Recommendations? I need durability since this is primarily for working out and running. I listen to a lot of hip-hop/rap and things with a lot of bass/beats.

I'm the exact same boat as OP (budget $200ish, also an engineering student with access to labs, and I have an HD555 lol), so I'm also open to any suggestions . I don't mean to hijack your thread or anything...but any ideas for a Amp/DAC combo w/ Optical IN?

Quote: Originally Posted by kool bubba ice Hooking them straight to your TV is one of the worst connections you can get. Get a good 80-100 amp/dac combo, & you will be rewarded with a smoother, cleaner, quiter, more detailed sound. Analog will always induce more distortion then...

So there isn't a software solution to do: Dolby 5.1 / Digital Audio IN -> Macbook Pro (Software) -> Stereo 2.0 Analog OUT ? I'm looking for a cheap solution that doesn't involve buying $150 hardware...

Instead of the Mixamp, would this Gefen D>A converter do the same thing? GefenTV+Digital+Audio++to+Analog+Adapter

So that would allow me to do: HDMI -> DVI (Monitor) Fat component set of cables -> Optical Out -> Mixamp/Macbook Pro -> Headphones ?

No I don't know about that mod. Care to enlighten me?

I guess my question is whether there is software that will do Digital (via Optical In) to Analog conversion in real time?

Is there a way to do (Xbox 360 Optical OUT) -> (Optical IN on Macbook Pro) -> (Optical OUT on Macbook Pro, Dolby 5.1 Surround->Stereo) -> (3.5mm Stereo Headphones) ?

No suggestions? No one even supporting the Astro Mixamp? :/ Help..

I'm hooking up an Xbox to a PC monitor via HDMI->DVI (video only). Therefore, Xbox audio output is via RCA->3.5mm adaptor->HD555, or Optical->???->HD555. Any comments on the Astro Mixamp? Anything cheaper in the $60-80 range?

In order to connect my HD555 to my Xbox 360, should I just get an RCA->3.5mm stereo adaptor? Can I get better quality with a DAC or Amp or something? I've been using the HD555 with my Macbook Pro for a year or two now and I love em' - I'm now looking to hook it up to my Xbox and I'm trying to...