Apogee Electronics Groove – 24-Bit 192 kHz USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier For Mac and PC

Designed for the discerning audiophile, mixing, and mastering engineer alike, the Apogee Groove is a 24-bit 192 kHz USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier for both Mac and PC computer systems. The DAC is powered by your computer’s USB bus and can be used with either headphones or powered monitors using a Y cable from the unit’s 1/8″ stereo output.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and built in the USA from premium aluminium, the device leverages an 8-convertor ESS Sabre 32-Bit DAC chip in a novel Quad Sum arrangement. Both the left and right channels of the stereo feed utilise four digital to analogue convertors which are summed together to lower distortion and improve dynamic range. The device also implements a Constant Current Drive design which provides ample power at any impedance and ensures a smooth and balanced frequency response.

Simply connect the unit to your Mac or PC computer via the included USB micro B cable to enhance the listening experience of your favourite DAW or music programme such as iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandoura, and more. LED illuminated volume up and volume down/mute buttons provide hands on control of your listening experience. An integrated leash loop allows you to attach a leash to the unit to help keep it safe. It also comes with a convenient carrying pouch.

Key Features:
Quad Sum DAC
Utilises four digital to analogue convertors per channel for reduced distortion and improved dynamic range

Constant Current Drive
Ensures ample power and a smooth frequency response to headphones of different impedance

Recommended Headphones

Sennheiser HD 800
Sennheiser HD 650
Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
Sennheiser Momentum
Specifications
Mac System Requirements Computer: Intel Mac 1.5 GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
OS: 10.8 or greater
Connection and Power: Any available USB port
Driver: Mac Core Audio. No download or installation necessary
PC System Requirements PC or laptop manufactured after January 2006
Intel Core 2 @ 1.6 GHz or AMD equivalent
Memory: 1 GB RAM minimum
Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit)
Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit)
Windows 8.1 (32 and 64 bit)
Connection and Power: Any available USB port
Driver: Register to download from Apogee’s website
I/O 1x USB Micro B
1x 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo
D/A Convertor
Resolution Up to 24-bit at 192 kHz
Chip 8-channel ESS DAC (4 DACs per channel)
THD+N 600 ohm load at 16 dBu: -107 dB
30 ohm load at 10.5 dBu: -100 dB
Dynamic Range 117 dB (a-weighted)
Frequency Response 10 to 20,000 Hz ±0.2 dB
Max Output Into 30 ohms: 225 mW
Into 600 ohms: 40 mW
Power 5 V, 500 mA, via USB 2.0 bus
Dimensions (L x W x H) 95 x 30 x 16 mm
Weight 45.35 g