Onkyo Muse Y-50: 250W stereo amplifier and Hi-Fi network player

While we recently presented the final specifications of the most affordable model in the series (see our article on the Onkyo Muse Y-40: stereo amplifier and Hi-Fi network player), the Japanese manufacturer had yet to reveal its trump card. That has now changed with the publication of the specifications for its big brother, the Onkyo Muse Y-50. Beneath a similar exterior, this Class D stereo integrated network amplifier takes things to another level, targeting demanding enthusiasts eager, for example, to unlock the full potential of speakers that are difficult to drive. Aluminum chassis and 250W power output into 4 ohms. The first major distinction from the Y-40 and its resin front panel is that the Onkyo Muse Y-50 boasts a luxurious aluminum front panel. Beyond its visual appeal, this choice of material provides exceptional rigidity, preventing vibrations. Inside, the Axign Class D amplifier, coupled with MOSFET transistors, ramps up to deliver 250W per channel into 4 ohms and 125W per channel into 8 ohms. This significant power is capable of authoritatively driving both large floorstanding speakers and small bookshelf speakers with impedances ranging from 4 to 16 ohms. The overall aesthetic pays subtle homage to Japanese tradition with the top heat dissipation plate adorned with the San Kuzushi motif, a nod to both aesthetics and technology (the slots in the motif serve as ventilation grilles on the top plate to dissipate heat, and the protective grille of the San Kuzushi symbolically preserves the purity of the music inside the chassis). The interface features a 5.46" (13.9 cm) color LCD screen displaying metadata for currently playing tracks and an elegant analog-style VU meter. Universal Streaming and Onkyo Room EQ: The true technological advancement of the Onkyo Y-50 lies in the integration of an acoustic calibration system developed specifically for the series: Onkyo Room EQ. The device analyzes the listening space and applies a customized sound field correction perfectly adapted to the user's environment. For digital music, versatility is total, as the network player natively supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast (built-in) (Google Cast). The entire ecosystem It powers on, is configured, and is controlled seamlessly via the Onkyo Controller mobile app. A comprehensive range of connectivity options with HDMI Pass-Through. The connectivity is consistent with the other specifications. On the analog side, there are three pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as a Phono input specifically compatible with MM and MC cartridges. On the digital side, in addition to a coaxial input, the Onkyo Y-50 goes all out on video with an HDMI input (compatible with 4K/120p, 8K/60p, VRR, QFT, ALLM, QMS, and DSC under HDCP 2.3) paired with an HDMI output featuring the [abc]ARC[/abc]. Output signal processing relies on an unbalanced stereo RCA pre-out, an [abc]LFE[/abc] output for connecting a subwoofer, and a 6.35 mm headphone jack. Finally, home network integration is achieved via an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port, [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc], and [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.1.

Paul Jacobs, President and CEO, says: “The new Muse series marks Onkyo’s bold rebirth, combining high-power performance, advanced streaming features, and an ultramodern, compact design. Our engineers and designers have truly achieved a flawless result,” says Paul Jacobs, President and CEO.

Available now in black or silver finish. Price Indicative price: €1,499.

Key features of the Onkyo Y-40 amplifier:

• Model: [abc]2.0[/abc]

• Power: 2 x 150 W into 4 ohms, 2 x 75 W into 8 ohms

• Signal-to-noise ratio: 106 dB

• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.08%

• Frequency response: 20 Hz-300 kHz

• Inputs: 1 [abc]optical[/abc], 1 [abc]coaxial[/abc], 4 stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] including 1 MC Phono input, 2 front-panel [abc]USB[/abc] ports and 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port

• Outputs: 1 HDMI ARC output, 1 Pre-Out 2.0 output, 1 headphone output, 2 pairs of screw terminals • OSD functions • UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway functions • FLAC/HD compatibility • AIFF compatibility • WAV/HD compatibility • ALAC/HD compatibility • MP3 compatibility • WMA compatibility • AAC compatibility [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz

• Audio Function [abc]ARC[/abc]

• Network Control via [abc]IP[/abc]

• Network [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]

• Network [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc]

• Network [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.1

• Network [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 5

• Hi-Res Audio Streaming via USB/Network: Yes

• Internet Radio: TuneIn

• [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] Certification

• Headphone Output: Yes

• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 99 x 351 x 320 mm

• Power consumption: 275 W (0.2 W in standby) • Weight: 4.4 kg