How to get TV audio to ceiling speakers, wireless.

[Diesel Dan]

Looking for options to get TV audio to ceiling speakers that cannot be hard wired to the TV.
Attached pic shows rough layout. The speakers were installed years ago with intent for radio in the kitchen. Wife has a TV where one was never planned for, but it works for her.
Is there a wireless transmitter that hooks to TV and sends signal to a receiver to power the speakers? The speaker wires terminate inside a "utility closet".

 

[kerrynzl]

Do you have a Headphone Jack on your TV?
Connect a Bluetooth transmitter to this

Then us a Bluetooth Amp to power the speakers.

I have a 12v Nobsound NS10 pro bluetooth amp rated at 100w [I tested it to 7.5a draw x 12v = 90w]
My bluetooth Amp is powered by a 12v x 8a computer AC adaptor that has been running 24/7 for 5 years.

Between the AC adaptor and the Amp I used a 12v remote relay to switch it on and off.

Here is the bluetooth amp [I have 3 in my house and one in my 57 Chevy]
They cost me $25 each from Ali-Express



Testing the setup


This is the 12v 8a Computer AC adaptor hidden in a junk cupboard in my kitchen
The Barrel plug goes up into the ceiling crawl space and splits off to 2 Amps


Here is the bluetooth amp with the remote relay hidden under my curtain valances [this can be in the ceiling if needed]
I use a "key fob" to switch it on/off remotely



This is one of the 4 speakers [2 rooms, 2 amps with 2 speakers each]
They were from a Sony Home Theatre system that blew the output IC when the carpet layers short circuited the speaker wires
I made alloy brackets ,laid them sideways and screwed them to the curtain valance framework


This is the overall effect I wanted which is hidden but with a reasonable sound quality [I am not an Audiophile]
It is all behind the curtain valances


I also paired my phone to this amp [when watching TV I need to switch off bluetooth on my phone]
With the TV off there is no signal so it automatically pairs to my phone.

Because I already had the speckers and AC adaptor I am into the whole setup for less than $120 for 2 rooms
That's 2 amps ,2 relays, all the barrel plugs and wall fittings and wire.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I have a 12v Nobsound NS10 pro bluetooth amp rated at 100w [I tested it to 7.5a draw x 12v = 90w]

what is the output power?

 

[kerrynzl]

what is the output power?

The Amp is rated at 2 x 100w [but I am pessimistic about this]
My Amp is limited by 2 x 50w Speakers and a 12v x 8a AC Adaptor [96w] so input and output are compatible

I tested the draw at 12v x 7.5a with a multimeter [90w]
It is a class D amp which is about 90% efficient which = 80w [even at 80% it would be 72w]




@Diesel Dan I am not suggesting you use the exact components I used [but a bluetooth transmitter and Amp will be a solution]
The one I used will put out better sound with a higher input voltage , because it is multi-voltage.
I stuck to 12v because it was compatible with the remote relays

It is loud enough and clear enough for my wife to yell at me to turn down the volume from the other end of the house.

They are only as good as the speakers they're feeding ,and the power supply

 

[BillK]

Dan,
First thing you need to do is take a look at one of the speakers to see what impedance it is. Most older ones are 8 ohms but you never know.

Then you have to see what type of output your TV has. The Samsung we just bought only has HDMI outputs which makes it a little harder to use speakers but not impossible.

Once you know those two items we can give you a better idea of what you need to make it work. Is there an AC outlet in the utility closet ?

 

[dave*99]

Most modern TV's have a Bluetooth transmitter built in. My 5 year old Samsung does. I use this type of amp to receive the Bluetooth signal from the TV and power the speakers. (No I don't believe the power ratings)

If you don't have BT built in, as others have said, transmitters are available - see what options you have to get audio out of the TV. Possibilities include RCA jacks, headphone output, optical, HDMI.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Integrated-Subwoofer-dp-B07JVFY27T/dp/B07JVFY27T/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XSBCCL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Diesel Dan]

Do you have a Headphone Jack on your TV?

Do not believe it does.

Dan,
First thing you need to do is take a look at one of the speakers to see what impedance it is. Most older ones are 8 ohms but you never know.

