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

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?

This has been a common complaint, even more so since Panasonic Plasma TVs became popular, probably due to their lower price when Pioneer was still around.

Don't forget to check your cable, or satellite box, if one is being used. A lot of them have fixed and variable analog outputs.

Before, even a lot of 20" CRT TVs had them. Some had fixed and variable for a choice. Now you could spend thousands for a new set, and not receive them.

Not everyone wants a home theater surround system on all of their sets.

Hifiharv

Call Music Direct in Chicago. www.musicdirect.com

They will likely have a perfect solution for you on which DAC would work within your budget. All the staff there are top notch and won't steer you wrong.

Whether its Peachtree or musical fidelity or another vendor they will point you in the right direction.