Classic Hi-Fi charm meets modern streaming in the Onkyo Muse Y40. We test its analog inputs, phono stage, headphone amp, sound, and streaming quirks to find out who this stylish all-in-one is really for. Is it your kind of setup? Watch and decide!
Subscribe for more Hi-Fi reviews!
Leave a comment about what you liked most in the video.
#HiFi #Audio #Music #Review
👉 This channel was created in collaboration with https://www.youtube.com/@premiumhifichannel
0:00 - Who the Onkyo Is For
1:28 - Amplifier Features and Classic Design
4:40 - Streaming and the Onkyo's Philosophy
7:09 - Listening Test Setup
8:23 - Sound Quality, Phono Stage, and Headphones
12:31 - Streaming Performance and Limitations
14:18 - Final Verdict and Ideal Listener
Subscribe for more Hi-Fi reviews!
Leave a comment about what you liked most in the video.
#HiFi #Audio #Music #Review
👉 This channel was created in collaboration with https://www.youtube.com/@premiumhifichannel
0:00 - Who the Onkyo Is For
1:28 - Amplifier Features and Classic Design
4:40 - Streaming and the Onkyo's Philosophy
7:09 - Listening Test Setup
8:23 - Sound Quality, Phono Stage, and Headphones
12:31 - Streaming Performance and Limitations
14:18 - Final Verdict and Ideal Listener
Category
🎵
MusicTranscript
00:00Before diving into the review of the Onkyo Muzi 40, I really wanted to understand who this device is actually
00:07meant for.
00:08Because look at the back panel.
00:10There are three standard analog line inputs right here, plus a dedicated input for a turntable.
00:18For a modern compact streaming amplifier in this price segment, such a layout is not that common anymore,
00:24and the built-in phono stage isn't just there to tick a box.
00:30Jumping right ahead, both the phono stage and the built-in headphone amplifier are very good, and definitely exceeded my
00:37expectations.
00:40Because quite often in devices of this format, a phono input is added simply because it has to be on
00:46the spec sheet.
00:48The same thing happens with the headphone output, but here, you genuinely want to use both features.
00:54And gradually, the character of the Onkyo Muzi 40 starts to take shape.
00:59In my opinion, it's completely wrong to see this as just a streamer with an amplifier tacked on.
01:04Rather, it's the opposite.
01:05What we have here is a classic integrated amplifier, practically in the traditional sense of the word,
01:12but with a modern network module inside.
01:15Hello, dear friends.
01:16My name is Arkady Zinin.
01:17I'm the founder of Premium Hi-Fi.
01:19We are located in Riga, connecting people with sound.
01:27Let's start with the amplifier.
01:30The Onkyo Muzi P40 is built on Class D amplification with XG digital architecture, not XGN, and a MOSFET output
01:38stage.
01:39The official power rating is 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms, from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz,
01:46with both channels driven and 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms, measured at 1 kilohertz.
01:52So what we have here is quite serious amplification, despite the relatively compact chassis.
01:58On the back panel, as I mentioned, there are three line-level RCA inputs and a dedicated phono input.
02:05For digital connectivity, there is optical, coaxial, USB-A, or storage, and HDMI ARC for connecting a television.
02:13There's also a line-level pre-out, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet network, and Bluetooth.
02:18And on the front panel, there is a full-size 6.3 millimeter headphone output.
02:22But the most impressive part here, of course, is the front panel itself.
02:27In the center, there is a large, nearly 5.5 inch color display.
02:32It can show track playback information, or beautiful, classic VU meters.
02:38And there are actually two different display options for the meters.
02:42It looks amazing.
02:43On the sides, there are two huge knobs.
02:46The left one selects the source, and the right one controls the volume.
02:50Next to the volume knob, there's a button to switch display modes.
02:54And that's where I had a funny moment.
02:57For some reason, I was absolutely convinced that such a huge modern screen had to be a touch screen.
03:03I kept tapping and tapping on it, and nothing happened.
03:07So it ends up being a pretty interesting mix of two eras.
03:11A huge modern color display, but controlled with classic physical knobs.
