How about KT1025A Bluetooth Chip (Used in BT201 Bluetooth module)？

The KT1025A, used in the BT201 module, is a solid choice for cost-sensitive Bluetooth audio applications. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available information:

👉 KT1025A (BT201) Overview

✅ Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth BLE5.0 and SPP2.1

✅ Audio Features:

🔹16-bit stereo DAC for decent audio output.

🔹Supports basic codecs like MP3, WAV, FLAC, and APE formats, suitable for standard-quality audio streaming.

🔹I2S and PCM interfaces for connecting to external audio components.

🔹Supports external power amplifiers, as you've noted in your previous work with the BT201 for applications like electronic keyboards or voice toys.

✅ Control: UART interface for easy integration with microcontrollers, making it developer-friendly for embedded systems.

✅ Power Consumption: Optimized for low-power applications, ideal for battery-powered devices like toys or small IoT gadgets.

✅ Use Case: Best for budget-friendly projects requiring basic Bluetooth audio, such as smart home devices, voice-activated toys, or simple wireless speakers.

👉 Pros

✅ Cost-Effective: Affordable for mass production, aligning with your focus on cost-sensitive applications.

✅ Ease of Integration: UART control and support for external amplifiers simplify design, as seen in your BT201-based projects.

✅ Compact: The BT201 module is small, making it suitable for space-constrained designs like wearables or IoT devices.

👉 Cons

✅ Basic Features: Lacks advanced DSP or built-in noise cancellation, which may be a drawback for premium audio applications.

👉 Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to high-end chips like the Qualcomm CSR8675 or QCC5125 (recommended previously), the KT1025A is less feature-rich but significantly cheaper and easier to implement for simple audio needs.  It's a better fit for the cases like smart home IoT, voice toys.

👉 Recommendation for Your Use Case

✅ Why It's Suitable: The KT1025A is a great match for your projects, its point to applications in cost-sensitive, low-to-medium complexity devices.  Its support for external amplifiers and UART control aligns well with your needs for integrating with microcontrollers or audio peripherals.

✅ When to Consider Alternatives: If you're exploring higher-quality audio (e.g., for music-focused devices), consider upgrading to a chip like the Qualcomm QCC5125 for future projects.

✅ Development Tips:

🔹Leverage the I2S output for clean audio integration with external DACs or amplifiers, as you've done with the BT201.

🔹Ensure you have access to the KT1025A's datasheet or programming manual for firmware configuration.

🔹Test power consumption thoroughly if targeting battery-powered devices, as this chip is optimized for low power but may vary based on configuration.

If you need specific technical details (e.g., pinouts, firmware setup, or amplifier pairing for the KT1025A) or want to compare it further with another chip, let me know, and I can dig deeper or search for additional resources!