any pre-pro can give you a phantom center. when programming speaker selection tell the prepro that you don't have a center channel. this is done in the speaker selection menu. all center info is routed to the fronts. you'll have to pay more attention to front speaker placement, but not having a center is ok. especially if only 1-2 people are watching.
i don't think that it makes any difference which prepro you choose in terms of one giving you a better phantom than another other than considerations you would make if you were getting a center channel. in this case factors that provide good stereo imaging, would also provide a good phantom image. when auditioning, have the sales dude turn off the center. this could also help you determine how familiar he is with the equipment.
aloha keith
i don't think that it makes any difference which prepro you choose in terms of one giving you a better phantom than another other than considerations you would make if you were getting a center channel. in this case factors that provide good stereo imaging, would also provide a good phantom image. when auditioning, have the sales dude turn off the center. this could also help you determine how familiar he is with the equipment.
aloha keith