Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
4.3 (196)
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$212.99 New
$139.40 Used
B&H
5.0 (5)
$249.00
Thomann
4.6 (48)
$248.00
Gear4Music
£229.00

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Apogee Groove". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Apogee Groove, a portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier engineered for the best audio experience. Compact yet powerful, it ensures you enjoy the highest quality sound anywhere, anytime, right on your Mac or PC.

The ESS Sabre DAC is the heart of the Groove, converting digital audio into a pure, crisp analog signal for your headphones or powered speakers. This advanced converter, combined with 24-bit/192kHz resolution, delivers an impressive dynamic range and precise stereo image.

Ideal for musicians, producers, audio engineers, and even audiophiles, the Apogee Groove takes the same recording studio technology used to capture Grammy-winning records and makes it available in a simple, portable device.

Whether you're producing tracks in a hotel room or auditioning a mix away from your studio, the Groove offers the simplicity of two buttons for volume control, while being powered via USB for maximum portability and convenience.

Key Features:

  • Portable DAC and headphone amp with exceptional sound quality for Mac/PC
  • Stellar sound quality from ESS Sabre DAC, Constant Current Drive, and Quad Sum DAC technology
  • Up to 24 bit / 192 kHz audio resolution
  • USB powered for maximum portability and convenience
  • Simple operation with two top-panel buttons for volume control
  • Compact and portable design
  • Premium aluminum build quality
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Brand Apogee
Model Groove 24-Bit 192kHz USB DAC/Headphone Amp
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Headphone Parts and Accessories

FAQs

What type of connection does the Apogee Groove use?

The Apogee Groove uses a USB 2.0 connection, making it compatible with both Mac and PC systems for high-quality audio playback.

Is the Apogee Groove suitable for all types of headphones?

The Apogee Groove features Constant Current Drive™ technology, providing a smooth frequency response with any headphones, although its high output impedance may not be ideal for low-impedance IEMs.

What audio quality does the Apogee Groove support?

The Apogee Groove supports up to 24-bit / 192kHz audio, ensuring high-resolution playback for an enhanced listening experience.

How does the Apogee Groove improve audio playback?

The Apogee Groove features an ESS Sabre DAC and Quad Sum DAC™ technology, offering high dynamic range and low distortion to enhance audio quality from sources like iTunes, Spotify, and more.

What are the physical dimensions of the Apogee Groove?

The Apogee Groove is compact and portable, measuring 95mm in length, 30mm in width, and 16mm in height, with a premium aluminum build.

Tomas Villegas

Tomas Villegas

Apogee Groove - Review

Video thumbnail for Apogee Groove - Review by Tomas Villegas

Apogee Groove - Review

Tomas Villegas

Tomas Villegas

Video thumbnail for Apogee Groove USB DAC Review | Add a DAC to your computer! by Techno Dad

Apogee Groove USB DAC Review | Add a DAC to your computer!

Techno Dad

Techno Dad

Video thumbnail for Apogee Groove. Recording gear review from Ronan Chris Murphy by Ronan Chris Murphy

Apogee Groove. Recording gear review from Ronan Chris Murphy

Ronan Chris Murphy

Ronan Chris Murphy

Video thumbnail for Apogee Groove USB DAC in 2021: Tiny Stick, HUGE AMP! by JuanBagnell

Apogee Groove USB DAC in 2021: Tiny Stick, HUGE AMP!

JuanBagnell

JuanBagnell

Video thumbnail for Apogee Groove Headphone Amp in 2023! | DAC | Don't Believe Your Headphones @apogeedigital by ★ ZndBorn Mixed It ★

Apogee Groove Headphone Amp in 2023! | DAC | Don't Believe Your Headphones @apogeedigital

★ ZndBorn Mixed It ★

★ ZndBorn Mixed It ★

Video thumbnail for Apogee Groove DAC Headphone Amp (Review) by snapascrew

Apogee Groove DAC Headphone Amp (Review)

snapascrew

snapascrew

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances audio clarity, especially in mid-range and cymbal details

  • Compact and portable design, ideal for on-the-go use

  • High build quality, durable metal chassis

  • Excellent sound quality with low latency

  • Effective with high-impedance headphones

  • Offers a deep black noise floor and effortless drive

  • Instantly recognized on Mac OS for easy setup

  • "Constant Current Drive" enhances headphone performance

  • Provides remarkable detail and clarity in bass

  • Great for mixing/mastering on the go

CONS

  • Slightly expensive for the improvement over high-quality embedded audio

  • Can become warm to the touch during use

  • Requires driver installation on Windows; not plug-and-play

  • Bright LEDs can be distracting in some settings

  • Not compatible with mobile devices due to power needs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee Groove.

Features and functionality

  • The Apogee Groove outputs at 2 vrms when set to volume 58 in Windows, which matches standard amp expectations.

    Source
  • The Groove's output impedance is over 20 ohms, which can be unsuitable for certain headphone types, particularly those not designed for professional use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the Groove struggles to power low impedance, low sensitivity headphones effectively, even at maximum volume.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Schiit Magni Heresy is noted to handle both high and low impedance headphones better than the Groove's amp section.

    Source
  • The Apogee Groove is considered overpriced by some users compared to other pro-market gear, with its high output impedance being a point of contention.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Setting Spotify/Tidal to 100% volume, Groove at 58 in Windows, and controlling volume via an external amp is recommended to maintain optimal SNR.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thatlkjguy

Great for on the road

My sense of space when listening through this DAC has improved for sure. Definitely flatter than the Apogee Duet's headphone amp.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Guetta uses Apogee Groove

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by David Guetta, the Apogee Groove is visible on the table next to his laptop, highlighting its role in his studio setup in Ibiza.

See how Shingo Nakamura uses Apogee Groove

Shingo Nakamura

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Twitter

Shingo Nakamura has confirmed the use of the Apogee Groove for composing music outside, as evidenced by a tweet from the artist himself posted Jan 27, 2024, stating "New equipment for composing outside🎧" alongside a photo illustrating the gear in use.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apogee Groove, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Sennheiser IE 100 Pro
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1
Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones
Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1

More Apogee Converters

Kenton Thru-5

$62.00 - $82.50

# 1

Rank

Ela Minus Skudge Karen Gwyer
3 artists using
RME OCTAMIC 2

$1,368.00 - $1,899.00

# 3

Rank

Paul Frick
1 artist using
Kenton LNDR

$151.00 - $170.50

# 12

Rank

The Chemical Brothers
1 artist using
BAE Audio - 1073

$3,329.00 - $6,375.00

# 15

Rank

Tyler Joseph
1 artist using
Kenton Pro Solo MKII

 

# 17

Rank

Kevin Parker Charlotte de Witte Jon Hopkins
6 artists using
Kenton Pro 2000 MK2

 

# 18

Rank

Trent Reznor Ceephax Acid Crew Digitalism
6 artists using
Weiss Saracon

 

# 31

Rank

 

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    S
    schmidt

    Gear IQ 571