Question Is an Optical Digital input a feature only high end stereo amplifiers have?

[Root602]

Newbie to audio here. My TV's audio outputs are an optical digital out and a headphone jack. I have an old stereo receiver from the 90s and have been using it with an RCA to 3.5mm cable connected to the headphone jack. I am not happy with this setup due to the substandard sound quality and want to upgrade to a real stereo receiver with an optical in. Is the optical input something only found in top of the range receivers? The cheapest stereo receiver I could find with an optical input is $1700.

 

[boju]

Optical is a common feature on avrs, it's surprising you're having trouble. What market are you in?

 

[Root602]

Optical is a common feature on avrs, it's surprising you're having trouble. What market are you in?

Australia.