Then you have to see what type of output your TV has. The Samsung we just bought only has HDMI outputs which makes it a little harder to use speakers but not impossible.

Once you know those two items we can give you a better idea of what you need to make it work. Is there an AC outlet in the utility closet ?

Speakers are 8 ohm JBL AESS5 units(NLA), TV is Samsung UN32M4500BF(2024 model).
Yes, there is A/C power available. That is same area that fiber (FINALLY!) enters and the router is located.

That bluetooth amp looks promising, will have to check into that.

 

[BillK]

Most modern TV's have a Bluetooth transmitter built in. My 5 year old Samsung does. I use this type of amp to receive the Bluetooth signal from the TV and power the speakers. (No I don't believe the power ratings)

If you don't have BT built in, as others have said, transmitters are available - see what options you have to get audio out of the TV. Possibilities include RCA jacks, headphone output, optical, HDMI.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Integrated-Subwoofer-dp-B07JVFY27T/dp/B07JVFY27T/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XSBCCL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just curious, is there any delay using the Bluetooth ? I have not decided what to get for the new Samsung we recently bought and was actually leaning toward some speakers as compared to a sound bar. Even that will probably be overkill. We are not big TV watchers anyway. I would just like something a little better than the built in speakers in the TV.

 

[dave*99]

Just curious, is there any delay using the Bluetooth ? I have not decided what to get for the new Samsung we recently bought and was actually leaning toward some speakers as compared to a sound bar. Even that will probably be overkill. We are not big TV watchers anyway. I would just like something a little better than the built in speakers in the TV.

I do not have delays with my Samsung TV and Fosi amplifier. What is your goal? Good music or good TV sound?

But if a modern TV is your source, consider:
There are some very nice soundbars that provide excellent TV sound, especially when paired with a subwoofer. A good soundbar with Audio Return Channel (eARC) and CEC will can interface well with your TV remote control etc.

Be sure to read reviews etc. eARC and CEC are supposed to be robust and manufacturer independent. But it does not always work that way. I have better luck when both components were manufactured in a similar time frame. A 7 year old TV and a new soundbar....probably not the best case scenario.

 

[kerrynzl]

Most modern TV's have a Bluetooth transmitter built in. My 5 year old Samsung does. I use this type of amp to receive the Bluetooth signal from the TV and power the speakers. (No I don't believe the power ratings)

If you don't have BT built in, as others have said, transmitters are available - see what options you have to get audio out of the TV. Possibilities include RCA jacks, headphone output, optical, HDMI.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Integrated-Subwoofer-dp-B07JVFY27T/dp/B07JVFY27T/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XSBCCL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are good amps.
But the top choice needs a 32v x 18.75a DC feed to get the 600w output [that might be a challenge]

The lower choice is exactly the same output [advertised] as my choice
This would require 19v x 5.25a DC to feed it .
A common Hewlett Packard AC adaptor is 19.5 volts ,so these are readily available

These amps will need to be accessible because of the control knobs [this can be a feature OR a problem]

I chose this for 2 reasons.
1: It was multi volt [9v-24v] and I wanted it to switch on/off via a 12v [only] remote relay
2: No control knobs ... everything was controlled via the input

My motives were "Out of sight" hidden
These amps also have a 3.5 stereo jack so you can plug in a 3.5mm Aux input this disconnects the Bluetooth [unplug it and the bluetooth defaults]

When I installed mine I also dragged a 3.5mm Aux input cable up the wall.
In one room I listen to FM radio via an MP3 player that runs 24/7 using the aux input [I just switch on/off the amp]

The other room is normally bluetooth only [but I still have the Aux option] It is just an Amplified extension of my TV

Ironically the best sound [FM Radio] I get is from using my old Samsung J5 Pro on Radio using the phone's headphone jack to the Aux input

Maybe I am just OCD ,but I dislike wiring across floors or down walls. [My house even has dual USB charger wall outlets in every room]

I also prewired 3.3v LED's in my house to glow when the Amp is running [connected to the remote relay] this is in line of sight beside the TV
If I switch the TV off [no sound] It lets me know the Amp is still on.



