Stepping Into Sound: My First Look At Onkyo’s 80th Anniversary Showcase At CES 2026
As I walked into the Onkyo booth at CES 2026, the buzz of the show floor seemed to fade away. What greeted me wasn’t just a display of audio gear—it was a celebration of 80 years of craftsmanship, design, and sound innovation. Onkyo has long been a legend in high-fidelity audio, but here, in this carefully curated space, it felt like the brand was telling its story loud and clear: the past is honored, and the future is audacious.
The first thing that caught my eye was the limited-edition Muse Series network streamer and integrated amplifier. Its champagne-gold aluminum chassis, flanked by real walnut veneer, looked like something out of a mid-century design catalog—but with a modern twist. I couldn’t resist touching the central volume knob; it felt substantial, deliberate, and intuitive. And then I heard it: streaming a high-resolution track, the sound was rich, warm, and incredibly detailed—classic Onkyo craftsmanship with a contemporary pulse.
Next, I moved to the Creator Series anniversary speakers, the GX-30 and GX-10. These desktop-friendly gems are inspired by the legendary D-200s, and the tribute is unmistakable. The PVC walnut cabinetry paired with silver trim rings gave them a refined, almost furniture-like presence, while the black baffles and sleek stands added a bold, professional edge. Listening to them was revelatory—the sound was balanced, expansive, and engaging, filling the booth in a way that made me forget I was in the middle of CES chaos.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. Onkyo also unveiled tabletop speaker concepts that push the Creator Series into new territory. Compact yet commanding, these speakers combined stunning design—modern illuminated accents, elegant enclosures—with room-filling sound. The tactile central knob invites you to interact with the music in a way that feels immediate and satisfying, a rare joy in an increasingly touchless, app-driven audio world.
Finally, I got a glimpse of Onkyo’s next-generation home theater vision. Conceptual TX and RZ Series processors and receivers promise monumental multi-channel performance—up to 15-channel processing with 11-channel amplification. Even in prototype form, these units exuded power, and I could see how THX® Certified Dominus™, Dirac ART, and Auracast™ integrations could transform a living room into a cinematic powerhouse. It’s clear Onkyo isn’t just chasing specs—they’re designing experiences.
Walking out of the booth, I felt the full weight of Onkyo’s 80-year legacy, paired with undeniable excitement for what’s next. From collector-grade limited editions to cutting-edge home theater concepts, this was a showcase that made me stop and listen and then listen again. If this is the direction Onkyo is heading, the next decade of audio innovation looks brighter—and louder—than ever.
For more information, visit www.onkyo.com.
See also: Focal At CES 2026: Redefining Home Audio From Compact Systems To Flagship Hi-Fi