You don’t need HDMI for bitperfect audio output. Many HQPlayer users are using Mac with USB connected DACs.
audio:
[Media Player] --virtual cable product–> [HQPlayer] --USB–> [DAC]
video:
[Media Player] --HDMI–> [display]
Media Player: VLC, my quick search found Elmedia Player, there may be more.
Virual cable product: Blackhole, VB Audio, there may be more.
Search for Blackhole in this thread: Using any audio source with HQPlayer - Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Soundcloud [2023] - #38 by jussi_laako