Keeping my iPod Classic synched

I have an unmodded iPod Classic 80GB from 2007 which I'd like to keep synchronised when I set up my new Mac Mini. Currently, I'm running a MacBook Pro which I've kept on Mojave (we also have a current iMac) because I cannot get the Music app to recognise my iTunes content correctly. 99% of my content is CD rips or YouTube rips of my vinyl albums (I still have nearly 100 that need to be imported via a USB turntable). I do not wish to get involved with streaming services as they don't (as a rule) have my existing content (many obscure releases, historic classical recordings and the like) plus my access can be spotty if I'm travelling.

As far as I can see, I have the following options:

1. Keep the MacBook running as is
2. Clear the hard drive on my old iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007) running OS X El Capitan keeping iTunes and some other bits and pieces
3. Find a music management software program that runs on the Mac Mini, recognises the iPod Classic and is either free or is a one-off purchase
4. Set up a partition on the Mini running Mojave (or older, I don't mind)

Option 1 has the advantage of keeping the current audio import set up - X-code, yt-dlp and Audacity. (It was a nightmare to get working so I'd rather not go through that again thank you!). The disadvantage is that the MacBook is on its last legs - there's issues with the screen (it had a battery & hard drive upgrade 18 months ago).

Option 2 has the advantage of the slot drive for CD imports. All others require an external drive. The disadvantage is that's very old and slow, and I really shouldn't keep it connected to the internet to sync with iCloud (which I'd want to do for the music). It has some software that I wouldn't mind keeping going - some old games, Eudora for my old email archive, and MS Office (although I mostly use Google Sheets & Docs these days). I'd also need to set up the vinyl import functionality; new digital content can be transferred via iCloud (I don't think yt-dlp is available for El Capitan).

Option 3 seems to be the best if I can find something that will import from my current iTunes library, preserving the metadata.

Option 4 has the advantage of being able to finally scrap my older machines...

Basically, what is the best option that requires the least fiddly input from me?