This is my take also: if I ever spend money on good audio, I'll be stuck spending lots of audio for the rest of my life. I'd rather live in the dark and by cheap second hand stuff that's probably not great than never enjoy music again without spending thousands.

If she cares about aesthetics but is fine with the current functions. Maybe there is a way to do some kind of low level mod of the outside that wouldn't mess with the actual sound? I am not a case modder on really any level. But with all the folks that love making stuff "theirs," I would bet there are guides about changing the look of basic speakers. Or even audio shops that do custom builds that could allow for her to get the aesthetics (and even mean more) while keeping the functions that you want to keep. Though I also imagine that it would cost more up-front, but I think that we are going to see stuff that isn't "smart" or requiring accounts tied to apps that will eventually stop working artificially be the most expensive options.

But those "dumb" devices will last many years longer. Just really hate how these current "premium" brands make shit that is both less well made AND constantly sell off our data. Also bullshit that the concept of repairing stuff is being made basically pointless as they make sure it costs around the same or more than buying the new one.