I would love some smart speakers but I find them pricey as well.

I'm using a Chromecast audio with an old pair of speakers on a smart plug. The speakers are old enough that it only has an IR remote.

I have it setup so:

• Chromecast is detected as Playing, speakers turn on.
• IR blaster sends commands to set the volume and bass level I like.
• Dashboard displays additional buttons for controlling volume via IR blaster.
• If Chromecast stops casting, the speakers turn off and buttons on dashboard disappear.

Main reason it's setup this way is I already had the old speakers and getting a Chromecast audio and IR blaster was much cheaper than getting good smart speakers. Although you're right it would be much simpler if I just get some decent smart speakers.