Onkyo Muse Y-40 Network Integrated Amplifier

Description

About the Onkyo Muse Y-40 Network Integrated Amplifier

The Onkyo Muse Y-40 Network Integrated Amplifier’s Axign Class D amplifier delivers 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Therefore, it offers useful driving power for a wide range of passive bookshelf and floorstanding speakers.

Built-in streaming includes Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are both provided.

The Y-40 also includes HDMI ARC, optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB storage playback, three analogue RCA inputs, and an MM phono stage. In addition, it provides a stereo pre-out and front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket.

A large 5.46-inch colour display shows album information, operating status, and analogue-style VU meters.

What We Think

The Muse Y-40 is likely to be the sweet spot in Onkyo’s new streaming amplifier range.

It retains the Y-50’s excellent display, streaming platform, elegant industrial design, and broad source compatibility. However, its lower price and 75-watt output make it easier to justify in a compact or medium-sized system.

The amplifier is also refreshingly straightforward. You get the services most listeners use, HDMI ARC for a television, an MM phono stage for vinyl, and enough conventional inputs for legacy Hi-Fi components.

We particularly like the physical presentation. The 350mm-wide chassis is smaller than a traditional full-width amplifier, yet it still looks like a serious component. Meanwhile, the aluminium front panel, illuminated controls, San Kuzushi-patterned ventilation, and animated VU meters add genuine character.

There are several important differences from the Y-50. The Y-40 does not include Onkyo Room EQ. Its phono input supports moving-magnet cartridges only, and it has no dedicated mono subwoofer output. It also lacks the Y-50’s additional HDMI input and video output.

Even so, the Y-40 covers the connections most stereo listeners actually need. Match it with a suitably efficient pair of speakers and it becomes a clean, attractive, and capable centrepiece for music, vinyl, and television sound.

 

 

View Owners Manual >> View Specifications >> View Onkyo >>

 

The Onkyo Muse Y-40 is ideal for:

• Modern two-channel music systems
• Medium-sized living rooms and listening spaces
• Passive bookshelf and efficient floorstanding speakers
• Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple, and Google ecosystem users
• Television owners wanting proper stereo sound
• Turntables fitted with moving-magnet cartridges
• Buyers wanting Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet
• Systems combining streaming and conventional Hi-Fi sources
• Listeners who enjoy visible album artwork and VU meters
• Buyers wanting a compact alternative to a full-width amplifier
• Systems requiring optical and coaxial digital inputs
• Wired headphone listening
• Users who do not require room correction
• Buyers who want strong value within the Muse range

 

Reviews & Insights

• What Hi-Fi? identified the Y-40 as the more affordable Muse model. Its report highlights the 150-watt 4-ohm rating, streaming support, HDMI ARC, MM phono input, and large display. It also confirms that the Y-40 does not include the Y-50’s Room EQ system.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Onkyo Muse Y-40?
   The Y-40 is a two-channel network integrated amplifier. It combines music streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion, preamplification, power amplification, an MM phono stage, HDMI ARC, and wired headphone listening in one compact chassis.
2. How powerful is the Onkyo Muse Y-40?
   Onkyo’s current specification table rates it at 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz, with both channels driven at 0.08% THD. It is also rated at 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz and 0.7% THD.
3. Why do some sources list 125 watts instead of 150 watts?
   One Onkyo international marketing paragraph has stated 125 watts into 4 ohms. However, Onkyo’s formal specification table and current US specification sheet state 150 watts into 4 ohms. Rapallo recommends using the formal 150-watt specification while recognising the published inconsistency.
4. Which speakers work well with the Y-40?
   The Y-40 supports speakers with a nominal impedance from 4 to 16 ohms. It suits many bookshelf speakers and efficient floorstanding models. However, speaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, room size, and listening distance should also be considered.
5. Which music services are built into the Y-40?
   It supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. These platforms let compatible phones, tablets, and computers control playback without needing a separate streamer.
6. Can I connect the Muse Y-40 to my television?
   Yes. HDMI ARC allows a compatible television to send audio to the amplifier through one HDMI cable. An optical digital input is also available if ARC is unavailable or does not operate reliably with a particular television.
7. Does the Y-40 pass video from a game console to a television?
   No. The Y-40 has HDMI ARC for receiving sound from a television, but it does not have the Y-50’s separate HDMI source input and video output. Connect the console directly to the television, then return audio to the Y-40 through ARC or optical.
8. Can I connect a turntable directly to the Y-40?
   Yes, provided the turntable uses a compatible moving-magnet cartridge or already produces an appropriate line-level output. Low-output moving-coil cartridges require a suitable external phono preamplifier.
9. Does the Onkyo Muse Y-40 have room correction?
   No. Onkyo Room EQ is included with the more expensive Y-50 but not the Y-40. Speaker positioning, listening position, furnishings, and acoustic treatment therefore remain the main tools for managing room-related sound issues.
10. Can I add a subwoofer to the Y-40?
    The Y-40 does not have a dedicated mono subwoofer output. However, its stereo RCA pre-out may connect to a powered subwoofer with compatible stereo line-level inputs. Crossover and level adjustment would generally be handled by the subwoofer.
11. Is the 5.46-inch display touch-sensitive?
    No. The display shows track information, album artwork, settings, and analogue-style VU meters, but it is not a touchscreen. Use the front-panel controls, remote, or Onkyo Controller app.
12. Can the Y-40 play music from a USB drive?
    Yes. The USB-A connection supports compatible storage playback. Check Onkyo’s current manual for supported file systems, formats, capacities, and maximum audio resolutions.
13. Can I use Bluetooth headphones with the Y-40?
    Bluetooth reception using SBC and AAC is published. However, Bluetooth transmission to wireless headphones is not publicly confirmed. The front 6.3mm socket is provided for wired headphones.
14. What is the difference between the Onkyo Muse Y-40 and Y-50?
    The Y-50 is more powerful, producing 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms compared with the Y-40’s 75 watts. It also adds Onkyo Room EQ, MM and MC phono support, a dedicated subwoofer output, and additional HDMI connectivity. The Y-40 retains the same core streaming services and 5.46-inch display at a more accessible level.

