[Chris H]

the Onkyo HT-S894 5.1 suitable for use as an audio-only system? I'm researching the Onkyo HT-S894 5.1 as it gets good reviews and has HDMI connections. I don't want to screw around with buying everything separate and racking up a big price tag for something I probably won't use enough to justify the $$$'s. I like playing rock cd's and radio when not watching tv.

[grindkingtrucks0]

Surround soud isint the only way to listen to music!! yeah but if for audio only your kind of wasting your money becuase audio is 2.1 not 5.1 so your buying stuff you dont need.heres a good setup for musicamp- Onkyo TX-SR604http://www.crutchfield.com/S-N1wzQSp...XS604BSpeakers Pair- Klipsch RB-51 http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/rb-51.aspxSub- Infinity PS-8http://www.crutchfield.com/S-N1wzQSp...0&I=108PS8This is a good music setup you will get better sound than the home theater and if you want to add on later you can buy more speakers.

[Card Modeler]

If you just want noise then theater in a box will do. But if you do enjoy your music and videos and want quality sound the theater in a box should remain in the box. If its a cheap system it will have at least speakers and sound that you will soon grow tired of.Save your money and go to a good audio video store , not the big box chains, tell them what your budget is and you may be surprised that they may come up with a decent sounding system with in your budget and you will go home happy. Don't be scared of these type of stores thinking that they only want to sell you expensive gear. This is their living and they want you to return and maybe buy something more elaborate in the future, this you will only do if you are happy. The other places just want to sell you stuff they don't care if it is good or not.

[lifterus]

If you don't intend to use the HDMI inputs (like from your cable box), then you're paying more money for something you don't need. Furthermore, if you don't have an HDTV with HDMI or DVI inputs, then you certainly don't need it.