Is the Homepod playback delay solved?

Hello, I am running iTunes 12.9 on OS10.14 and still there is a 2s delay between Mac and 'Pod. I understood Apple had the matter in hand, and presumed this issue would be resolved in the several OS updates in the past year but there is no change in the delay on my system ... 'same as it ever was'... Perhaps I have missed something, a default setting or re-set the 'Pod??

Secondly is it safe to get a second Pod now to use as stereo?

I've googled the question but the hits date back to earlier in the year when all the early adopters had this problem. Really grateful if someone can help me 🙂.