While having a network connection on the pre-pro isn't mandatory, you've got to admit that it has become de rigeur for mid-tier and higher end consumer gear. Would I use it? Probably not. However, it does open up some opportunities:
1. painless network firmware upgrades 2. streaming media from local devices over the network (pads/phones/NAS/etc) 3. alternate control method for the unit (there's nifty android and Iphone/Ipad remote control software out there for a wide variety of receivers)
Not a deal breaker for me, either, but I probably would use it, especially for the things you mention, even if there are well-known alternatives for the first two. And over time, I think I would miss the option of bi-directional network control, for which the 978 offers no alternative (see the Emotiva XMC-1, for comparison).
Things have changed since the Model 978 was first announced; I suspect that the lack of a network connection will be a sore spot for many.
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