What digital processor would be suitable?

Hello forum,

I'm having difficulties in identifying my needs for home theatre system components.

For now I have pair of old Vandersteens as L/R, an average Sony receiver and C-200 network player with HDMI. Even with crappy build-in amp, the speakers sound very good to me. But I know they can sound way better, I listened it hooked up to a very good McIntosh amp.

That's why I really would like to use a good amp for the home theatre (with additional speakers of course). If it was only theatre system, I would probably use Sony receiver and don't bother to improve it. But I'd like to use it in stereo-mode as well.

Right now I'm looking into 5 channel Bryston amp to power home t heather sound and use it for stereo as well.

I'm going to use for centre channel Pyramid or Definitive (vanders are too expensive, even used). I'd like to use SVS as a sub.

The questions is:
how do I get a signal for amp from HDMI?

Some receivers have pre-amp outs, but those models are too expensive, the price is almost as an amplifier. Don't see the reason to pay for it more that 1000. In any case I don't need build-in amp.

So, what devices should I look into? Pre-amps with digital processor? Or just digital processors?
What are good brands that would match Bryston specs? The budget on this processor/pre-amp is about 600 bucks.

Thanks!