Onkyo Muse Y-40 silver

Faced with the multiplication of dematerialized music sources, bringing together streaming, amplification and connectivity in a compact format has become a major expectation. Onkyo addresses this need with the Y-40, the first model in the Muse series, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Japanese brand. This integrated streaming amplifier relies 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 up to the power stage

The Y-40 breaks away from hybrid designs by keeping the signal in digital form throughout the entire path, from network streams all the way 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 is distinguished by its post‑filter feedback loop that operates directly at the speaker terminals, thereby correcting artifacts generated by the modulator and the 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 full audio band (20 Hz to 20 kHz, distortion below 0.08%), and climb 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 ±10 dB range.

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 respective service’s app. AirPlay 2 and Google Cast add compatibility with Apple and Android ecosystems, while Bluetooth ensures quick connections from a phone or tablet via SBC and AAC codecs. Network connection is available via either 10/100 Ethernet or Wi‑Fi.

On the wired side, three pairs of analog RCA inputs accommodate a CD player, tuner, or any other line‑level source. The phono input supports moving magnet cartridges, allowing you to connect a turntable without an external preamp. One coaxial and one optical input accept digital sources, while the HDMI ARC socket simplifies connection to a TV so you can enjoy sound from broadcasts 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 interaction

The aluminum front panel of the Y-40 is dominated by a 5.46‑inch color LCD that displays playback metadata, album covers, and a virtual needle‑style VU meter reminiscent of vintage equipment. This interface lets you navigate streaming services and view track information without constantly relying on a smartphone. The Onkyo Controller app is still available for full control from iOS or Android, but the display offers welcome stand‑alone convenience in everyday use.

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

A positioning focused on simplicity

Unlike the Y-50, the Y-40 does not include the Onkyo Room EQ automatic acoustic calibration function. This choice makes it suited to setups where the user prefers to adjust tone controls manually or already has a well‑tuned listening room. Power consumption is 65 W in operation, dropping to 1.8 W in network standby and 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, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven)
  • 125 W per channel into 4 Ω (1 kHz, 0.7% THD, 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 MM phono 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