 

Key Features & Benefits

Axign Class D Amplification

The Muse Y-40 uses a fully digital Axign Class D amplifier with MOSFET output devices.

Onkyo rates it at 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz, with both channels driven. Output rises to 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms under the manufacturer’s published 1kHz measurement.

As a result, the Y-40 can drive many modern bookshelf and floorstanding speakers with useful control and dynamic headroom.

Integrated Music Streaming

Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast are built in.

Therefore, you can select music from a familiar service app and send it directly to the amplifier. A separate network streamer is not required.

Local network music playback is also supported for compatible music libraries and servers.

5.46-Inch Colour Display

The large central LCD can show track information, album artwork, menus, settings, and operating status.

It also offers an analogue-style VU-meter display. This gives the Y-40 more visual personality than a conventional minimalist streaming amplifier.

The screen is not touch-sensitive. Instead, control is available from the front panel, supplied remote, or Onkyo Controller app.

HDMI ARC for Television Sound

HDMI ARC allows a compatible television to send audio to the Y-40 through a single HDMI cable.

This makes the amplifier a strong alternative to a soundbar. You can enjoy proper stereo music while also improving television, movie, and gaming sound.

Unlike the Y-50, the Y-40 does not include an additional HDMI source input or HDMI video output.

Moving-Magnet Phono Stage

A dedicated phono input supports turntables fitted with compatible moving-magnet cartridges.

Therefore, many popular Pro-Ject and other turntables can connect without an external phono preamplifier.

The Y-40 does not support low-output moving-coil cartridges directly. Those cartridges require a suitable external phono stage or step-up solution.

Three Analogue Line Inputs

Three stereo RCA inputs accommodate traditional source components.

For example, you can connect a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, external DAC, or another analogue source. This makes the Y-40 considerably more flexible than streaming amplifiers with only one line input.

Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

Separate optical and coaxial digital inputs support compatible televisions, CD transports, and other digital sources.

The optical input also provides a useful alternative when HDMI ARC is unavailable or does not operate reliably with a particular television.

USB Storage Playback

A rear USB-A connection supports playback from compatible storage devices.

This is intended for USB drives rather than direct computer audio. File-system, capacity, format, and resolution limits should be checked in the current Onkyo manual.

Stereo Pre-Out

A stereo RCA pre-out allows the Y-40 to feed a compatible external power amplifier or another line-level component.

It may also be used with a powered subwoofer that accepts stereo line-level inputs. However, the Y-40 does not provide the Y-50’s dedicated mono subwoofer output or published bass-management controls.

Wired Headphone Listening

A front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket provides a convenient private-listening option.

Headphones fitted with a 3.5mm plug require a suitable adaptor. Bluetooth transmission to wireless headphones is not publicly confirmed.

Wi-Fi and Ethernet

Dual network options make installation more flexible.

Wi-Fi is convenient where cabling is impractical. However, wired Ethernet can provide a stable connection in busy wireless environments or permanent installations.

