W
• In deep standby: less than 0.4 W

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 350 x 99 x 337 mm
• Weight: 4.4 kg

Packaging

• Carton dimensions (W x H x D): 465 x 225 x 405 mm
• Weight with packaging: 6.6 kg