In addition to a slew of new powerhouse home theater receivers, this week at CEDIA Pioneer slipped in a new digital music device called the Music Tap.

The Music Tap (in a $399 Pioneer version and a $479 Elite version) connects users to digital music in a number of ways. First, the systems include built-in AirPlay support to allow wireless streaming of music from and iPod/iPad/iPhone . There’s also a dock for an iPhone or iPod.

The systems include built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet posts for connection to the web. They can connect to a user’s stored music via DLNA (1.5 certified). For web-based cloud music, there’s Internet Radio (via vTuner). Users can also tap into AirPlay supported music services such as Panadora or iHeartRadio.

The devices can be used as a simple multiroom audio system by using AirPlay to simultaneously stream the same music to multiple Music Taps in a home and a AirPlay home theater receiver.

The unit includes a 2.5-inch color LCD display and a pair of passive radiator speakers. The Elite model adds Bluetooth. Both systems will be available in October.

Grant Clauser - Technology and Web Editor, Electronic House

Grant Clauser has been covering home electronics for more than 10 years with editorial roles in several consumer and trade magazines. He's done ISF-level damage to hundreds of reviewed products and has had audio training from Home Acoustics Alliance and Sencore. He's also the author of the book The Trouble with Rivers. Follow him on Twitter @geclauser.