What is the best 2 channel listening chair?

@ghdprentice + 1 - Totally agree - I used to have a stressless zero-gravity chair where the back went above my head, and it was terrible for listening to music - it sounded so different when I moved my head forward away from the seat back. I eventually got rid of it and got an Eames chair and ottoman and am much happier with that for music listening. It does make a HUGE difference whether the sound bounces off something immediately behind your ears, like a chair back, or whether there is nothing there to bounce the sound. 

This would be a perfect listening chair:

https://www.mwdental.com/equipment/operatory-chairs/biscayne-e-l-dental-chair.html

I think there are some aftemarket folks making leather covers for the Poaeng 

Ekrones

Ugg slippers=ugly.  Can’t stand uggs, do not see or feel their appeal. 

A family friend has the Gamut "hifi" Lobster chair and I've sat in it a few times. It is quite comfortable, but at 6K cdn, I can buy alot of records for that price, or a couple of gallons/litres of premium gasoline.....

For critical listening, I use my dining chair in near field listening.

For enjoyment, I use my soft comfy relaxing recliner.  And a different set of speakers.

Barcalounger "Blair" power recliner

https://www.barcalounger.com/view-all-options/blair-power-recliner

Ikea Poang for me.

Ikea is junk. I have owned it.

Here's a blurb for those interested in the Herman Miller/Knoll/Vitra-Europe Eames lounge chair, but who would prefer something less expensive.

I used to really like the HM/Knoll chairs, but following various lower back injuries over the years I no longer find them comfortable.

Read that HM recently purchased Knoll and as just researched there is no longer much of a discount for the Knoll version.

DeKay

I bought a pair of bonded leather chairs and ottomans from Dania Furniture in 2008, and other than the bonded leather absolutely failing and now flaking off in palm-sized sheets, these have been perfect for my listening chair:

- comfortable enough to sit in (or fall asleep in) for hours

- the back is just below my shoulder-blades, so my ears have unencumbered ability to receive all of the reflections from all around the room.

- kicking my legs up on the matching ottoman is very relaxing, and provides lots of body parts accessible for my trio of cats to fall asleep on me (though they get annoyed when I'm up every 15-20 mins for vinyl LP listening sessions!)

I searched and could not find photos of these chairs + ottomans anywhere, and hardly anything comparable (a few months ago, we did find a gorgeous pair of this design from Italy once, in full-grain leather and made in the '70s, but they were over $4,000 including shipping so regrettably we passed and they sold to someone else).

So imagine this photo of the sofa from Dania (Bogart is the name of the line) as a single-seat chair, with a matching ottoman.

I'm strongly considering having a local furniture-maker completely re-do this pair of chairs and ottomans in full-grain leather, I love them so much...

Another vote for the Stressless recliners. We've had two of them for 15 years and strongly recommend them. Impeccably constructed and very comfortable.

@vinnydabully , There is absolutely do reason to avoid high chairs as long as the surface is soft and absorptive. They can actually improve the sound by blocking reflections. @tsacremento I just got my Stressless recliners and will put them up on my system page. They are glorious in every respect. They are worth every cent.

I inherited a pair of the Stressless chairs.  Note that they come in multiple sizes.  One of mine is smaller, with a lower rise in the back, than the other.  It is above my shoulders, but beneath my ears.  I much prefer that one to the larger, taller one.  You really can hear the effect of the sound bouncing off the back of the chair near your ears if the seat back rises up to or over your ears.

Eames w/ottoman replica has worked very well for audio listening. I liked them so much, at one point we had two in the HT room and another for 2-ch. My advice, pay the extra and get full-grain leather. None of them delaminated, but the lesser covering quality scratched more easily - pets. They are extremely comfortable for long sessions, the aesthetic fits everywhere, and the design is an endless classic.

Things change, the pair was sold, and the remaining set lives in the living room (3rd system), and an audio-friendly sofa allows multi listening in the 2-ch room (center-stage isn't so necessary to enjoy LXmini speakers).

