Onkyo Turns 80—and Reinvents Itself: The Muse Streaming Amplifiers Blend Retro Soul with Modern Hi-Fi Power

Launched at CES 2026, the new Muse Y-50 and Y-40 mark a bold new chapter for Onkyo, capped by a stunning limited-edition anniversary flagship.

Eight Decades In, Onkyo Starts a New Era

Onkyo is entering 2026 with confidence—and ambition. As the legendary Japanese audio brand celebrates its 80th anniversary, it has unveiled an entirely new product line at CES that signals not just a celebration of the past, but a clear vision for the future.

Meet the Onkyo Muse series: a pair of all-in-one streaming amplifiers designed to be compact, powerful, visually striking, and fully tuned for today’s streaming-first listeners.

With the Muse Y-50 and Muse Y-40, Onkyo aims to create a modern entertainment hub—just add speakers and you’re ready to go.

All-in-One Streaming Amplifiers for the Modern Listener

Both Muse models combine everything a contemporary hi-fi system needs into a single chassis:

• Class D amplification

• High-resolution DAC

• Network streaming

• Extensive physical connectivity

  
  

Streaming support is comprehensive and future-proof, including:

• Spotify Connect

• Tidal Connect

• Qobuz Connect

• Chromecast

• AirPlay 2

• Wi-Fi and Ethernet

  
  

The goal, according to Onkyo, is to deliver fast, precise, powerful sound with an immersive soundstage—without the complexity of traditional multi-box systems.

A Bold Visual Statement with Retro Roots

Dominating the front panel of both amplifiers is a 5.46-inch full-color LCD display, used for browsing streaming services, viewing metadata, and—crucially—displaying retro-style VU meters.

It’s a deliberate nod to classic analogue hi-fi, paired with modern minimalism.

Additional design highlights include:

• Aluminium chassis in black or silver

• All-new volume control design

• Top-mounted heat vents featuring a traditional Japanese “San Kuzushi” pattern

  
  

This is Onkyo leaning into its heritage—without feeling stuck in it.

Muse Y-50: Power, Precision, and Room Calibration

The Muse Y-50 is the flagship of the standard lineup, delivering a muscular 250W per channel into 4 ohms—enough to drive virtually any speaker with authority.

A key differentiator is Onkyo’s built-in Room EQ calibration, which automatically optimizes sound based on your listening space.

Key Features

• 250W per channel (4Ω)

• Room EQ room correction

• Dynamic, detailed soundstage

• Designed to drive speakers “of any size”

  
  

Connectivity

• 3× RCA line-level inputs

• Digital coaxial

• HDMI ARC

• Subwoofer output

• MM/MC phono stage

• 6.3mm headphone jack

  
  

This is a serious, no-compromise integrated solution aimed squarely at high-end systems.

Muse Y-40: A Slimmer, More Accessible Alternative

The Muse Y-40 retains the same streaming ecosystem and design language, but trims power and features to reach a more approachable price point.

What You Get

• 150W per channel into 4 ohms

• Same streaming support as the Y-50

• HDMI ARC

• MM/MC phono input

• 6.3mm headphone jack

  
  

What’s missing? Room EQ calibration—making the Y-40 ideal for simpler setups or listeners who prefer manual system tuning.

Pricing and Availability

The Muse series will launch globally in May 2026, with pricing set as follows:

• Muse Y-50: $1,499

• Muse Y-40: $999

  
  

Pricing for the UK, Australia, and other regions is still to be confirmed.

The Showstopper: Muse 80th Anniversary Limited Edition

To truly mark eight decades of Onkyo—and what the company calls its “rebirth”—a special limited-edition Muse amplifier is also on the way.

Inspired by the iconic Onkyo M-588 stereo power amplifier, the Muse 80th Anniversary Edition is a visual and emotional tribute to the brand’s golden era.

Limited Edition Highlights

• Champagne-gold aluminium chassis

• Real walnut wood side panels

• Retro industrial design

• Positioned as a “flagship expression of Onkyo’s past and future”

  
  

Only 1,000 units worldwide will be produced, with a summer 2026 launch planned. Pricing has yet to be announced.

The Bigger Picture

With the Muse series, Onkyo isn’t just celebrating longevity—it’s making a statement. These amplifiers fuse retro inspiration, serious power, and modern streaming convenience into a product line that feels relevant, confident, and forward-looking.

At 80 years old, Onkyo isn’t slowing down.If anything, it’s just getting started.