Jopster;
I have an Onkyo TX-SR 800, which has a "Pure Mode" that bypasses all signal processing circuitry (i.e. tone controls), and shuts off all video circuits that could interfere with the stereo signal. It also bypasses the subwoofer. For most music, I prefer this mode, as it sounds noticably better than stereo mode with the sub. If I really want to hear the bass, I listen in DTS:neo mode, which also sounds very good.
Basically, depending on your receiver, you will have many choices on how you can listen to music with a HT system, experiment with them and find the one you like best!
