TV-> Node (N132) -> Naim Superuniti: Advice on HDMI ARC vs. Optical; & Volume Control

I feel this must have been answered in the community posts already but after some searching I could not find one with a similar situation.

I’m planning to purchase the  Bluesound Node (N132) to modernize the streaming capabilities of my system. My plan is to use the Node as a streamer/transport and feed it into my Naim Superuniti (acting as the DAC + Integrated Amp).

I have a specific use case regarding TV audio and volume control that I need help clarifying before I buy.

My Setup:

• Streamer: Bluesound Node (N132) [Planned]

• Amp/DAC: Naim Superuniti

• TV: Sony Bravia (Regular Channels plus Apple TV 4K)

 I want to use the Node for Qobuz, AirPlay, music stored on my NAS, and TV audio.

My Questions:

1. TV Connection and TV Speakers: HDMI ARC vs. Optical  My wife prefers using the internal TV speakers for casual viewing. Currently, I run an Optical cable from the TV to the Naim. This allows the TV speakers to work independently; if I want better sound, I just activate the optical input on the Naim.

•  If I switch to HDMI eARC/ARC on the Node, will CEC force the TV to mute its internal speakers and route audio only to the Node?

• Can I use HDMI ARC for the convenience (wake-on-LAN, etc.) but still easily revert to TV speakers-only when the HiFi is off, or should I stick to Optical to ensure this flexibility?

• In terms of sound coming from the TV, what are the advantages of HDMI-arc vs Optical? Since its a stereo setup, I am not looking for Dolby Atmos.

2. Node to Naim Connection For the connection between the Node and the Naim Superuniti:

• Is there a consensus on Coax vs. Optical for this specific pairing?

3. Volume Control I would prefer to use the BluOS app (or the Node’s volume slider) as my primary volume control for all sources (Qobuz, TV, etc.), rather than juggling the Naim remote/app. Is this possible? The Superuniti does not have any AV bypass as far as I know.

Thanks.