I was finally able to figure out how to make my laptop output S/PDIF. It does work with mini Toslink cable, and I just had to change some obscure settings to make it ask me whether or not I want analog or digital out anytime I plugged something into the audio out jack. Thanks for your help everyone.

Hot damn I think you're right. I can't even begin to imagine where that connector they provided me might have gone, so I'll just have to buy a new one. That's good news. Thanks dude, that's extremely helpful!   There's still the question of whether or not the mini optical cable will work with...

Those are both excellent choices. gevorg, what do you mean it's limited to redbook? I like the looks of that device as I could also use it for other things.   Also, I don't think my laptop's audio out is capable as an optical out. You can double check if you feel the desire to (MSI GT70), but...

It's actually a laptop so I can't upgrade the soundcard unfortunately.

I bought a DAC that requires an optical line into it, but my computer does not have any optical output in it. I found the Peachtree Audio X1 which does just that, however it has limited availability and is also pretty expensive... well, just more than I'd want to spend on this. Are there any...

Quote: YES.   Quite honestly, I look at gaming headsets the same way I look at Beats and Bose. They're just overrated and they usually don't have that great of sound quality. There are mods where you can install a mic onto your headphones. If you are looking to heed to good advice...

Like the poster above me said, the impedance might be higher in your right driver which could make it sound quieter. I own the 598s and I've never experienced this. You might want to try another set if possible and see if you experience the same thing. You also should consider that it might be a...

Quote: I still just don't get the rational behind it.

Quote: The isolation is actually surprisingly good. Leakage is nearly non-existent and they isolate the outside world very well. I've read that they have 18dB of isolation which is pretty good.   I don't know exactly what you're asking about the emphasis, but the cans do have a bit of a...

Cheaper than the M-100s is the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pros. They are just as stylish and they're extremely portable. They retail for $200, so a $100 drop in price might convince your parents to get you them. I think they're excellent headphones and they are good for a wide variety of music...

Quote: I wouldn't say so. The seller is top rated with 100% positive feedback. That's pretty impressive.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pros. Honestly.... all you will ever need.

How is this even a choice? Why would anyone need two moderate-sounding headphones when you can get a really nice $400 set?

Why do you want headphones for calling? Can't you just use a separate headset? If you want a good sounding set, avoid wireless headphones like the plague. They just don't produce the same quality sound as wired headphones do.

Well, since you're a bass head, don't expect to be wowed by Sennheiser brands. Sennheiser is known to be more balanced in its sound signature, and they really don't have any single set of headphones that I can think of that cater to bass heads. Plus, with $100, you're going to get some pretty...

Basically how it goes is this... cheap headphones won't notice any difference between a crappy iPod source and a Hi-Fi set up such as yours. However, once you start to get into the $200-$1000 range, headphones will become more and more picky in terms of source quality. So with that being said...

Well I don't know if you would notice much of a difference if you got an amp, but you might notice better quality if you get a new sound card. I can't really tell you whether or not you should get a new set since I don't really know if you would need one. For $200, probably the best you can get...

Quote: No no, not sound quality. I should have been more specific. I'm just talking about the aesthetic style of the set. They have more of a high class English kind of style. A sophisticated style. A lot of youth don't really like that. I mean, let's be honest, Beats have got to be some of...

Quote:  I didn't know some headphones did that! That's horrible.       You do need to remember that we're talking about a younger individual here. In my opinion, pretty much all headphones from Bowers and Wilkins requires an acquired taste. Now of course I'm not the OP's nephew...

Well sir or madam, it seems in your constructive euphoric quest to find the best headphones for your nephew has brought you to the right place. If I had the same enthusiasm as you, I might not procrastinate so much on this forum as I already do. I am elated to hear that you realize that Beats...

Quote: That's like asking if the moon is as bright as the sun haha. No, anything is better than the 598's (or any open back) in terms of leakage. The COPs are closed back (well sort of). They have adjustable ports on the bottom of the cans which allow you to change the response of the bass...

-1   The M50s are extremely overrated and really aren't that great. I fail to realize why people praise it so much. Are you planning on using these headphones at home, and what kind of sonic signature do you like? Do you like thumpy headphones? Do you like mids with clear vocals, or do you...