Chair

I finally made it to the store and checked out few Stressless models. One I liked the most was the Opal. I was in a rush and was only able to sit in it for few minutes and it felt really comfortable. Need spend a bit more time there. So far it’s definitely on the list. 

@audphile1 - The key to the chair is the ottoman. Once you put your feet up onto the ottoman, the chair becomes rather ideal for listening to music. It’s a veritable relaxation zone. 
 

That said, I saw some of the other suggested chairs and I’m sure some also offer ultimate comfort. I am always looking to balance comfort with design aesthetics. 

Thanks @bluethinker

Looking at papa bear chair it does look extremely comfortable but my concern is the cave effect it will create with the “wrap around” type back. I’m thinking this isn’t going to be an ideal design for listening to music. 
 

@audphile1 - I fixated on this question because the comfort of your listening position is paramount. I tried the Eames chairs and, despite everyone saying they’re comfortable, found them not so. 
 

I strongly recommend the Papa Bear Chair with Ottoman which you can purchase from Modernica in LA. It’s a mid century classic from a Danish designer. It’s incredibly relaxing to sit in and you and adjust your position easily. It’s also a great reading chair. And it looks beautiful. 
 

It’s made in LA and you can custom order your fabric choice too. 
 

I have two of them as my wife took over the first one I purchased! 

sokogear… +1!

On my 2nd Ekornes stressless. 1st one lasted about 15 years and would still be perfectly good except I cleaned the head part with an abrasive sponge stupidly and it created a minor line hole. I liked the chair so much that I had a custom fabric created to slip over the bad area even though the issue was only noticeable if you knew about it (like the cashmere sweater with the red dot George bought for Elaine for her birthday). Chair is still in excellent condition.

When I got the new one I could not believe they make the exact same model. Got a non standard/stocked color and it took like 6 months to get it (it was in 2000 during the pandemic). US stocked colors are available quickly I beleive. Not sure what the tariffs will be with Norway.

The only problem is that it is so comfortable I am always falling asleep in it. I'm amazed that even after 3-4 hours I have absolutely no pain or stiffness when I get up. Before this chair I went through a couple others that I still have but if you sit in them for a while you get back pain.

Yeah they are very expensive and dealers can't discount around here. Maybe you could get a small discount on a demo model, but then your color selection would be limited. I wouldn't buy a used couch or recliner. Just spring for it and forget about it. You'll be glad you did.

Ekornes Stressless recliner and ottoman… there’s a reason why they are relatively expensive.

Extremely high quality.  I buy them in pairs for my wife and I.   We are on our fourth set, top of the line now.  They wear like iron. Thick, full grain leather and the very best foam of different densities throughout the chair.  I often sleep in mine and weigh 290 lbs.  You can find them used at reasonable prices.  It’s very clear if they are in good shape.  Go to a Stressless dealer and try out the various models.  They sit a bit differently.  Also, a good dealer can repair them if needed.  Sometimes they go on an attractive sale when models change.   My current pair are about 12 years old and still perfect.  Way better made than Eames which is basically  just leather, foam and plywood.   Good luck.  

I had back trouble for two years after a car accident. Chairs became a huge concern. The best thing I did was read a short book by John Sarnos M.D. called Healing Your Back Pain. It was a life changer. Soon, the comfy recliner became a luxury, not a necessity. Good luck!

In a 1978 cycling accident I suffered an spinal injury known as sponodylothesis at L5.  It is inoperable.  For years I had an Eames Chair, which I recently had refurbished and then gave to my son in-law.  It was OK, but never great for me, but it served for many years.  I also have an Ekornes Stressless, which I believe is somewhat better.  Somewhat.  About 8 or so years ago I bought a Zero Gravity chair from a company called Relax Your Back.  Serious money.  It is somewhat better than the Stressless.  Somewhat.  All three of those chairs are leather.  Leather is the bane of music, it reflects, it just affects the sounds.  About 5 years ago I bought a reclining sofa from LAZY BOY, kinda ugly, over stuffed cloth thing.  It is so comfortable there are nights when I leave the bedroom and come out to the music room to sleep in it.  And the bonus is, cloth chairs/sofas absorb sound, they don't reflect it, so it is possible to work them into the room treatment scheme.  As an added bonus, LAZY BOY is competitively priced.

I have an original Eames and ottoman, but I still get lower back pain after long listening sessions. I suspect the right pillows/bolsters would help, but I am moving soon and the listening spot is more likely to be a new sofa. So I will evaluate those carefully for comfort. 

@lallitk yes absolutely. It’s on the list. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. 

@audphile1 

You outta try the classic Eames replica. Find a retailer that sells one with real wood veneer and top-grain leather. It comes in standard and tall versions. 

@skywachr - I've had a real Herman Miller Eames chair and ottoman for 3 years, and my opinion is that it is extremely comfortable and a purchase I'm very glad I made. 

Stressless with battery operated recline and footrest.  The footrest unfolds from under the chair, no issues with floor space.  
 

https://shop.stressless.com/en/recliners/stressless-magic/p/000000000001144706?pid=114470657981110

This suggestion may not be workable in a living room setup, but here goes anyway.

I worked for >30 years in a home office (freelance medical writer, often 10-12 hr days). In the first year my back began to fall apart ... the trash office chair I bought for $50 was the culprit.

By reading all available office chair comments I stumbled into Steelcase orthopedic office chairs--first it was the Criterion (excellent chair), then their then-TOTL, the Leap v1. I’m sitting in my 2nd Leap v1 (gave away the first, still in great shape after 25 years). I buy them 2nd hand via Interent from an Arizona company, National Office Interiors & Liquidators. These are very expensive chairs, but on a used basis the cost is quite affordable.

I never used these chairs with an ottoman, but there’s no reason you couldn’t. I have no idea how a Steelcase Leap would fit in visually with your space, but I can tell you--your back would never again complain after hours of listening.

BTW, I’ve near had the type of living room that supports use of an Eames type chair plus ottoman (they take up a lot of floor space). But if I did, it would be an original Eames leather chair or one of the excellent newer chairs inspired by it. Though honestly, I ddon’t know how the lower back comfort of any such chair could equal a Leap’s.

I’ve been using an Eames replica for years. Original Eames chairs are not even all that comfortable from what I’ve been told by people who own them, I’m going to replace mine eventually as the spring mechanisms, and other aspects of the chair are beginning to weaken. The point is I would definitely get one again.

Another intriguing swivel chair I've seen at high-end furniture stores and high-end hi-fi shops is called the Lobster chair; very comfortable and seat and back just the right height. Pretty pricey, though. 

@rick_n - having your head above the back of the headrest makes a big difference. While listening to something with nothing behind your head, cup your hands behind your ears and hear the difference. That's essentially what's happening when the back and headrest are right behind your ears. 

I have a Flexsteel Ezra, electric recliner with powered headrest and powered lumbar. Give one a try.

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.

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

@rick_n ​​​​@wsrrsw thx!

@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. 

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.

@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. 

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...

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. 

@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. 

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.    

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. 

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 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.  

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

@unclewilbur impressive! Thanks for a detailed overview. 

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

check out Himolla also….

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

Stickley….but…..

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.

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.

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

My FlexSteel custom order never lets me down. 

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. 😜

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!

@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. 

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

Great suggestions! Please keep em coming. 

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

@dekay LOL thx

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

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. 

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