An Interview With Dafydd Roche

The Amp Hour · 9 Oct 2015 · 1h 24m · Episode 270

What this episode covers

Davith Roche, an Audio Systems Engineer at Texas Instruments (TI) and co-owner of Expat Audio, explains the role of a definition engineer in defining audio chip specifications and managing the trade-offs between performance, cost, and market viability. He details the technical challenges of designing high-performance audio ADCs and amplifiers, such as managing noise floors, distortion, and PCB layout, while debunking audiophile myths regarding cables and subjective listening. Roche also discusses his side project, Expat Audio, where he uses a vintage pick-and-place machine to build DIY audio gear, highlighting the practical lessons learned from manufacturing constraints.

Mentioned

Companies
Texas Instruments, Expat Audio, Burr Brown
Chips
MSP430, PCM186X
Tools
ECM 93
Also
TI E2E Forum

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