What do you sit on?

edcyn,

Thank you for the head's up on that sofa. It comes in low back. Unfortunately not in fabric, but for where I am thinking, in low back, I am not as concerned and in comes in a love seat (2 seater) in 65 colors.

When it’s safer to shop, I’ll look for something adjustable.

Oh Brother!

It's safe to shop. It's always been safe to shop.

Use the common sense the good lord gave you and go out and buy a chair. You don't have to sit in someone's lap to shop for a chair.....lol....

I listen from Wassily Chairs. In addition to being a beautiful and classic design (see this Wikipedia writeup), their relatively low seating position results in my ears being at an optimal height for my particular speakers (Daedalus Ulysses), and I would expect any effects they might have on sonics due to reflections to be very minimal compared to many other kinds of chairs.

Also, the Wassily chairs are very easy to re-position when my wife and I are both listening.

Various knockoffs of the Wassily are available at much lower prices than the genuine article shown at the first link.

Roberttdid:
If you have not treated your back walls, then a high back is likely to sound better.  

Definitely a point to consider.  In my case, though, this is probably not an issue as the central third of the rear wall is open to another room, as well as being about seven feet from the listening position.

Regards,
-- Al

Ekorness Stressless.  I've picked up 3 of them over the last several years used locally off of Craigslist and Marketplace for very reasonable $.  Be on the lookout and act fast.  Know what they look like.

If you have good room acoustics, especially if you have treated reflections from the back wall, then a high back or low back chair/couch will both work reasonably well. If you have not treated your back walls, then a high back is likely to sound better (see next paragraph).


If you are trying to optimize SQ, then fabric is the best option. Leather/pleather will reflect more sound and you don't want that happening close to your head.

I have a Stressless Buckingham sofa, which seats three, all three seating positions have a recline feature, which isn't a full recline, but I'm able to find that "sweet spot" and can sit for hours.

I have a high back office chair with mesh seat and back, articulating headrest, swivels and is on rollers. I just bought a rectangular mechanics seat with wheels from Harbor Freight for a foot stool. Both are light weight and easy to move around

I know this is hijacking the thread & I apologize but IF YOU HAVE BACK PROBLEMS PLEASE READ THIS:
Get an INVERSION TABLE with Infrared Heat!!!
They wanted to cut me open & fuse 3 vertebra up top & 2 down low..A good friend brought me to her place & made me try hers..Had one for 10+ years now & NOT A SINGLE BACK problem since!!!
Also perfect timing as I was just pondering this question lately...

In contrast to steakster, I truly enjoyed my many years with an Ekornes Stressless Recliner.  I used it both as my stereo chair and an office chair (I read books and screenplays for a living, writing notes on a legal pad).  The only reason I got rid of it is because my wife just got too disgusted how worn-out it eventually looked.  I also have a kneeling chair.  Sorry to report, unless I sit on it backwards and just use it as a stool, the kneeling chair becomes damnably uncomfortable within five minutes no matter how I try to adjust it.  It may supposedly be good for your back, but it's hell on your knees, shins and ankles.  It doesn't make my back feel very aye-aye-aye either.  Anyway, for my stereo l now I use a firm but nicely padded living room easy chair.  No adjustments but it doesn't need any.  It also has nicely grippy upholstery, something that keeps me from slouching  as the listening session stretches on and on.

If you can't sit for long without back pain, please see a neurosurgeon, who could most likely decompress a spinal nerve root for you to relieve low back/sciatic pain.  It could be life changing.  

Good question.
Eames lounge chair with ottoman. I have one in the listening room & one in the "living" room. I can sit in them for hours without any issues. Very comfortable chairs.  

@jjss49  I’m with you on this one

The older I get -- 71 now-- the less I can tolerate any chair for a long time. I bought a leather arm chair for listening in early 2014; now I can’t sit in it for 10 mins without back pain. Should I be glad I didn’t pay a lot, or sorry I didn’t pay more for a more luxurious chair? Would I have found it comfortable longer? I haven’t a clue.

I’m using an Aeron office chair temporarily, which swivels and tilts. When it’s safer to shop, I’ll look for something adjustable.

What can I recommend to you? For comfort, a chair with more than one fixed position. For sound, one that comes no higher than the shoulders. Some say that fabric is preferable to leather, as it generates fewer reflections.

I think that chairs are like clothing: you have to try it on yourself. What fits someone else may not fit you.

i am not touching this one... must resist