Preamp with HDMI inputs

Hi there. I'm looking to upgrade my preamp. Would love some advice! My current set up:
Ohm Walsh 1000 speakersParasound HCA1000A amp (225 watts)Parasound PHP800 preamp
The problem is that I literally _only_ listen to music via Airplay at this point. The input is my Apple TV, running through a fairly budget Benq projector. Since the preamp has no HDMI inputs, I'm running analog audio directly out of the projector into my preamp. Kinda shitty I'd imagine due to the bad DAC on the projector and the noise coming from the fan in there.

I definitely want to keep my amp. I'm not interested in surround sound or a subwoofer. What I'm looking for is a preamp (or integrated/receiver with pre-outs) that has HDMI inputs and outputs. I'd be fine with getting a HT receiver and just not using the additional channels, but am most focused on stereo quality. Budget is ~$500 and definitely happy to go used.

I've found a few products that meet the bill. Frankly, they seem like they are all clones of each other:

Denon DRA-800H
Marantz NR1200Integra DTM-7
Onkyo TX-8270
For each of those except the Marantz, there are only pre-outs for zone 2, but I don't see why I can't have zone 2 just be my main zone. Of all of these, seems like the Denon is the best option. It seems like the Denon and Marantz have a DAC per channel (the others don't), which might be more pure.

Bumping up to about 1K, there are some NAD products that could work.

I'm wondering:

* anyone have thoughts on these particular products?* is there _really_ any reason why I shouldn't get some 5.1 HT behemoth that has pre-outs and just use that?
* are there any products that are a few years older that would fit the bill that I can get used?
* any other things I'm not thinking of?

Thanks!