Indecisive and overwhelmed; Audiophile in the works...

...or hopeless cause? So I'm looking into a "decent" set of cans. Apparently I've been completely neglecting one of our most important senses. As of now I'm a complete audio-noob.I have only owned "junk" headphones and speakers my whole life. I've browsed google and multiple forums off and on for a while now. It seems I've been missing out but I'm still a bit confused on what I should do about it.

I primarily want a set up for gaming. Although, like most people I do enjoy music as well. I don't need to travel with them and noise generally isn't to big of an issue. I have a decent rig (except the audio it seems?) with quite a bit put into video and the other peripherals. I know audio is very subjective and this is a difficult subject when it comes to suggestions. I'm not to sure on the difference between the internal soundcard vs. amp/dac. I'm gathering they do about the same job? Although it seems some higher impedance cans might require an amp as well a card for optimal clarity? I guess what I'm really asking is what do I actually want? Anyone have a guess? Haha.

After my some of my "research" I was leaning towards a pair of AD700's and a Xonar DG sound card to power them. I don't require a lot of bass or volume in my listening. It's a pretty thrifty get-up as far as these things can go. As an entry level user it seems this would give me a noticeable sound /  headphone surround improvement.  But both the items and all the reviews I've seen are pretty old. Once I found your community here I also noticed the cans listed a bit lower on the rankings. Wasn't totally sure if I should be looking for open or closed cans to help with environmental immersion/surround.

 I'm wondering: Will my basic set-up be enough to hear difference? Are there some other alternatives/newer options I should look into? I'm afraid to get a cheapo setup that that leaves me in awe wondering what I might of had if I had a higher end set up. Right now I'm completely stumped on what I really need. I'd be very grateful if anyone made it through my ramble to post some feedback. I don't mind spending a good bit more on a setup. I didn't know if it was needed for my media or worth it for my unrefined ears.

I appreciate the feed back guys! Especially as I'm sure you see this same kind of thread to often. 

I've read for hours and only find myself with more and more questions. It's alot of information and quite overwhelming at first, I don't mind going balls deep and spending up to a grand for something I can truly enjoy that will last for several years. That said, I'm extremely cheap at heart and would be much happier in the 200ish range. Where will I find the most bang for my buck? Currently have a $30 set of platronics with onboard audio and an unrefined ear? 

I was intrigued by all the hype on the entry level Schiit amp/dac. I was thinking of going all out and pairing these with a pair of Sennheiser HD650's. From what i can gather from all I've read is I'm looking for a good sound stage with virtual surround for a deeper immersion in my games, movies, and music. Do I also need a sound card to provide the digital signal to the dac? 

Is this set up overkill for a starter? I notice people tend to run different cans and combos genres of music for alot of different situations, I'm just looking to upgrade my desktop/gaming rig with some quality sound. I don't need a lot of bass or volume. I don't listen to hip hop but can get into about anything else at times.

Gaming / surround sound (immersion) was the initial reason for the investment. I do listen to a bit of music and the gaming comes in spurts, though. I used to be into music a lot more. Perhaps poor quality is the reason I haven't been as drawn to it. I like a lot of rock, oldies, folk music, jam bands and instrumentals. I can listen to a variety depending on my mood. Again heavy hitting bass and loud volumes isn't really my style.

Just want to treat myself to an enjoyable experience that will last. A notable difference that will keep me coming back for more. Did I mention I'm extremely cheap? (But willing to dish out a few bucks for a reasonable cause) Just looking for that all important value. Where are the biggest gains and the most bang for the buck for the untrained ear?

Haha. OCD forum reading about sums it all up.  From overall reviews the M50's sound like a great value. I was a bit worried about the "small sound stage" and "to much bass" messing with a good virtual surround. I've nearly hit the buy now on these and a couple of the thriftier sets but I don't want to leave myself yearning, wondering what I'm really missing out on. Just trying to find most quality at the best value, if that's possible with out trying it first hand

Does anyone else have any experience with the hp100's? Seem to be a bit newer setup, with positive reviews, even though they are Chinese made. I haven't heard much feedback  from owners only the reviewers though. After looking around a bit more, I am leaning towards these or the q701 for the sound stage and more balanced spectrum with a more modest entry price.

Will probably try to power these with a sound card for the dolby headphone. Will my thriftier cans run okay with a Xonar dg or should I shell out for the essence stx or a x-fi titanium HD and be done with it? Will I notice a difference besides the extra speaker outputs i'll never use? Will this be sufficient or should i look into an external amp as well?