This paper describes a global system approach to easily develop, simulate and validate a multi-antennas receiver structure. Our aim is to offer a rapid evaluation for future wireless systems, including promising techniques such as SIMO or MIMO, Software Defined Radio (SDR), OFDM and Interference Cancellation. A particular focus is on the impact of RF front-ends characteristics on the effective performances of a receiver in a realistic environment. A complete connected solution based on Agilent Technologies tools is presented, combining simulations and measurements with realistic conditions. This testbed allows a direct evaluation of all parts of a wireless link with multiple antennas. For instance IQ imbalance and phase noise influence on a four antennas 802.11g receiver is herein exposed.