I have my 1050 connected to a Blu-ray player's 5.1 analog outputs to decode the new HD formats. I'd like to connect the main LR channels to a 2-channel amp that can bring a bit more heat (and which has a HT bypass switch so that the 1050 would control its volume). Is this possible, or are the preamp outputs disabled in 5.1 Direct Mode?

This is absolutely possible - the pre-amp outputs are always active. Just connect the amp to the left/right pre-amp outputs, connect the mains to that amp, and re-visit your speaker trim settings (the left and right will probably need adjusting once they're on the separate amp).

Okay...so I'm not sure what I did differently, but it's working now. The power of positive thinking? Thanks