Chair

I have a Stressless chair and ottoman. 

+1  I also have a Stressless chair and ottoman.  

I've seen them used and in perfect condition in a number of locations(Chicago & Sarasota) for about $1200.  They sit a little low-ish, but offer good support.  The cushioning isn't like a cushy recliner.  It's thinner but pretty supportive. Comfortable.  They make about a half dozen different models and each will be available in S, M, & Large to accommodate different height people.

Ditto @overthemoon Ekhorn stressless. What I find that I like about them is that when you sit in them, you’re not constantly shuffling around trying to find that comfortable spot in the easy chair. 

Eames lounge and ottoman, its a classic and comfy as he11

The Poäng chair and ottoman are good, but they don’t suit everyone. I need to place an additional cushion behind my back; otherwise, I feel the need to hunch and tilt my neck and head slightly forward. With the extra cushion, my posture is corrected to a more upright sitting position, which feels much more comfortable. I suppose the ergonomics of the Poäng chair could be improved, but it may still suit some people on a case-by-case basis.  Go try it yourself and see if it works for you. I’ve fallen asleep on it many times with the music playing.

Stressless looks nice! More than I wanted to spend though. 
 

Going to try the Poang in ikea as well. 

I've got a Pair of Chairs with matching Leg Support Stools in the listening room that are quite similar in the design to the Stressless Design.

These were a £1000 (receipt supplied) as a new purchase which I bought used and with a Leather Upholstery in immaculate condition for £100.  

Leather is fine as I don't listen in overwhelming heat, also I'm more of a autumn / winter listener for long periods in front of Speakers. Fabric would be suitable if extreme heat is present when listening is occurring.

Cushions don't really remain put on leather, so an anti slip aid will help or go for a Fabric Upholstery. 

I've always wanted a Massage Chair seen in Shopping Malls, but it is an absolute luxury and will most likely produce a noise during listening that is a detraction.

The Link shows the idea for a chair, but I would probably pay more to get one to fir my frame size.

https://uk.royaldeals.co.uk/product/massage-chair-full-body-neck-shoulder/B0DGQDQ3JX/

If it fits your body, and doesn't give you pain, if you know it is good quality and gives you comfort, think of it as well worth the price, the most important piece of gear you own!

Keep cost low: Bed Bath and Beyond is now online only via Overstock, low price, many color options. seems the footrest is independent so you can stay upright with legs supported, some, the foot only come’s up as the back lowers, not good for listening to music. 

the open base is far less heavy looking than most recliners, other models

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/c/living-room-seating/recliner-chairs?t=24459&featuredproduct=28258355&featuredoption=83828697&ci_sku=33341981-000-005&cnc=US&cid=328168&type=pla&targetid=&track=pspla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pspla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19633571712&gbraid=0AAAAAD_EGx8p3bu_fhg7dhrxTYZ-cepuw&gclid=Cj0KCQjw097CBhDIARIsAJ3-nxeDM41UFBff-Fd0Uf_jYljKjF-Wsha--69Mxzh2I2mSBvRu-cHBT_YaAisUEALw_wcB

at this low price, if it doesn’t work out, it may cost you too much to return it, plan on alternate use, yard sale, give to someone.

We might all want to think ahead and choose something future-proof...🙂

I got my mother one of those, she made it until age 101.

Like anything else, they come in sizes. Once she agreed to let me buy her one, Lazyboy in Maine sold my mother a chair they had in stock, it was made for tall men, she was a small woman. I visited, saw several pillows in it, asked her, found out it was too deep for her short legs, did some research, raised hell, made them exchange it for a proper size version.

I had a great office chair I wore out: these days, it is hard to find what you visually like to actually sit in at a store, and similar models can be quite different regarding comfort. I bought and returned two, finally found one in a store that I liked, gave them a chance to come close, they wouldn't, ordered it online, but at least I knew it fit me.

