# An Interview With Dafydd Roche

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2015-10-09
- Length: 1h 24m
- Episode: 270
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/270-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche/

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=0) Introduction: Davith Roche and Expat Audio
- [2:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=148) The Role of a Definition Engineer at TI
- [7:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=428) Audio Chip Design: Power, Noise, and Headroom
- [11:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=664) Audio Specs: Bits, Dynamic Range, and THD
- [15:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=909) Data Sheets, Patents, and Silicon Reuse
- [28:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=1707) Expat Audio and the Pick-and-Place Machine
- [36:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=2168) Reference Designs and Customer Support
- [45:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=2731) Audiophile Myths: PMPO, Cables, and Listening
- [58:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=3517) High-End Audio: Speakers, DACs, and System Design
- [1:17:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-09-an-interview-with-dafydd-roche#t=4646) Future of Expat Audio and Community Engagement

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises, founders before launch

## Mentioned

- Texas Instruments (company)
- Expat Audio (company)
- Burr Brown (company)
- MSP430 (chip)
- PCM186X (chip)
- ECM 93 (tool)
- TI E2E Forum (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [398: Clocks Get Into Everything](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-01-14-398-clocks-get-into-everything) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41) (The Spark Gap)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-08-20-the-spark-gap-episode-10) (The Spark Gap)
- [Top 10 Product Design Mistakes You Must Avoid](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-07-05-top-10-product-design-mistakes-you-must-avoid) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [379: Monstrous Cable Corporation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-07-08-379-monstrous-cable-corporation) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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