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

Kal, nothing wrong with that for TV. I have always heard though that coax digital out was preferred by most. I don't use a DAC myself, and there are no other digital components in the TV set up. Simply TV, analog preamp, and power amp because I already had them around from an old system. My Sony TV had variable RCA outs, so I'm used to using these to feed the pre and amp. Using the speakers in the TV as a quasi center channel so to speak. You set the preamp volume for the proper blend and leave it alone. Then control Volume with the TV's remote and it worked quite well.

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?

To Courant and Kal, Thanks for that idea. Is the output for headphone jack really the right level to drive a preamp? i would think it would be too high. This is a great idea though if workable. One TV we considered, a Sony 55" does have mini headphone jack. Not sure about the other one, a Samsung 55".
Also, Kal, thanks for informing me about the DAC compatibility issue, you may have just saved me alot of trouble going down the wrong path because of my "digital dumbness". Thanks again.

Mofimadness, what model Denon is that you like so much?

Thanks Hifitime, I think that model # is the one we are looking at but don't have it here with me at work. According to the store's info, It didn't have analog outs. I'll have to check into this further.