03:15And to be honest, I even like it.
03:18Though, not on the first try.
03:20The top panel also deserves attention.
03:23Here we have a metal ventilation grill with a traditional Japanese pattern.
03:27The front panel is aluminum, while the chassis itself is designed in a completely classic hi-fi style.
03:33And here, it's especially interesting to place modern devices side by side.
03:37For example, the WM Amp Ultra.
03:40A compact modern amplifier with a touchscreen and a completely different control philosophy.
03:45Aerosoloplay, again, a large touchscreen, an advanced software platform, and streaming,
03:51which is one of the central features of the device itself.
03:54Marantz Model M1 goes even further towards minimalism.
03:59While Onkyo seems to say,
04:01Guys, we remember what real hi-fi looked like 30 years ago.
04:06Large knobs, metal, plenty of analog inputs, view meters, tone controls,
04:12and at the same time, they put a modern network module inside all of this and a large color screen.
04:18That's why it's better not to compare the Musee 40 with the WM Amp Ultra or Eversoloplay
04:24as if it were just another streaming amplifier.
04:27The idea here is different.
04:29It's a classic integrated amplifier that's been given modern streaming capabilities.
04:40Naturally, the Onkyo can stream music.
04:43Spotify Connect is supported.
04:45Tidal Connect, Koboose Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast.
04:49But conceptually, streaming here isn't set up the same way as, for example, in an Eversoloplay.
04:53With Eversoloplay, music and streaming services are deeply integrated directly into the device's own software environment.
05:01With Onkyo, the main way you use it is a bit different.
05:04For example, you open Tidal on your phone, tap Tidal Connect, and select Onkyo.
05:09It's the same with Spotify.
05:10Spotify Connect, plus there's Chromecast and AirPlay, as I already mentioned.
05:14In other words, the smartphone essentially becomes the primary interface for choosing music.
05:19The Onkyo controller app does exist, but compared to WM Home or the Eversoloplay software ecosystem, it's pretty basic.
05:27And right here, you can really feel the device's philosophy.
05:31For Eversolos Eversoloplay, streaming is one of the core elements of the entire unit.
05:36With the WM Amp Ultra, the software platform and the app are also practically at the center of the user
05:41experience.
05:42But with the Onkyo, the network module mainly serves to complement a traditional integrated amplifier.
05:48And personally, after that, it became much easier for me to understand the Musee 4T.
05:54You don't buy it just to spend all your time in that damn app.
06:00You're buying a good integrated amplifier, and the ability to open Tidal, Spotify, or Kobus on your phone, and stream
06:06music directly to it is just an added bonus.
06:09The Onkyo app also has some useful settings.
06:12For example, the classic tone control, bass and treble, the adjustment is plus or minus, 10 dB, bass at 100
06:19Hz, treble at 10 kHz.
06:22There's also a direct mode, the classic direct playback mode, bypassing tone controls.
06:29So basically, just like 30 years ago.
06:33If streaming is the heart of your entire system, and you're constantly using the app, the music module, library, search,
06:41playlists, equalizers, rune, and a huge number of network features.
06:46I prefer the philosophy of WM or Eversolo.
06:49But if the main thing for you is a good amplifier, analog sources, vinyl, headphones, and physical controls, while streaming
06:57is just needed as a convenient bonus feature,
07:00then Onkyo's approach makes a lot of sense.
07:10Now, about the test setup.
07:12As the speakers, I use the KEF-Q 3META.
07:15These are two-way bookshelf speakers with the proprietary 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver.
07:22KEF recommends using amplifiers rated from 15 to 150 watts.
07:26That means, in terms of power and load, pairing them with the Musee 40 seems quite logical.
07:32And the strong suit of the Q3 META is that proprietary Uni-Q driver.
07:38Because the tweeter is neatly positioned at the acoustic center of the mid-bass driver,
07:43this design helps achieve remarkably good source localization and a convincing spatial image.
07:50Even on a fairly modest budget.
07:52That is precisely why I was curious to see how they would pair with the Onkyo.