@Diesel Dan you need to decide whether you want the system hidden or accessible [control knobs] Before you choose which way to go.
Here is what I used https://www.ebay.com/itm/273395819252 mine is limited to 2 x 50w Sony speakers and 12v x 8a input

 

[dave*99]

Looking for options to get TV audio to ceiling speakers that cannot be hard wired to the TV.
Attached pic shows rough layout. The speakers were installed years ago with intent for radio in the kitchen. Wife has a TV where one was never planned for, but it works for her.
Is there a wireless transmitter that hooks to TV and sends signal to a receiver to power the speakers? The speaker wires terminate inside a "utility closet".

What is the distance between the TV and the equipment location in the utility closet? Bluetooth range only goes so far. Especially when there are walls in the way. There are some longer range items available though.

Don't get too concerned about power amplifier ratings. You mentioned 3 words that drive my comment: Radio, TV, Wife. In my world, that means my wife turns the TV up loud because she can't hear. She turns the radio down when I play music.....
But all in, even 20W per channel will accomplish all that...

And many folks use Sonos or other table top Bluetooth speakers and forgo all the hardwiring of speakers etc.

 

[BillK]

I do not have delays with my Samsung TV and Fosi amplifier. What is your goal? Good music or good TV sound?

Good TV sound. I will probably end up with a sound bar but I must be getting old because the decent ones seem outrageously priced compared to a decent pair of bookshelf speakers.

 

[mrb1]

For just tv sound, how about a Roku soundbar @BillK ? With Prime Days they are $30 off, down to $70. Better sound and all the streaming channels.

Roku on Amazon link


.

 

[Diesel Dan]

What is the distance between the TV and the equipment location in the utility closet? Bluetooth range only goes so far. Especially when there are walls in the way. There are some longer range items available though.

Don't get too concerned about power amplifier ratings. You mentioned 3 words that drive my comment: Radio, TV, Wife.

Distance is about ~25' with one wood/sheet rock wall in between.
It will be for wifes TV in the kitchen, the radio feature never was finished. Been looking at those speakers for years now, lol.

 

[dave*99]

Distance is about ~25' with one wood/sheet rock wall in between.
It will be for wifes TV in the kitchen, the radio feature never was finished. Been looking at those speakers for years now, lol.

Try the Fosi amp. It has an external antenna so it could perform well. Amazon accepts returns….
You can stream music from your phone or an iPad for music. IHeart radio and TuneIn give you radio stations over internet.
There are also music options on the TV.
Or a Roku. Endless possibilities.

 

[Diesel Dan]

You can stream music from your phone or an iPad for music. IHeart radio and TuneIn give you radio stations over internet.
There are also music options on the TV.

I have done none of these, ever, lol.

 

[kerrynzl]

You mentioned 3 words that drive my comment: Radio, TV, Wife. In my world, that means my wife turns the TV up loud because she can't hear. She turns the radio down when I play music.....

Haha! That comment must be universal worldwide . My wife is like that.
Then she complains about my "male selective deafness"

Distance is about ~25' with one wood/sheet rock wall in between.
It will be for wifes TV in the kitchen, the radio feature never was finished. Been looking at those speakers for years now, lol.

I'm OCD about unfinished or non functional **** in my house.

Try the Fosi amp. It has an external antenna so it could perform well. Amazon accepts returns….
You can stream music from your phone or an iPad for music. IHeart radio and TuneIn give you radio stations over internet.
There are also music options on the TV.
Or a Roku. Endless possibilities.

That would depend on which one he chooses.
The 600w is too much for his JBL speakers, the 100w is a bit low but it would sound OK[ish]

The big question is where do the other end of the speaker wires end?
[Do they end in the ceiling or down the wall]

If @Diesel Dan has the speaker wires at a wall outlet [near a 110v socket] it would be a no brainer. Use the Fosi amp with the correct AC adaptor.
All the controls are accessible.

If the speaker wires end up inside the ceiling ,the Amp can be placed up there [but the controls become redundant]
These systems are cheap ....... But it's the installation that costs $$$ [so it needs to be DIY or it is not worth it]

With me in NZ ,running 12v DC and speaker wires throughout the house is exempt from any codes [I have 3 amps, and 4 cameras that are all 12v]

 

[dave*99]

If @Diesel Dan has the speaker wires at a wall outlet [near a 110v socket] it would be a no brainer. Use the Fosi amp with the correct AC adaptor.
All the controls are accessible.

