Onkyo is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a look back at the past and plenty of modern technology: The MUSE Y-50G 80th Anniversary Edition draws inspiration from the design of classic Integra components. Behind the champagne-colored front panel lies a powerful Class D amplifier, versatile streaming features, and room correction. It also offers connections for turntables and TVs.
Anyone who associates Onkyo with large dial-style controls and wooden side panels should take a closer look at this anniversary model. The design is inspired by the Integra M-588 power amplifier, introduced in 1992. The Japanese manufacturer has adapted that look to a network integrated amplifier, which, at 35 centimeters wide, takes up significantly less space on the hi-fi shelf.
Classic Look with Digital Displays
The solid aluminum front panel and the top of the chassis feature the “Champagne” finish. Onkyo pairs this with magnetically attached, removable side panels in “Bordeaux Walnut.” Their dark wood finish adds a warm accent to the metallic surfaces. The ventilation openings on the top form the traditional Japanese “San Kuzushi” pattern.
The 5.46-inch color display also serves as a link to the Integra model: In addition to track information and settings, it can display classic VU meters. The needles move across the screen here. The amplifier can also be controlled and configured using the Onkyo Controller app.
Class-D amplification with up to two channels of 250 watts
To drive the speakers, Onkyo relies on an Axign Class-D amplifier circuit with a MOSFET output stage. The manufacturer specifies 125 watts per channel at 8 ohms, measured across the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 0.08 percent total harmonic distortion with both channels driven simultaneously.
According to the datasheet, 250 watts × 2 are available at 4 ohms. This specification is based on a measurement at 1 kHz and 0.7 percent total harmonic distortion, with both channels active. Despite these power specifications, the enclosure remains relatively compact at 35 × 9.9 × 33.7 centimeters. It weighs 4.9 kilograms.
Streaming and Vinyl Under One Roof
The MUSE Y-50G 80th Anniversary Edition can connect to your home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect let you select music directly within the respective streaming apps. AirPlay 2 and Google Cast round out the wireless playback options.
You can also integrate your vinyl record collection: The built-in phono preamp supports both MM and MC cartridges. This means an external phono preamp isn’t necessary for turntables equipped with these cartridges.
HDMI for TVs and Game Consoles
For TV audio, the anniversary amplifier features an HDMI port with ARC. It also includes a separate HDMI input, for example, for a game console. The HDMI section supports, among other things, 4K at 120 frames per second and 8K at 60 frames per second, as well as VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. A subwoofer output allows you to expand the stereo system with an active subwoofer.
Onkyo Room EQ is included to adapt to the listening environment. The manufacturer’s proprietary room correction is designed to account for the influence of room acoustics on playback.
Onkyo MUSE Y-50G 80th Anniversary Edition: Price and Availability
According to the latest press release, the Onkyo MUSE Y-50G 80th Anniversary Edition is available for 1,699 euros.
More information: https://onkyo.com