07:57To test the built-in phono stage, I connected a Project RPM-1 carbon turntable priced around 700 euros.
08:05And to test the headphone output, I used the Meze Audio 109 Pro.
08:10These are already headphones of a truly serious caliber.
08:14The room for the main speaker test was about 20 square meters.
08:23And now for the most interesting part.
08:25How it all sounds.
08:26Guys, this setup truly took me by surprise.
08:29Because the Onkyo Musee 40 and the KEF Q3 META are still in that price range
08:36where usually no one promises us any audiophile miracles.
08:41No one says,
08:42Now you'll get a massive three-dimensional soundstage.
08:46Musicians will materialize in the room.
08:49There'll be air around each one.
08:51An incredible depth and clarity of space will appear along with everything else from the audiophile dictionary.
08:56Yet here, a lot of this actually shows up.
08:59And that's probably the most interesting thing about this combo.
09:03The sound doesn't cling to the speakers at all.
09:05A space opens up right in front of you.
09:08The soundstage isn't just built between the speakers, but extends about two meters behind them.
09:14The musicians are well separated in depth.
09:17The images are fairly large and clear, while the transitions between them are smooth.
09:22That feeling of absolutely empty space between each musician,
09:26which systems of an entirely different tier sometimes give you.
09:29I didn't get that here.
09:31But the depth and three-dimensionality of the soundstage are very impressive for this price point.
09:36The second strong suit is the tonal balance.
09:39The sound isn't fatiguing.
09:40There's no feeling of piercing highs.
09:42No unpleasant sonic artifacts.
09:45The bass isn't muddy.
09:46It's tight.
09:47The transients are fast and well controlled.
09:49The midrange is clean and even.
09:52The highs are detailed, but they don't constantly try to draw attention to themselves.
09:57And most importantly, the music sounds cohesive and comfortable.
10:01You don't feel like you're sitting there analyzing the bass separately,
10:04the midrange separately, or the tweeter separately.
10:07You can just listen to the music.
10:11Just listen to the music.
10:13A separate question is whether there's enough power.
10:16Let me remind you, the KEFQ-3 META has a sensitivity of 87 dB and a nominal impedance of 4
10:23ohms.
10:24So it's not the easiest load for a small amplifier.
10:28But in our room of about 20 square meters, there were no problems at all.
10:32There's enough punch.
10:34The dynamics are good.
10:35The bass is controlled.
10:37At normal and even fairly high volume levels,
10:40you don't get the feeling that the amplifier is starting to lose control of the sound.
10:44And you can really feel the headroom of the Onkyo here.
10:48And now for something.
10:49I didn't expect at all the built-in phono stage.
10:52We connect a project for about 700 euros.
10:56And I can completely enjoy listening to this system
10:59without thinking that I urgently need to buy a separate phono stage.
11:03It sounds engaging.
11:05Good dynamics, a good sound stage, enough detail, decent low-end control.
11:11And right here, the Onkyo concept finally becomes clear.
11:16If you buy a good turntable at this price point,
11:20you don't immediately need to build a separate rack of components around it.
11:25You plug the turntable directly into the amplifier
11:29and get a very decent result.
11:32The phono stage here really isn't just for show.
11:35And again, this fits perfectly into the concept of a classic integrated amplifier.
11:41I can say the same about the headphone output.
11:44I hooked up the Mese Audio 109 Pro,
11:46and those are headphones in the roughly 800 euro price range.
11:50So you can put the built-in output to a pretty serious test here.
11:53And again, it sounds very decent.
11:56There's dynamics.
11:57There's scale.
11:58There's a proper three-dimensional soundstage.
12:00There's control.
12:01I didn't get the feeling that you'd immediately have to go out
12:04and buy a separate headphone amp to pair with this amplifier.
12:08Of course, the Mese 109 Pro themselves have a distinct character and color.
12:12the sound in a certain way.
12:15You could plug in completely different headphones and get a different result.
12:19But the fact remains,
12:21the built-in output of the Onkyo is capable of properly driving headphones well above entry level.
12:27And that is the second surprise of this unit.
12:31But there's a problem.
