> you're basically relegated to Sonos or a smart speaker (which I do not want).
I use dumb bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth support. Mine are "Edifier" brand, but there are others. Works perfectly. (at least as "perfect" as BT can ever get) No apps or smart stuff, beyond BT.
On the other hand, when I'm trying to comprehend how to get audio from a TV into them, then I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. I found one of the few remaining TVs with a headphone out, so I can use that. Next time my TV breaks, I guess I'll have to learn what is actually going with HDMI. Connecting arbitrary speakers to a TV seems like an arcane mystery.
The problem with Bluetooth is it doesn't have a really good audio codec. I really like the Sonos model of being a server that doesn't require a connected device to work as well.
I have a lot of problems with bluetooth, including connection troubleshooting, latency, and getting notification sounds on top of the media stream.
I've never heard a problem with fidelity before, and I am often picky about that. Like I can't stand the sound of satellite radio. Codec sounds horrible to me.
I use dumb bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth support. Mine are "Edifier" brand, but there are others. Works perfectly. (at least as "perfect" as BT can ever get) No apps or smart stuff, beyond BT.
On the other hand, when I'm trying to comprehend how to get audio from a TV into them, then I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. I found one of the few remaining TVs with a headphone out, so I can use that. Next time my TV breaks, I guess I'll have to learn what is actually going with HDMI. Connecting arbitrary speakers to a TV seems like an arcane mystery.