Bluetooth with AAC

Bluetooth supports the SBC and AAC codecs.

It is useful for quick playback from phones, tablets, and guests’ devices. However, network streaming is generally the better choice for critical listening and higher-quality service integration.

Fanless Operation

The Y-40 uses passive cooling rather than an internal fan.

This prevents fan noise from becoming audible during quiet passages or low-volume listening. However, the decorative top ventilation must remain clear.

Compact Japanese-Inspired Design

The Y-40 measures only 350mm wide and 99mm high.

Its aluminium front panel and San Kuzushi-inspired ventilation give it a distinctive appearance. Black and silver finishes are published, although New Zealand availability may vary.

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System Match

The Muse Y-40 makes an excellent partner for the Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers, or speakers from the Klipsch Heritage Range.

The BR03’s offer good sensitivity, lively dynamics, and a generous sense of scale. Therefore, it makes strong use of the Y-40’s available power without requiring the output reserves of the larger Y-50.

Connect a compatible television through HDMI ARC. Then use the integrated streaming platform for everyday music and the MM phono input for a suitable turntable.

Mount the speakers on solid stands and leave space between their rear ports and the wall. Since the Y-40 does not include Room EQ, careful speaker placement remains especially important.

For deeper bass, add a powered subwoofer with stereo line-level inputs through the Y-40’s pre-out. Confirm the required connection and crossover arrangement before purchase.

 

Specifications

Brand: Onkyo
Series: Muse
Model: Y-40
Product Type: Network streamer and integrated stereo amplifier
Amplifier Channels: 2
Pre-Amplifier Channels: 2.0
Amplifier Type: Axign Class D
Output Devices: MOSFET
Published Output into 8 Ohms: 75W per channel, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.08% THD, two channels driven
Published Output into 4 Ohms: 150W per channel, 1kHz, 0.7% THD, two channels driven
Supported Speaker Impedance: 4 to 16 ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 30kHz, +1/–3dB
Bass Control: 100Hz, ±10dB
Treble Control: 10kHz, ±10dB
Room Correction: No
Analogue Line Inputs: Three stereo RCA pairs
Phono Input: One stereo RCA pair
Phono Cartridge Support: Moving magnet
Moving-Coil Support: No direct MC support published
Optical Digital Input: One
Coaxial Digital Input: One
HDMI ARC: Yes
Additional HDMI Input: No
HDMI Video Output: No
USB Connection: USB-A for compatible storage playback
Network Music Playback: Yes
Stereo Pre-Out: One unbalanced RCA pair
Dedicated Subwoofer Output: No
Headphone Output: One 6.3mm stereo jack
Speaker Outputs: One stereo speaker-terminal set
Wi-Fi: Yes
Ethernet: 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Bluetooth: Yes
Bluetooth Codecs: SBC and AAC
Spotify Connect: Yes
TIDAL Connect: Yes
Qobuz Connect: Yes
AirPlay 2: Yes
Google Cast: Yes, also described as Chromecast in published material
Control App: Onkyo Controller
Display: 5.46-inch colour LCD
VU-Meter Display: Yes
Touchscreen: No
Cooling Fan: No
Front Panel: Aluminium
Top Ventilation Pattern: San Kuzushi-inspired design
Published Colours: Black and silver
Width: 350mm
Height: 99mm
Depth: 337mm
Weight: 4.4kg
Boxed Width: 465mm
Boxed Height: 225mm
Boxed Depth: 405mm
Published US Boxed Weight: 6.6kg
Published EMEA Boxed Weight: 7.0kg
Power Requirement: AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 65W
Network Standby Consumption: Less than 1.8W
Conventional Standby Consumption: Less than 0.4W
Firmware Updates: Supported

Published Package Contents:

• Onkyo Muse Y-40
• Remote control
• Power cable
• Documentation

Rapallo Product Data

New Zealand Model Identifier: Y-40
UPC: 889951004110
GTIN: Regional identifier not publicly confirmed for New Zealand

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Practical advice from experienced New Zealand audio specialists
✔ Help matching the Y-40 with suitable speakers
✔ Guidance on speaker impedance, sensitivity, and room size
✔ Assistance with HDMI ARC and television integration
✔ Help setting up streaming services and network connections
✔ Turntable and moving-magnet cartridge advice
✔ Guidance on adding a compatible powered subwoofer
✔ Carefully selected speakers, cables, turntables, and accessories
✔ New Zealand-based service and after-sales support
✔ Secure nationwide delivery
✔ Support before and after your purchase