So I have the following devices:
- Samsung M3
- (2) Sonos Play:1
- Sonos Play:5
- Sonos One
- (4) Echo dots mix v1 & v2
- (4) Echo v2
- Google Home
- (2) Google minis
I use the Samsung M3 as the main TTS speaker for all home announcements. This is absolutely rock solid thanks to @djgutheinz Samsung driver and app. The device is located in the kitchen above the upper cabinets.
I use the Sonos primarily for music BUT the front door Sonos is used for Welcome Home (@bptworld) greetings.
The Echo devices; using Echo Speaks (@tonesto7), are primarily for voice control throughout the house.
I utilize all Echo speakers, Samsung and Sonos Speakers for severe weather alerts from my NOAA app and also fire/security alarms.
The Google devices were/are to determine voice control in home. I didn’t like Alexa 100% and decided to try Google. Ultimately Alexa is the winner as Google STILL cannot do the many skills that Alexa can do and the issues that everyone seems to be experiencing. So these are slowly going to be removed from the home. Btw if anyone is in need of some devices I am willing to sell the Google Home and (2) minis if interested - just PM me.
So that is the state of what I use. I tried VLC with my tablets that are on the walls throughout the home but the volume absolutely sucks on these Amazon Fire devices. Hence the heavy investment in actually speakers.