I don't really undertand why this is an issue. Can you not simply bring the main front channels volume down by 3db in the set-up, or increase the rear channels output by 3db's? Would this not solve the problem?
Phantom center channel volume
For anyone using phantom center channel, Does your processor have sense enough to attenuate the center channel 3dB or does it just send the signal to both the frt l & r? I have yet to find an AVR that isn't 3dB too loud with phantom center. With no center selected in speaker setup one obviously doesn't have any way access volume control of the center channel. I am considering an upgrade to a processor as I have never used the amps in my AVR. Will the processor be any different?