[Matthew]

Reset all audio settings - select only the passthrough options required - don't mess with anything else, Ensure Expert is enabled in Bottom Left as well.

Next TIP: depending on what AML Chipset you have S812, S905 etc - many people are using LibreELEC Kodi Krypton, running entirely from an external SD card in a dual boot configuration to use Kodi properly. You will not want to run Android Kodi ever again.

Otherwise have fun with workarounds, installing, testing, swearing. Then you go and buy another cheap crap Android Firmware box and the buggy cycle repeats itself.
STAY AWAY FROM ROCKCHIP.

You need to read this Post that lists which Android Boxes have proper Android Kodi Krypton, audio passthrough support.
Stop buying Android rubbish or simply use LibreELEC.

Thanks for the info. had a look back through some of the 56 pages of info on this thread could not see anyone talking about a amlogic box (or other Android) that worked.

So what box out of the box works using other chipsets & linux.

For some reason I cannot get my M8S+ to load kodi apks, I have to use the playstore so I may as well just replace it.

Thanks -Matthew.