Apogee Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation with Anniversary Edition Groove DAC

In 1985, the three Apogee founders – Betty Bennett, Bruce Jackson, and Christof Heidelberger – developed cutting-edge technology that addressed the inherit brittleness and distortion heard on the new listening medium of the day, compact discs (CDs). Apogee’s unique 924 and 944 anti-aliasing filters were used in high-end Sony and Mitsubishi digital recording systems to make the CD format sound warmer and more like analog. These Apogee products were important factors in the acceptance and acceleration of early digital recording and forever established Apogee as a leader in the field. Apogee’s special anti-aliasing filters continued to solve many of the early problems associated with digital audio. Later, Apogee’s complete conversion systems pushed the envelope of digital audio quality and established Apogee as a key innovator in the field of professional digital audio. In 2007, Apogee was chosen by Apple to develop an audio interface for Logic Pro. The iconic Duet was born, bringing not just Apogee quality, but mobility to producers and recording artists around the world. Apple again tapped Apogee to jointly develop the very first iOS audio product, ‘JAM,’ an electric guitar and instrument interface for the revolutionary iPhone and iPad platforms. From its groundbreaking filters to leading the studio-quality home recording revolution with Ensemble and Symphony, Apogee continued to innovate with technologies and products that push the envelope for the studio and high quality audio applications. Users of USB-C devices, such has the latest iPads and iPhones, will be able to just connect directly using the supplied USB-C cable and the device will be automatically recognized and work. No adapter needed. Unfortunately, the Groove Anniversary Edition maintains the original mini-USB connector, which requires keeping that type of cable. Fortunately, Apogee includes the required cables, one with a USB-A connector for older PCs, and the mini-USB to USB-C cable, as well as a carrying pouch. Constant Current Drive provides smooth frequency response with any headphones, while Quad Sum DAC employs four converter stages per channel for the highest dynamic range and lowest distortion. Other specifications detail a THD+N of -109dB with a 600 Ohm load @16dBu, or -101dB with a 30 Ohm load @10.5dBu. Compact, light and extremely portable, the Apogee Groove Anniversary Edition DAC will still deliver a maximum output level of 560mW into 30 Ohm, or 90mW into 600 Ohm. “In anticipation of celebrating our 40th anniversary, the Apogee Groove embodies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio excellence. We are thrilled to introduce a special edition that not only pays tribute to our rich history but also represents the latest advancements in audio technology,” says Betty Bennett, CEO and co-founder. The 40th Anniversary Edition Apogee Groove is now available for purchase for US $349. www.apogeedigital.com