Looking for 2.1 Digital preamp recommendation

I'm looking to replace a node 2i that failed on me after just 3 years and need some recommendations. I used it as a streamer for Tidal hifi, and used an optical output from my TV to play sound on 2 Tekton impact monitors through some Outlaw monoblocks. I also have a small Dynaudio sub on the system. I use an Apple tv remote to control the volume because the output form my tv is not variable, and the AppleTV does not have an audio output (It just has HDMI, so I use the TV to strip the audio out). I don't need a data bank, or advanced streaming nerdy features, just a optical in, stereo/sub output and a IR based volume control so I can continue to use the Appletv remote, which has high WAF and need to retain. 

So far, I've come across just one unit that fits the bill, the Minidsp Flex, but it has features I dont need and its a pretty hefty $500 - I'd like to pay closer to half that. It doesn't do streaming, which is fine, I can just Bluetooth to it from my phone when I want to play music. I always found the bluOS app annoying anyway - might as well use the tidal app and BT. I'm not sure how all of that HIFI Tidal MQA malarkey works over BT, but its not a big deal as this is not a critical listening setup, its just used 90% for TV for the family.

BTW, I also came across the Amazon Echo Link which is near perfect, but it does not have a remote control option. Thanks all.