I feel really stupid. I didn't even think to try the other sound modes. I have been looking through the user guide and after you sent me back to those pages, it all clicked. So I went to a different surround mode and immediately was hearing it all correctly.
And wow - yes, it's amazing...
I am racking my brains here. My configuration is in the subject but I'll repeat.
DirecTV Genie (latest, just installed) to TV via HDMI. Then I go TV to Marantz receiver (SR7012) with Optical for audio.
I've got a powered sub, a center, 2 fronts, 2 surrounds and 2 back surrounds all connected...