Todd, I think your disappointment has more to do with DSP modes than speakers.
I whole heartedly agree with Curtis. 2 channel matrixed to a center channel sounds detached and not seamless and seems to suck the life out of the music and bass lacks vitality no matter how good the speakers are. I even prefer SACD and DVD-A in 2 channel. There is something about a drum lick or a piano note coming from behind that I don't find quite palpable and realistic. PLII is ok for crappy TV program sound but not much good for music.
