Microsystems are practical: Buy everything at once, set it up, and enjoy – at least if you've chosen the right system. However, if important features are missing or the included speakers turn out to be underpowered, the enjoyment won't last long.

With the X-HM76D, Pioneer has done everything to spare you frustration: Feel free to look for gaps in the streaming capabilities of this network CD receiver – you won't find any, but you might learn something new instead. For instance, in addition to free internet radio, there are streaming services that offer you access to millions of titles for a small monthly fee: Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer, all of which are integrated into the X-HM76D.

Or that the SACD audio format DSD can now be downloaded and streamed over the network – thanks to the HiRes-capable DLNA player of the X-HM76D. At this point, you'll notice that the carefully constructed speakers of the X-HM76D and the Class-D amplifier with 2x50 watts of power have considerable potential.

But not only the user, but also the system itself can learn – through free updates. Soon, Google Cast and FireConnect will be available on the network receiver – the former will connect the system with numerous smartphone and tablet apps, while the latter will enable highly convenient multi-room networks. AirPlay and Bluetooth for quick smartphone connectivity are already included in the X-HM76D, as well as integrated dual-band WiFi – after all, you don't always have a LAN cable on hand.