If Ihad a dedicated solo listening room, the Eames w/ottoman would be there.

If you want to go on the cheap so to speak, look at gaming chairs. I found one from Sams that works great in a small room I have for one of my systems. I love it!

A simple test to decide whether you want/need (or not) a high back chair is to cup your hands behind your ears while listening. If it sounds better, then your seat is likely a good distance from the wall behind you and you you want the reinforcement

hth

LOL@ this thread. Exactly as I figured.

Maybe it is just me.  The Poang that many attest does not suit my back because of its s-curve back support design.  It causes my neck/ shoulder pain.

Whats all this favoritism towards chairs?  How 'bout a sofa, a couch, a loveseat, a daybed, a chaise all viable alternatives to the chair!  why is the chair favored so much?  - F*ck the chair!  PS- this is sarcasm for people who have lost their sense of humor.  

I have owned the same Ikea Poang chair for 7 yeas now. Not sure about the junk implication but it has weight limits.

To each their own,  at least they are not counterfeit mid century Herman Miller. 

Most Ekornes Stressless recliners are sold with leather upholstery. However, the difference between leather and fabric upholstery is profound. I tried out  a leather Stressless for a while and it radically altered the sound. When I finally located a fabric covered Stressless recliner, the sound was not affected in any significant way, even with a high back behind the head. 

@polkalover  - :-)

There is some truth though. I have at triple recliner (modular). I like to share my music, but I also like to have the best seat in the house at times (and we use the room for movies too).

Leather every where else in the house, not in the audio room.

@nonoise ,

There must be 100 different Adirondack chairs on the market. I am sure I tried about 20 of them. Some of them are outright uncomfortable to sit on. With the right one, it is amazing how comfortable a chair with no padding can be. The key is distributing your weight over a larger area and avoiding any pressure points.

Maybe that wooden chair is not so bad?

Agreed. Being an ex Catholic and having sat in many churches, all of those wooden pews were of different shapes and styles and some were downright comfortable while others were a PITA.

I've had the same experience with Adirondack chairs as well. They're not all made the same.

All the best,
Nonoise

Ekornes stressless chairs are by far the best I've tried. Started with IKEA, then non reclining leather with ottoman (Leather Center) and then a leather recliner. All cause back pain after a few hours of usage.

The Ekornes is recommended by the American Chiropractic association for a reason. I can sit for hours, even fall asleep deep into the middle of the night and have no issues whatsoever. That when you need a Tru Lift so your stylus doesn't were out prematurely.

Just replaced my 16 year old Stressless (that is structurally perfect - my son will take it with the head area covered with fabric) with the EXACT same chair (what product can say that) with a new color. Price went up about 40-50% and it took about 5 months to get it from Norway since the color was not a standard they stock in the US. Never saw one with cloth. Wouldn't consider anything but leather.

I do have it on a rug sitting on hard wood so it doesn't move or damage the wood. The pads you can get for under the bases don't work.

Pricey, but well worth it.

"Fjords" AKA "Hjellegjerde" is a good Norwegian recliner manufacturer that runs less $ than Ekornes Stressless.  Available in fabric or soft leather & different sizes.  Get one with the neck pillow to keep your ears away from the chair back.  They also have some models that taper towards the head rest.  Both manufacturers make good quality chairs and can be found second hand BTW.  I like to sit low but my knees are knackered so sizing is important.

Hands down the Le Corbusier LC4 Chaise Lounge.

Not only is it a classic of design, it's extremely relaxing and comfortable. I adjust mine so it's a little more upright than you generally see, so that there is nothing behind my ears, with the neck support to hold your head up. The listening position is great.

The body is 100% supported and you really relax and engage with the music.

RE: " I’ve found the Steel Case Leap V2 (version 2. The V1 is no good)"

@dreas, that’s your opinion. I have found the Leap V1 to be very good, indeed. I’ve owned three of them; just gave my first to my twin; sitting in second; have a leather v1 as backup.

