Are there any 'affordable' multi-channel network music players with an HDMI output

[SeeMoreDigital]

It can. A Pi 5 is my primary multichannel audio player.

Really!!! How do you control it?

 

[atrocity]

Really!!! How do you control it?

It runs LibreELEC which I control using the Yatse app on my Android phone.

LibreELEC (much like the alternative also discussed here) is an all-in-one operating system and Kodi installation with builds made specifically for the Pi.

I have found the Pi 5 extremely reliable for audio, but it seems to be a step backward from the 4 for video. I realize that's not important to you right now, but I wanted to mention it just in case.

 

[SeeMoreDigital]

It runs LibreELEC which I control using the Yatse app on my Android phone.

LibreELEC (much like the alternative also discussed here) is an all-in-one operating system and Kodi installation with builds made specifically for the Pi.

I have found the Pi 5 extremely reliable for audio, but it seems to be a step backward from the 4 for video. I realize that's not important to you right now, but I wanted to mention it just in case.

Many thanks... This sounds like something I could work with.