Yes, there is A/C power available. That is same area that fiber (FINALLY!) enters and the router is located.

I think we are looking at 2 speakers over the kitchen island with a TV in the corner. There are 2 unused speakers in the ceiling and it's bugging the hell out of Dan because he installed them and never finished hooking them up.

If this were my world, my wife would say the TV is fine the way it is. Why are you bothering. But I'm with Dan. Hook 'em up. Given the intended use, even a clock radio would have enough power to drive them.

 

[dave*99]

One word of caution about the Fosi amp and TV setup. My amp and TV are in a family room used primarily by my wife. I have some very nice speakers located under the TV and connected to the amp. The Samsung TV connects to the amp via Bluetooth.

Many times I find when the TV starts up and a pop up appears asking if you want to use Bluetooth (to the Fosi). If you ignore it (as my wife often does) the sound reverts to the TV speakers. When I walk in the room and ask why it sounds like ****.......she says she can't hear the difference. UGH.

 

[Diesel Dan]

I'm OCD about unfinished or non functional **** in my house.


The big question is where do the other end of the speaker wires end?
[Do they end in the ceiling or down the wall]

Tends to happen when you get burned out on a big project. I did a lot of the work building this house by myself. All the property grade work, digging the footers, hand digging trenches for plumbing with pickaxe in 100* heat, 3/4 of all the framing, settings doors/windows on a two story, all the plumbing, electric, HVAC, sheetrock, exterior siding etc

The speaker wires terminate into a closet/utility area and easily accessible and 120V is available in that space.

The shop is full of unfinished projects. Those get put on the back burner for wifes projects like garden area, greenhouse, she-shed, mini cows etc.

I think we are looking at 2 speakers over the kitchen island with a TV in the corner. There are 2 unused speakers in the ceiling and it's bugging the hell out of Dan because he installed them and never finished hooking them up.

If this were my world, my wife would say the TV is fine the way it is. Why are you bothering. But I'm with Dan. Hook 'em up. Given the intended use, even a clock radio would have enough power to drive them.

Yes, the speakers are aimed towards the work area. Intent was so she could listen to her music. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it was this simple. She has asked for me to hook them up for a long time. When I built the house a tv in that location was never thought of or I'd have run the wires to that spot.

In the living room I put wires in the walls for surround sound speakers with rear sub woofer....never hooked it up either. At least those wall boxes have cover plates for a "finished" appearance. Now for that, she claims not interested.

 

[Skellyii]

One word of caution about the Fosi amp and TV setup. My amp and TV are in a family room used primarily by my wife. I have some very nice speakers located under the TV and connected to the amp. The Samsung TV connects to the amp via Bluetooth.

Many times I find when the TV starts up and a pop up appears asking if you want to use Bluetooth (to the Fosi). If you ignore it (as my wife often does) the sound reverts to the TV speakers. When I walk in the room and ask why it sounds like ****.......she says she can't hear the difference. UGH.

I have an older Samsung TV in the bedroom running bluetooth speakers. If you futz around in the settings, you can automatically connect via BT without the popup.

 

[dave*99]

@Diesel Dan what is your and your wife's tolerance for technology? We have discussed using a Fosi amp, TV and for music you can use iHeart radio and TuneIn apps on your phone or a tablet.

Here is something to consider. If you are sending radio to the Fosi from your cell phone and you walk out of the room, you lose Bluetooth signal and the music stops. Some folks use an older phone or a tablet that stays in the kitchen to avoid this disconnect for music.

I personally don't like that method. I'd rather have an amp the connects to the internet to receive music directly. And the app on my phone is a remote control for that system. I set the volume and pick the music source. But I can walk away without issues. That type of streaming requires a more sophisticated streamer. You can plug a more sophisticated streamer into the Fosi amp, but you may need to actuate a switch to go from Bluetooth to the audio input jacks.

