Summary of Reddit Comments on "connecting to Chromecast Audio stuck"

Chromecast Audio:

• Discontinued product but still available on eBay as the cheapest option. ("Honestly, ebay Chromecast Audio is your CHEAPEST option.")
• Quirks with volume control, but generally fine for streaming. ("I went with Chromecast and HDMI extractor. It's fine, but has some quirks with volume control depending on which version of Chromecast I'm using.")
• Can simultaneously stream to multiple stereos. ("Im running chromcast on 3 stereos Simultaneously")
• Available at Walmart for around $25 in the US. ("Chromcast is at walmart $ 25 us dollars today .. about $35 Canadian")
• Works well with YouTube Music and Google Home. ("Quirky when playing YouTube, but YouTube music works fine and nice with a Google Home to just direct it to a stereo.")
• Some users suggest using an HDMI Extractor for improved performance. ("thanks those of you in the posts that said to use an HDMI audio extractor.")
• Possible to find legitimate Chromecast Audios on eBay for around $60. ("You can get them on eBay for around $60 that’s your best bet")
• Need additional accessories like a DAC to output a digital signal. ("You can use a 3.5mm spdif connector to get it to output a digital signal so you don't even have to use its crappy DAC/amp.")
• Speculations on a potential Chromecast Audio successor. ("Not overly helpful as it's a rumor but [link to article]")

Google Home/Google Home Mini:

• Offers control and setup options for Chromecast Audio. ("Im running chromcast on 3 stereos Simultaneously")

Other Suggestions:

• Consider buying a new audio receiver with Chromecast built-in if budget allows. ("Chromecast Audio was discontinued. If your budget allows, buy a new audio receiver with Chromecast built in. It's the simplest setup.")
• Use an HDMI Extractor for improved performance. ("thanks those of you in the posts that said to use a hdmi audio extractor.... going to be nice to have this option now.")
• Consider alternatives like Raspberry Pi for Chromecast functions or Spotify Connect, Airplay, and Bluetooth methods. ("There are some guides out there to do it with a Raspberry Pi.")
• Issues with WiFi connectivity and setup have been reported, especially with iOS devices. ("The same thing happened to me the other day! I'm guessing you're setting up using an iOS device.")

Overall, Chromecast Audio remains a popular choice for streaming music to multiple stereos simultaneously, with alternative options and workarounds available for setup and performance enhancements. Users recommend checking eBay for available units and exploring additional accessories like HDMI Extractors for improved functionality. Various connectivity issues have been reported, particularly with iOS devices, so troubleshooting may be necessary for a smooth setup process.