Is it possible to use the Galaxy buds with an S6 ?

[Android Central Question]

H E L P !!!!
I just spent 3 solid days on this. Yes, there are some out there still rockin' the S6. I am running Android 6.0.1, have 128GB and BT 4.1 on-board, and my phone works perfectly.
I get the dialog "Unfortunately, the system UI has stopped" at the instant that the buds try to connect. They pair, but they don't connect. The dialog wont quit as long as the lid is open.
Despite this, I did manage to reset the buds between the dialogs, to no avail.
The earbuds are running version R170XXU0ASC4
The Galaxy Wearable app is v 2.2.24.19031361
The Galaxy Buds Plugin is v 1.1.19040351
I tried all kinds of resets, clearing of caches, removal or disabling of other apps, trying to connect in safemode, removing notification permission of other apps, restoring permissions of other apps (notably the system apps), turning off all power savings, deleting unused apps and cleaning the phone...nothing works :-(
I suspect a conflict of sorts, or perhaps an inherent incompatibility.
Any ideas would be helpful, such as comparison of version numbers or connection experiences...
Thanks !