Hifiverse

Network Amplifiers

A network amplifier is an integrated amplifier with a built-in streamer, so a single box plays music from the home network and drives passive loudspeakers. It cuts the box count in a Hi-Fi system without giving up separate speakers.

John Makovsky

John Makovsky

Audio

Aavik U-301 Unity – a Network Integrated Amplifier with 300 Watts per Channel

Audio Group Denmark has introduced the Aavik U-301 Unity – a new High End all-in-one amplifier. The unit combines a streamer, DAC, preamplifier stage and power amplifier in a single chassis, offering a ready-made centrepiece for a modern stereo system for those who want to reduce the number of components, cables and external connections without giving up a serious level of sound quality.
John Makovsky

John Makovsky

Audio

AVM Ovation AS XL – a Powerful Integrated Amplifier with the X-Stream Engine Digital Platform

Audio Video Manufaktur has introduced the AVM Ovation AS XL integrated amplifier – a reference model combining an analogue amplification section, digital inputs, built-in streaming and the company’s proprietary X-Stream Engine platform. The XL designation refers to the Roman numeral for 40, highlighting AVM’s four decades of experience in developing audiophile amplifiers.
John Makovsky

John Makovsky

Audio

Onkyo Muse – Anniversary Series of Network Integrated Amplifiers with Room EQ

The Japanese company Onkyo was founded in 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the brand introduced the Muse series of compact integrated amplifiers with network streaming support, first unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The Muse series is not a nostalgic look back at the past, but a forward-looking range of audio components aimed squarely at modern use cases and streaming-focused listening. The lineup includes two models: Onkyo Y-50 and Onkyo Y-40.

What network amplifiers are & why they matter

Inside one chassis sit a network streaming module, a DAC (digital-to-analog converter), a preamplifier and a power stage. A wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi link feeds the streamer, and a control app replaces a separate source and its cables. Many models add USB, optical and coaxial inputs for a TV or computer. Owners only add speakers, while a phono stage or an external DAC can still be connected when the amplifier offers spare inputs.

What you'll find in this tag

Here you'll find launch news for streaming integrated amplifiers at several price levels. Aavik describes a high-power design that merges streamer, DAC and preamplifier. AVM covers its reference integrated with the X-Stream Engine digital platform. Onkyo presents two compact anniversary models with streaming and room EQ. Each article lists power, inputs and the digital platform used.

Key models to know

Aavik U-301 Unity - 2 x 300 W into 8 ohms and 2 x 600 W into 4 ohms from Pascal class D modules, with USB support up to 384 kHz and DSD128. AVM Ovation AS XL - the reference integrated of the German brand, with an analogue amplifier section paired with the X-Stream Engine. Onkyo Y-50 and Y-40 - two models from the Muse series built for streaming-first rooms.

Related topics & where to go next

See Streaming & Network Audio, All-in-One Hi-Fi Systems, Roon and TIDAL (Music Streaming Service). Audio Video Manufaktur and Room Correction add brand and DSP context, while Wireless Audio covers cable-free links.