Muse

The Onkyo Muse is a network streaming amplifier launched for Onkyo’s eightieth anniversary. It combines an integrated amplifier with a streamer, so a pair of speakers is all you need to add.

Two models make up the series: the Y-40 at around 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms, and the Y-50 at around 250 watts per channel into the same load. Both carry Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Chromecast built-in and AirPlay 2, with the Onkyo Controller app handling setup and browsing.

What Apple Home actually does with it

This is an AirPlay 2 device rather than a HomeKit accessory.

• It shows up in the Home app as a speaker you can play to, and as an AirPlay target in Control Centre.
• You can assign it to a room and group it with HomePods for synchronised multi-room audio.
• Siri can send music to it by room name.
• It can be the audio output in a scene or an automation.

It is not an accessory you switch on or set the volume of from the Home app. Power, input selection and volume stay with the unit, its remote and its own app.

Before you buy

Check which model you are being offered. The Y-40 and Y-50 differ substantially in power, and the listing may simply say “Muse”.

Power figures quoted into 4 ohms look larger than the same amplifier’s rating into 8 ohms, which is the more common way to specify hi-fi amplifiers. Compare like with like when you are shopping across brands.

Onkyo is now part of the same group as Klipsch, whose Flexus Core 300 soundbar uses Onkyo amplification.

Specifications