I just bought my first external headphone amp for my macbook. A Fostex A-3. I was using an essense stx on my windows computer. There's a problem though. The knob on the Fostex shifts the volume right when turned under about 5% and unfortunately, the volume I like to listen to with my 50 ohm...

double post somehow. Ignore this one and please dont' reply. 

I ended up getting an open box Fostex HP-A3. It was more than I wanted to spend, but oh well. It seemed like a good deal. http://www.headphone.com/collections/dacs/products/fostex-hp-a3-b-stock   One reason I didn't want usb is because I've experienced noise from usb connected audio devices...

Well, I guess I haven't looked that hard. Lack of Dolby Headphone isn't a deal breaker though. I'm not finding much though. the e17 could be ok, but I can't help that I would be paying for a lot of features that I"m not using in a desktop situation.    perhaps...

TOSLINK.   As for dolby headphones, I'm not away of any video players that support it. If they support something like it that's good, then I'd love to hear about it. 

I'm looking for an amp with a spdif input for use with my macbook being used as a desktop. What are some good options? I don't want to go over $150 and less is better. It doesn't need to be amazing, just significantly better than the built in audio. Also, are there any options with dolby...

Quote: FACTS are of scientific value. The first post was filled with them. The drivers are the same model and so are the housings. Those are FACTS, which have everything to do with science.   The post you were replying to was completely correct as well. Why are you getting so worked up...

Quote: I agree with that. If you want only the sound of the 595, buy the 555 and take out the foam. If you want the sound, nice touches of leather, chrome and the stand, then get the 595.

It is hilarious how people will still have a dissenting opinion in spite of overwhelming facts. I wonder how many of these people think pluto should still be a planet.

The strip inside the rear grill.

The op's original write up was based entirely on fact with very little speculation.

You'll be happy with them. I have etymotic er-4p's as my other set of headphones which are increadibly accurate and well balanced. The 555's without the foam are close to being as clear. They are also a lot of fun being a little warmer.

I haven't tried them, but I've heard good things about the Audio Technica a700's. They supposedly have a very good sound stage for closed headphones.

So, Recorder, you are arguing with a point that no one made. No one said the headphones were aesthetically the same. They said they were acoustically the same aside from the easily removable foam tape, which is true.

Another option is the sennheiser 555. It has most of the positioning of the ad700 with more bass, which I think makes games and movies more exciting. I posted a thread similar to yours a couple of days ago and I'm very happy with the 555s.