12:32Streaming.
12:34And that's the fly in the ointment.
12:36In my experience, this turned out to be the weakest point of the Musi 40.
12:40If you use just one familiar method, for example, Tidal Connect.
12:46Everything works fine.
12:48No complaints at all.
12:49You launch Tidal.
12:51Select Onkyo.
12:52Listen to music.
12:53No problems.
12:54But when you start experimenting and constantly switching between different network scenarios,
12:59the situation becomes less pleasant.
13:01For example, I tried using the Rune app via Chromecast.
13:05And this is where things were hit and miss.
13:07Sometimes it connects, sometimes it doesn't.
13:10Sometimes the playback freezes.
13:12After that, you switch back to Tidal Connect.
13:15And sometimes the device just wouldn't connect properly anymore.
13:18I had to restart the app.
13:20Sometimes even reboot the Onkyo itself.
13:23So I'd put it this way.
13:25Network features are present here.
13:28And the main scenarios, like Tidal Connect, work well.
13:32But streaming isn't the main advantage of this unit.
13:35And maybe it's not even quite right to consider it a flaw, if you understand the Y40 concept from the
13:41start.
13:42It's not a streamer built with an amplifier around it.
13:46It's a classic integrated amplifier to which a modern streaming module was added.
13:52If streaming is your top priority and you want to constantly experiment with sources, multi-room, apps, Rune, EQs, and
14:01music libraries,
14:02the VM Amp Ultra or EversoloPlay offer a more advanced ecosystem.
14:08But Onkyo responds to this with a completely different set of advantages.
14:18And now, we can answer the question I asked at the very beginning.
14:22Who is the Onkyo Musee 40 made for?
14:25In my opinion, this device is primarily for a music lover who wants a modern system,
14:31but absolutely doesn't want to give up on classic hi-fi philosophy.
14:36And I wouldn't call it a streaming amplifier.
14:38First and foremost, for me, the Onkyo Musee 40 is a great system.
14:42It's a classic integrated amplifier with a modern network module.
14:46And it's precisely this definition that works best.
14:49It best explains the whole unit.
14:51Do you have vinyl? Great.
14:52Got a CD player?
14:54Plug it in.
14:55Got a few more analog sources?
14:57There's room for them too.
14:59Want to put on a nice pair of full-size headphones in the evening?
15:02Go right ahead.
15:03Want to hook up the television?
15:05There's HDMI art.
15:06Want to open Tidal, Spotify, or Kobus on your phone
15:09and play music without a separate streamer.
15:12Go right ahead too.
15:14And all of this is packed into a single compact chassis.
15:17At the same time, you get very decent Class D amplification.
15:21You get a good phono preamp.
15:23A genuinely decent headphone output.
15:25A gorgeous 5, 5.5 inch display with viewmeters, excellent classic design
15:32and a sufficient set of modern network features.
15:36The weak spot for me is the software side and the overall streaming implementation.
15:41After VM and especially Eversolo, it feels rather basic and sometimes less stable.
15:46But I don't think the person this amplifier was made for will spend half the evening inside an app,
15:53like most Zoomers.
15:55It seems to me its owner would rather set their phone down beside them,
16:00put on a record, turn the big volume knob and just listen to the music.
16:05And tomorrow he'll open Tidal on his phone
16:07and stream the album to the amplifier via Tidal Connect just the same.
16:11And in a scenario like this, the Musee 40 truly comes into its own.
16:16In my opinion, this is one of those systems you simply have to hear for yourself.
16:21What do you think?
16:22What matters more to you in a modern amplifier?
16:24The most advanced streaming and apps possible?
16:27Or classic analog inputs?
16:30A good phono stage and physical controls?
16:33Please let me know in the comments.
16:35And of course, visit us at our showroom in Riga.
16:38You can listen to this system for yourself and see if this kind of sound profile is right for you.
16:43This has been Akadi Zenin with Premium Hi-Fi.
16:47We are located in Riga and we connect people with sound.
16:51That's all for now.
16:52And may the force of the sound that's right for you be with you.
16:55Come visit us.
Comments