BB&B chair is probably flimsy as hell. Doubt it’s any good at this price. 
Wondering if the Eames replicas are any good. 

I had a stressless chair but the back extended up past my head so I didn't like it for listening to music; I've since replaced that with a real Eames chair and ottoman, and while it sits just a tad lower than I'd prefer, the sound is much better for me than with the stressless. 

Yes the Stressles are expensive and there are a couple of reasons to get one.  The quality and comfort are excellent.  I currently have a home theater chair in my listening room.  It's too bulky and the most of these chairs have a back that is too high and comes above your ears.  The "Mayfair" large Stressless is perfect and my ear lobes when seated are about 39 inches above the floor and the back is at 38 inches. 

I too was wondering if a pass labs clone would be the same as the original. 

The Eames chair has been replicated over the past 60+ years for a reason?  Add the right small cushion for lumbar support if needed?  I've looked at the Stressless furniture in the past, but just can't justify the asking price. 

@audphile1  I got the Puang with matching ottoman. Dark grey fabric.  ( I hate leather) Had to tweak it a little. For me, it was a bit too firm and laid back too much. Needed to be more upright.

First was double the thickness of the seat cusion. Un-zip and add 2" foam cut to size.

Second was glue spacers on the rear of the leg support to create a little more forward lean but this alone wasn't enough. Put a couple of books on the floor first to test the amount of forward lean.

Third, easy, the Puang headrest simply flips over to the rear moving the back seat cushion MUCH more forward and sits more upright. A small thin pillow can be added behind the back cusion if need be. For me this worked perfectly and I love the chair.  

The chair is now super comfortable. Light weight and looks nice.

@lanx0003  Not sure if you're aware but the back headrest of the Puang simply flips to the rear moving seat position more upright and lowers the cushion height behind the head. Makes a huge difference.

What's your budget?

We have a vintage Stressless chair and ottoman from about the late 70's, early 80's and it's still in great condition.  It is sooooo comfortable.  It does need a button restitched, but other than that, it's fantastic.  We bought it used for a few hundred dollars about 5 years ago and it's been great.

From what I've seen, the Eames chairs, (my dream) used are around the $3500 range, or so.  But there are some replicas that might be fine for you.  

If you buy used, you can always get most, if not all of your money back if after a while you discover the chair isn't working for your back.  

First, don’t look for perfection.  The best case scenario might be ten minutes of comfort at a time.  Assemble a collection of inexpensive, lightweight seating pieces.  Use a series of blocks, to adjust for height.  When one option loses its comfort, replace it with another.  Remember to move around (on your feet) periodically.  This can get the blood flowing plus provide a mental break.  Be open to experimenting and audition seating surfaces that seem counter-intuitive; these may just yield the best results.  Isn’t that what you’re looking for?

My most comfortable chair "now" is a well made Director’s chair and though I can still walk my back has been a painful mess from the early 80’s.

I’ve owned 2 Eames chairs and neither were comfortable.

Before - my most comfortable chair was a vintage heavy wrought iron folding chair (called French Riviera chairs in the ID trade) but things changed and it doesn’t work for me  anymore.

With your back you really need to take a test drive before purchasing a chair.

Oh, and here's my standard recommendation (joke) for those long listening sessions...

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fxzehl/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/92150/85406/146-11148-1__37528.1636403441.jpg?c=2 

DeKay

I have back problems as well. I started by visiting  "Relax the Back" store. They have zero gravity chairs and ones designed specifically to address bad backs. I found the seat below. It can be purchased elsewhere. 

From experimenting I found the McCarthy SacroEase Seat. It is made for cars, but works great on couches or chairs. The arch for your back is adjustable... in degree and location. It cost a lot because the actual metal is bendable. So you can get it to fit just right. 

I have three, one in my library, listening chair, and in the home theater. Took some work, but they all now help my back... so when I get up I can walk more easily... pain free. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYF58KZQ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

Yes, I know they are currently out of stock. But this gives all the details. 

