Integrated speakers in TVs have never been good, but as TVs get thinner, the speakers get worse.

In theory, HDMI-CEC might make it possible to control everything with any device's remote. My TVs are too old for that to work properly though. The receiver should come with a universal remote, which may work for you. I'm happier with the logitech harmony non-touchscreen remotes; model 665 has a nice shape, and the screen is useful for picking activities amd using functions that are hard to map. The configuration software is torturous, however. If you're using an IR remote like the harmony 665, you'll want to group components for easier aiming.

My way requires a separate receiver but at least not a separate remote... TV speakers just weren't enough for me.

I have a 6+ year old dumb panel that has S/PDIF and RCA "audio out" connectors.

I run HDMI from a Pi to my TV, then S/PDIF to a receiver for full surround sound. Volume control is either done through the TV remote or Kodi, the receiver stays on 24/7. With CEC, the TV remote can also control Kodi.

Personally, I'm fine having several remotes, but I realize that most people would prefer not to.

My setup is a stereo receiver plugged into the display's stereo out. A Linux desktop, RPI4 (for Kodi), and a PS2 (via a component->HDMI converter) all plug into the display, so all audio is device->display-> receiver, except for the PS2 which is optical S/PDIF. All HDMI devices end up on the same channel on the receiver.

I keep the volume on the receiver at a pretty neutral level, so I don't often use the receiver remote, instead using volume control on the display remote. Of course, when I want to play CDs/cassettes/records I can't use the display remote...

If anybody has any recommendations for a good universal remote, I'd love to hear them! Nothing I've found works well with my receiver (HK 3490). Of course, I also don't want the remote to have WiFi or Bluetooth.

My setup is to use optical out from my HDMI splitter to a Sonos sound bar. The sound bar can remap its volume up/down to respond to arbitrary remote input, so I use a couple otherwise unused buttons on my $20 remote from Best Buy.

If you can find one that supports ARC you can control your receiver and TV with a single remote.

Next time around I'm planning on going the monitor/commercial display route too.