I use something like this, it is an amplifier, Bluetooth receiver and internet streamer all in one.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-rSVg7DYq0Pp/p_813NODENNO/Bluesound-NODE-NANO.html?XVINQ=GLX&XVVer=1JSP&awcr=710379323004&awdv=c&awnw=g&awug=9003778&awkw=pla-2342122760777&awmt=&awat=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18596593409&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl5jHBhDHARIsAB0YqjxrUlNcdp6sRkGRLqcwi3SoXYDqrb1PJ30elztUEBXsCJhPuV8rp7gaAsA3EALw_wcB

 

[Diesel Dan]

@Diesel Dan what is your and your wife's tolerance for technology? We have discussed using a Fosi amp, TV and for music you can use iHeart radio and TuneIn apps on your phone or a tablet.

Have minimal apps on my phone, never owned an Iphone, currently Samsung XcoverPro.
Not a programmer at heart so but have built my own gaming towers and can repair my own laptops. She uses more apps than I do, ironically, I was probably more interested in tech 20 yrs ago than now.
Ordered the Fosi amp, wished I'd have asked about it years ago. But, we've just recently gained high speed internet access for first time in 10 yrs.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Fosi amp showed up.
Made a little shelf for it, wired everything up, powered it up. Went to TV spent much time playing with the menu, even accessing the hidden settings screen only to find out.....I have a MY2024 Samsung TV without built in bluetooth......

At least the TPMS reset tool worked, so that's a win for today,

 

[dave*99]

Fosi amp showed up.
Made a little shelf for it, wired everything up, powered it up. Went to TV spent much time playing with the menu, even accessing the hidden settings screen only to find out.....I have a MY2024 Samsung TV without built in bluetooth......

At least the TPMS reset tool worked, so that's a win for today,

Get some satisfaction while you figure out which transmitter to order.
Download iHeart Radio and TuneIn apps on your wife's phone and play radio stations.

What connections are available on the Samsung?

 

[Skellyii]

Fosi amp showed up.
Made a little shelf for it, wired everything up, powered it up. Went to TV spent much time playing with the menu, even accessing the hidden settings screen only to find out.....I have a MY2024 Samsung TV without built in bluetooth......

At least the TPMS reset tool worked, so that's a win for today,

Wow!

I never would have thought that a recent TV wouldn't have BT

Does it have eARC??

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Fosi amp showed up.
Made a little shelf for it, wired everything up, powered it up. Went to TV spent much time playing with the menu, even accessing the hidden settings screen only to find out.....I have a MY2024 Samsung TV without built in bluetooth......

At least the TPMS reset tool worked, so that's a win for today,

If you have some kind of audio output (HDMI arc, Toslink/optical) you can connect this to a a bluetooth transmitter with the appropriate connections.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Get some satisfaction while you figure out which transmitter to order.
Download iHeart Radio and TuneIn apps on your wife's phone and play radio stations.

What connections are available on the Samsung?

Tested it with my Samsung music app thru my phone. Speakers work!
Wife isn't interested in playing music over them.......just going to step around that one......

TV has standard speaker jacks and optical output

Wow!

I never would have thought that a recent TV wouldn't have BT

Does it have eARC??

Yeah, no BT was a surprise.
Not familiar with eARC, will have to look into it.

If you have some kind of audio output (HDMI arc, Toslink/optical) you can connect this to a a bluetooth transmitter with the appropriate connections.

Has an optical output, BT transmitter will be on the list.

 

[dave*99]

The optical output will be fixed volume level. The TV remote will not control volume of the Fosi amp.
Let’s explore the speaker jacks. Are they speaker jacks (less common) or line level audio outputs (more common). We need to know if they are controlled by the TV volume or at a fixed level.

Another option to explore is an ARC (audio return channel) or eARC audio extractor paired with a Bluetooth transmitter. Although I might consider upgrading my TV before I got into all that. This stuff gets messy fast.

If you are ok with controlling the Fosi amp with its volume control knob you can ignore this post.

 

[Diesel Dan]

The optical output will be fixed volume level. The TV remote will not control volume of the Fosi amp.
Let’s explore the speaker jacks. Are they speaker jacks (less common) or line level audio outputs (more common). We need to know if they are controlled by the TV volume or at a fixed level.

Another option to explore is an ARC (audio return channel) or eARC audio extractor paired with a Bluetooth transmitter. Although I might consider upgrading my TV before I got into all that. This stuff gets messy fast.

If you are ok with controlling the Fosi amp with its volume control knob you can ignore this post.

