Scuby:
Not sure about all AVR's and not sure about your new one but many have an option to switch to 2 channel. In this mode, only the two mains and the sub will operate hence giving you your 2 ch stereo system in the same room and in the same system as your HT system. I have a Rotel AVR and I'm constantly switching back and forth when in music mode !! I believe there is a listening sweet spot in HT systems as is in 2 channel. It may be a bit more forgiving but there is an optimum seating location in a 5.1 or 7.1 HT system. To answer your question, it's probably less obvious when sitting outside the optimum spot when in HT mode watching a movie. Listening to music in surround sound is a different situation. Just my humble opinion.
Not sure about all AVR's and not sure about your new one but many have an option to switch to 2 channel. In this mode, only the two mains and the sub will operate hence giving you your 2 ch stereo system in the same room and in the same system as your HT system. I have a Rotel AVR and I'm constantly switching back and forth when in music mode !! I believe there is a listening sweet spot in HT systems as is in 2 channel. It may be a bit more forgiving but there is an optimum seating location in a 5.1 or 7.1 HT system. To answer your question, it's probably less obvious when sitting outside the optimum spot when in HT mode watching a movie. Listening to music in surround sound is a different situation. Just my humble opinion.