Click the link for American made quality furniture. A lot of good looking possibilities!
 

https://qualitywoods.com/collections/living-room-seating#:~:text=Living,-Room%20Seating

Great suggestions! Please keep em coming. 

I’ll start visiting furniture stores to try some of the chairs. 

@dekay LOL thx

Any chair that extends up and supports the head markedly compromises SQ in my experience.

@corelli I agree. Mine currently does. It will be challenging to find something with good lumbar support and the right height. 
Right angle is also key. 

Sometimes my back is good, sometimes it’s bad. When it’s bad, it can be very bad, right down to my knee. 

We have some pretty pricey furniture in our home. I can’t sit too long on any of it. 

My go to spot for most of my sitting is at my desk in an office chair. Price isn’t that important with an office chair as long as you don’t get the very cheapest. My current one is from Wayfair and was about $200. What is important are the adjustments. Make sure you get one that has adjustable tilt and adjustable height. My armrests are adjustable too. I can sit in it all day long with no problems. 

Hope this is of some help because back pain really sucks!

There are different types of cushions, and I think this should be the focus. 

High density polyurethane foam is commonly used for chairs, mattresses, etc. When used in sufficient thickness (depends on your weight), this foam will conform to your body and be very comfortable. I weigh 165 lbs so about 3” minimum to 5” is better. This foam will rebound from compression for about 2 to 3 years if used for ~10 hours per day. After such use it will have a permanent sag, and should be replaced to retain original comfort. 

Memory foam is very comfortable because it is highly conforming, so you will press more deeply into the cushion. And it’s often used in combination with high density polyurethane foam. The thickness will depend on your weight and you might need more because you will compress more. Also, once this foam is compressed, the rebound happens more slowly - about a minute. And this foam will rebound from compression for about as long as high density polyurethane foam, (2 to 3 years if used for ~10 hours per day). 

Next is latex foam. There are basically 2 kinds of latex - dunlop and talalay. (You can research that yourself because I’m lazy, and nobody is paying me a fair wage for this report.) Latex is usually made in 3 densities - soft, medium, and firm, and the firmness will depend on whether it’s made by the dunlop or talalay process. Latex will last longer (about 10 years), and cost more. Cushioning comfort depends on what density you choose and there is more variety with latex. For firm support latex is a very good choice. 

If you’re still interested in reading this longer than expected report, for which I’m being grossly underpaid, I suggest you consider the information above when choosing new chairs. And you might want to have the cushions replaced on your current chair. Or, you could supplement your current chair with sections of foam or latex, and make a pillow of sorts. 

Finally, you might wonder why I know about something so trivial and superfluous as cushions. The answer is simple. I’m lazy! 😀

PS… If anyone is interested in materials used for pillows, and their characteristics, I could write a report for you on that as well. Of course it depends on how lazy I feel, and your willingness to pay a fair wage for my time. 😜

My FlexSteel custom order never lets me down. 

We just moved into our new house and I have been looking for a new listening chair. We were visiting my daughter in Bozeman and decided to go furniture shopping. I encountered the most comfortable recliner I have ever sat in. I haven't bought it yet so I can't give it a full review but I'm going to order one and pick it up next time we're in Bozeman (no dealer in my town). It's adjustable 4 different ways including lumbar support and the head cushion also tilts. If you can't find a comfortable position in this chair you're probalby out of luck. It's expensive (over $3K) but it should last me the rest of my geezer life.

I've sat in several Stressless style chairs and they were OK but not totally wonderful. This chair beat them hands down.

It's made by a Norweigian company called IMG and the model I sat in is a Verona. They have several other models that have this adjustability function. Here's the link:

https://www.imgcomfort.com/us/collections/power-recliners/multi-function-relaxers

Staples has a huge collection of chairs.   I loved this Sharper Image S-600.  

