I'm not an expert on Pro-Logic, but I've had some experience with two Yamaha Pro-Logic receivers (one belonged to a roommate in college, the other I used for 3.5 years or so) and the 1050 and I suspect that part of what you find disappointing in your Pioneer's performance is inherent in Dolby Pro-Logic. Regular stereo signals (not DPL signas) will tend to collapse to the center channel (meaning in some cases much or even all of the information will be fed to the center channel), with nothing sent to the surround channel. It is a limitation that I believe will appear on any Pro-Logic receiver, including the 1050. The only alternatives I'm aware of are custom DSP modes (which may or may not be any better) or Pro-Logic II.

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Gonk