Help with setting up test environment

[sparky073]

Eventually I would like to setup a multi-room music solution similar to Sonos, controlled from Home Assistant. Music source would primarily be Spotify Premium.

My first step was to setup a test environment, so I can test the capabilities, reliability and controls.

Initially I created a Debian instance running on a Hyper V Virtual machine, as a SnapServer. Then used a couple of Android devices as SnapClients. I got everything connected but could not get any sound to play from any of the clients. Wondered if it was because the virtual machine has no default audio device?

Next I tried to create a SnapServer on my Windows11 laptop, but I'm not knowledgeable in the build process to troubleshoot the problems I was having.

So, I'm reaching for a ELI5 quality guide of how to setup an environment that works with one server and two clients. I have access to Windows PC's and can setup virtual machines. I've got some Android tablets that can be used as clients.