popcorn - thanks for you opinion.  I ended up getting the M80's, and I'll tell them they can customize the plates in the future if they want. I think they will be thrilled with them.   H20 - you almost changed my mind...Dad's don't want their daugthers oozing sexiness!! : )   Thanks for...

KZ - I totally get your point, really do.  I've talked with them about it, and they do understand that there are choices besides the Beats that have "better sound".  As someone who tries very hard to buy good quality tools, sporting equipment, camera equipment, and get good bang for my buck...

I'm only partly joking.  Total newb here - and I'm sure you get tired of these types of threads.   Have done quite a bit of reading here as well as some other related websites in the past week and am waffling between feeling like I'm reaching a decent conclusion, and being thoroughly...