I’m currently using this mesh desk chair with multiple adjustments - along with a standalone footrest.

I also have a $3K Ekornes Stressless.  Don’t like it for audio - but love it for TV.  They show up regularly on Ebay.   Craigslist once in a while.  

- - - 

My L4 & L5 are damaged from sports injuries. Pain radiated to different parts of my body.  The pain completely disappeared when I started a regular yoga practice - 25 years ago.   When I’m really busy and don’t have time to do it, the pain returns.

My dream Audio chair is a dentist chair. I like the headrest that only covers the back of the head and doesn't reflect any sound. Besides this, a chair with a low-cut back is second.

Stickley….but…..

check out Himolla also….

sometimes a thread is wider than the OP initial constraints….

Ekornes chair and ottoman.  Adjustable lumbar support and recline.recliner. If Ekornes is too pricey,  there's ersatz brands that are almost as good. 

@unclewilbur impressive! Thanks for a detailed overview. 

Thank you all. I have options now. I think the Stressless is about where my budget is capped. 

I have a Lane leather recliner.  Actually 2 of them.  Extremely comfortable.  I hold the arms and push back and the foot support raises up as I recline.  It will go completely horizontal so I can and have slept in it.  

My back is wonky too and I can sit in my Eames replica for hours.  And if you want to nit pick, the top of the Eames chair is below your ears which is a plus.  Some folks say this is important???

I also use a Stressless. Got one that has my ears above the back (important). They have different sizes. Given the cost of your system @audphile1 spending on a chair may rank up there as a critical component. It is for me. First chair was above my ears. 

Nearly got a Stressless vs Eames Debate started, Only on the Gon

@lanx0003 Your chair Suggestion is one I have looked at on the past, as some visitors who come to hear Audio Equipment in my home would benefit from the ease of alighting it.

If the chair was to become my go to seat, there's a control button on the Hand Device I would not be able to let my wonderful wife learn its function, she'd set the chair up as seen in your picture and remove the Hand Control.    

@pindac as long as it it’s an eject button you’re safe. Lol

@rick_n which replica do you have and how old is it? How is it holding up?

@wsrrsw I’m looking for something comfortable, not too bulky, with good back support and for the chair not to be above my ears (my current one is and it’s screwing up the experience a bit). 
Budget - want to stay under $3,000 ideally. 

I see used stress less all the time at pretty good prices. I bought mine new. There is a ring you can buy to elevate it 2” of it feels too low. 

I had similar issues, no recliner or ottoman for me...I had my surgeon and physical therapist tell me what type of chair would work...what is comfortable in the showroom and even for weeks after, may not be good in the long run...if it's that bad audphile1 I strongly recommend a professional recommendation...

@jl35 it’s not that bad when it’s good :) but I feel discomfort in my lower back after 20-30min in my current chair. If my back is already sore then forget about it altogether. So I need something that wouldn’t exacerbate the problem. 
I’m thinking the Eames replicas are pretty cheap to try. I see few used Stressless around my area and might check them out as well. I’m not aware of a furniture store around north jersey that carries stressless but am in process of researching it. Don’t want to blind buy it to discover it’s not a fit. 

The Eames knockoff is 2 years old.  Holding up just fine, happy with the purchase.  I bought it from Wayfair.  There are many similar offerings there, I don't remember exactly which one but I went with the one with the best reviews.  Good luck.

@audphile1 Then a med/small Stressless fits your budget with money left over. They have many models. Don’t know where in the country you are but I went to a Scandinavian Design in Vacaville CA and tired several different models and  ordered the one I selected in my color choice. I think they also go on sale at times. 

@rick_n ​​​​@wsrrsw thx!

We have a Parker House Whitman reclining extra large love seat. It’s comfortable upright and reclining. 

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/poaeng-armchair-birch-veneer-hillared-anthracite-s49305924/
 

Improved everything by taking off the headrest which congested everything.  I know, weird.