[TheEldestBoy]

I currently own a pair of HD 600's, and am wondering if there's a somewhat comparable closed-back headphone that will will allow me to hear more detail at a lower volume listening level?

The HD600's sound great, but I get the impression that they don't truly start to shine until the volume gets up to a certain base level; I'm interested in keeping the volume level on the more conservative side though, but I still want the music to be engaging.

I believe that Tyll's review says the Sure 1540 sound especially great at low volumes...

 

[kman1211]

I personally always found the Shure 1540 a little boring sounding but good, you may not get the engaging factor you are looking for at low volumes though. I personally suggest the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro for a low-level listening closed-back as it's sound is naturally a bit aggressive and this plays well in lower volume listening.

 

[zazex]

I've had the 1540's for more than a year, and I still have not heard a better closed headphone
in that price range.

So, of course you're comparing (2) open headphones with the closed Shure.

Initially, without knowing more, I'd lean towards the Senn's.

But - in this case - I do happen to know more
because I owned the HD650's for about a year before
selling them.

Only thing, a tricky thing, is remembering the HD650's sound
from over a year ago and comparing that to the Shure's.

It's easier for me to remember my feelings and impressions
about the 650's. (BTW, I've never heard the 600's.)

The 650's just never "clicked" for me. I used various cables,
amps, sources - and to their credit, they always sounded
pretty much the same no matter what. IMO there was a lack
of sparkle; a lack of excitement. I guess I'll just come out and
say it: I found them to be boring.

With the 1540's, though, they immediately appealed to me,
and continue to do so. They're clear, dynamic, detailed, and
very comfortable. They have a very good sense of space for
closed headphones. Yes, they do have a very slightly elevated
bottom end, but it's the only issue I can find with them. And it's
easily correctable.

For my money - and again, I've not heard the 600's - I'd pick the
1540's over the HD650's every time.

And, of course, YMMV.
As always.

 

[Stars700]

HD600 truly not shine