Looking for 2.1 Digital preamp recommendation

Ok, so the new apple tv doesn’t have optical output so I need to use my Samsung tv to strip the audio layer out for a preamp. This is not a critical listening setup, so you are right, I could actually jsut stream to the apple tv directly, but the Samsung DACS are in that signal path, so ideally I’d get a preamp with BT/ethernet/wifi capability and nice DACs, but again, thats a 10% use case. I mostly just want to watch tv.

I identified two options so far, not sure if they are optimal..

The Emotiva BasX TA1 would work, but its a bit large and ugly and I’m not an emotiva fan. :)

There is the Yamaha WXC-50 which looks pretty good, and not a terrible price. I'm likely going to end up with this device.

I’m not really in love with either, still looking for more slick options..

The other option would be to use Apple Music and just use the ATV as your streamer.  Whatever benefits Tidal might have over Apple Music won’t be perceptible over BT.

My Apple TV’s are getting a bit long in the tooth, so you might have a newer version, but mine both have optical outputs, which I don’t use.  I am confused about your needs.  You are ok with a Bluetooth streamer?  That will be a step down from the Node, just so you know.  I would look at the Audioengine Bluetooth DACs.  They are in your price range and I think they have Optical inputs as well.  
 You could always just get a cheap AVR and use the preamp stage only

Oh, I did more looking.. Did you mean the Zpre3? 

That is nice too, but doesn't have an optical input for the TV or BT input for streaming.

@mahler123 NewClassic 200 Pre  - Looks perfect! 

Unfortunately, its $1000. :(

Didn't Parasound make some kind of smallish preamp?  I haven't look at it in a while...