Many of our decisions were based on what we had driver compatibility for. Software ALWAYS took a lot longer to get right at Sonos than hardware, largely because of the huge number of internal and external compatibilities we were required to maintain.

We had a working amp + DAC signal chain with the TPA series, so we reused that. We also had working wifi drivers with the MT7613. Much of my job was convincing the RF people that they didn't need to break out all the RF chains, which would have tipped the product into unprofitable territory.

A lot of the design decisions were based on hardware cost and speed of development. We reused a lot of subcircuits we'd previously validated on other designs.

I concur! Please share some wisdom.