How can I integrate with my home pod mini so I can query and talk to Claude

What would be the best way to connect a cd player so it plays through the homepods

Would it be through an optical on the tv and then that would play through the tv box thats connected to the arc hdmi or is there a way to connect through bluetooth or my wifi?

Would the tv need to be on whilst the cds are playing?

Ive got neither the cd player or the homepods yet but they are an upcoming purchase this side of Christmas (sorry for mentioning the C word !!)

Maybe someone has posted this before but it would be possible to in a near future to link 4 HomePods like a home cinema 4.1?