Does this help?
I don't have any external speakers to plug in and see if the outputs are controlled by the TV.
Specs don't even mention BT, yes or no.

 

[dave*99]

I see optical. Not sure what multi room link is.
The RCA jacks are inputs. No speaker outputs are in the photo.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

optical it is then

 

[dave*99]

optical it is then

He does have ARC so he could :

Another option to explore is an ARC (audio return channel) or eARC audio extractor paired with a Bluetooth transmitter. Although I might consider upgrading my TV before I got into all that. This stuff gets messy fast.

 

[kerrynzl]

Fosi amp showed up.
Made a little shelf for it, wired everything up, powered it up. Went to TV spent much time playing with the menu, even accessing the hidden settings screen only to find out.....I have a MY2024 Samsung TV without built in bluetooth......

At least the TPMS reset tool worked, so that's a win for today,

Thats why I asked about having a headphone jack [Aux 3.5mm output]

You can buy bluetooth transmitters that you plug a 3.5mm male cable into.
Most of these stupid things are battery powered

BUT
You can also buy these bluetooth Transmitter /Receivers that plug into a USB port on the TV [but you still need a signal into it via a 3.5 mm cable]
But they stay powered by the TV even on standby. [You can also plug these into a USB Charger 24/7]



These are available for $6-10 on Aliexpress etc [Search Bluetooth transmitter]
The downside is the range is about 10m [10 yards] so if your tv is close [ish] to the AMP you'll be ok.

I had one of these ^^^^ and an MP3 player [on FM] running 24/7 [I only switched on /off my amp]

I also have a Long range bluetooth transmitter which can transmit all over my property



You can leave them plugged in 24/7 but there is ONE PROBLEM [for me]
As soon as you switch off the AMP [or what it is paired to] it Automatically switched off after 5 minutes.
So you need to physically switch it on again.

My MP3 FM radio via the USB transmitter can stay on 24/7 even when I switch off the AMP.
This also applies to my Sony TV , the USB port stays powered on even when the TV is on standby/off
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understand my motives for a Nobsound vs your choice of a Fosi are different
I needed 12v so I could use a 12v remote relay to switch it on/off
The relay was connected in series between the 12v source and the Amp [12v Barrel plug]

I want my sound system to be switched on/off via a Fob [and totally out of sight]
Mine doesn't automatically switch off if it doesn't receive a signal after 5 minutes [some Amps do this]

 

[dave*99]

Thats why I asked about having a headphone jack [Aux 3.5mm output]

You can buy bluetooth transmitters that you plug a 3.5mm male cable into.

Not listed here:

 

[kerrynzl]

Tested it with my Samsung music app thru my phone. Speakers work!

Has an optical output, BT transmitter will be on the list.

Try this

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006600622902.html?spm=a2g0o.tesla.0.0.5872ciAlciAlH3&afTraceInfo=1005006600622902__pc__c_ppc_item_bridge_pc_main__93Fv5AK__1760402232211

Plug this into the TV's USB port [for power] or a USB Charger near the TV outlet.
Then plug in an optical cable

 

[Diesel Dan]

Well, the optical output/USB didn't work. Could hear the unit pair with the Fosi amp but no sound.
After chatting with samsung tech support, I'm thinking it's going to be easier to just upgrade to a UN32F6000FFXZA model with build in bluetooth cabability.

 

[dave*99]

Well, the optical output/USB didn't work. Could hear the unit pair with the Fosi amp but no sound.
After chatting with samsung tech support, I'm thinking it's going to be easier to just upgrade to a UN32F6000FFXZA model with build in bluetooth cabability.

I agree a tv with built in Bluetooth will be easier. And the volume on the tv remote will control level.

One additional thought on the current set up: did you set the audio format to PCM?

 

[Diesel Dan]

I agree a tv with built in Bluetooth will be easier. And the volume on the tv remote will control level.

One additional thought on the current set up: did you set the audio format to PCM?

Used the optical setting.
New TV is cheap enough, $180. The non-BT model will go in the wifes hobby room (doesn't need remote speakers) and replace an older 32" Insignia model. Now that we have internet we like the Samsung TV channels. We have 50 & 65" Samsungs in other rooms so it'll extend commonality between the rooms.

I do appreciate all the help.