Hate this, I need an AV receiver. Help me choose

"Using the speakers in the TV as a quasi center channel so to speak." Ugh. If the front L/R speakers are half way decent I'd think using a phantom or no center would be much preferable with proper setup unless you're sitting well off center (and if you are I'd invest in a decent center speaker and a cheap HT receiver from Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo, etc.). Other than that I agree with Drubin, but get a used DAC with optical input since there's no reason to pay full retail for this application or you might as well get a HT receiver. Worrying about optical vs. SPDIF is relatively insignificant in this application I'd think. Best of luck.

Ok, I looked at two tv's on the web and both had audio out's. Maybe I'm not reading the post correctly.

Slikric, I think what he is saying is that his new TV doesn't have variable outputs. I assume his TV does have outputs. With no variable he would have to adjust the volume on his preamp. If that doesn't have a remote, he has to get up to change the volume when he wants to.

Go to audio repair shops ask them if they have any old receivers for sale I got a onkyo tx6500 mk2 for 150.00 it's the best in the world it's 35 years old and is in great condition I can't believe I got it email me at stevenmeinster@yahoo.com I will help check out my videos on YouTube about home audio eq YouTube stevenmeinster there's about 30 videos of me talking about audio eq and gut airs and sound eq

Thanks all for your ideas so far. Sounds like a cheap DAC with toslink might be the best way to go. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Anyone want to recommend something in particular? I am not bothered by the toslink vs coax debate for this application. If I do choose an AV receiver I will consider Onkyo or Denon probably.
Soix, I know it is a yucky way to get center channel, but TV is (maybe was) low priority to us and it's a good way to get rid of the "hole in the middle" effect when using less than optimum amplification and speakers in a bookshelf.
Slikric, the issue here is that although the TV's do have audio outs, they are digital only, so won't work with old school analog components.
Stevenmeinster, A 35 year old receiver won't have digital inputs so that is no better than the seperates I already have.
I would like to have some input on what low cost DAC might be appropriate here if anyone is still listening. Also, I thought about active speakers like the Quads. I believe they have optical inputs. What do you think about that idea?