Thanks to Steelcase chairs (the TOTL Criterion, then Leap v1s) I’ve been able to work many long days in home office for 25+ years, despite lower back issues.

I never tried a v2, mainly because I know a couple people who did and ended up not liking them.

I’m not saying a Steelcase Leap chair is good for the listening room. I personally prefer something w/at least a head rest. But they're damned good in an office environment...

This may be a little off topic, but I'd be more interested in the best 7.1.4 chair. 😉

I obviously don't subscribe to the low-back chair school of thought. I need to be comfortable to enjoy a long listening session. This has been my chair of choice for over twenty years.

I've been checking put some nice wingback chairs as well. I love and need head support so I don't slouch. The well made ones aren't cheap.

All the best,
Nonoise

Use the furniture in your living room/family room.  Adjust the equipment to the room.  You will use and enjoy your stereo much more.

@mrod54 Best answer!

I disagree jmkrajnik. There is nothing like a room and chair just for music. I've done it both ways and it's a world of difference. One is a compromise, and the other is paradise.

nonoise,

I have tried that kind of wingback before, and he shape creates a tunnel effect. I get what you're saying about your neck, and I strongly suggest this chair. I have the same problem and it is incredibly supportive of the back of your neck, and way more adjustable than any Stressless chair. You would not regret it. Of course, the headrest is powered.

What the heck is an "Ames chair"?

Are you sure you aren't talking about an "Eames chair"?

@roxy54 ,

Understood. Kind of like cupping your ears which exaggerates the sound. But the ones I've been looking at aren't rounded as much as that comfy, well broken in chair that mrod45 posted, but wider at the top and not as enveloping.  

So many choices.

All the best,
Nonoise

Dear @desktopguy my comments re. V1 Leap - having owned them as well - is due to my experience only. I had several of the V1 and a) they are very bulky and heavy, b) the v2 not only lightened the chair, but it enhanced some of the ergonomic comfort, they are cooler (more breathable) than the very thick seat and back of the V1, "in my opinion". I can sit comfortably in the V2 for hours (too long, in fact!) unlike most chairs. You are 100% correct, the standard model does not include a headrest but one is available. As I began, I noted "aesthetics aside". 

In my opinion. 😇

My favorite listening chair is a three cushion Flex Steel sofa. Just the right amount of comfort - not too firm and not too soft. The back hits just above the top of my shoulders. With a padded ottoman, the center cushion makes a comfy place to listen for extended periods, plus enough room on the sofa to share listening with the wife or a friend.

Sometimes, during late night listening, when I get tired, it's nice to be able to curl up on a comfy sofa and crash for awhile and let the music play on.

I've been shopping lately for a new solo chair..the stressless chairs are ok but way way overpriced for what you get,they seem rather stiff as well...the Herman Miller chair ive had and thought it sucked, it did keep its value though..I like for the money the Barcalounger pedestal chairs..I never noticed a diff in room sound with a high back .

Kids today!  :) 

Mine is a dedicated nearfield studio arrangement.  Happenstance (there are NO coincidences) found a marvelous condition, small-body (5'5" to 5'9") La-Z-Boy recliner at a thrift store for $25.00.  The rear top cushion lands atop my head, assisting the wanted deadening of the back wall, in front of a tall bookshelf.  It being a recliner with limitless range of reclining positions, even with the footrest out, there is little added mass in the sweet spot, between me and the presentation, always a good thing.  (Try removing coffee tables and footstools.)

I often stream deep into the night, and simple adjustments add comfort, best sound and delight.  I chose to add a lumbar cushion that just helps the overall ergo aspect and added comfort.  La-Z-Boy does address this also in their many designs. 

A close audio friend owns a Hudson Valley winery and has an amazing, fully designed, dedicated sound-room in the nearby Guest House.  Upon my last visit, he sported two overstuffed love-seats in the listening area that were eating up the sound.  Our solution:    More Peace, Pin

That LLBean chair is hideous! Who would have that in their house?

I have both the Eames and Bertoia Lounges. Bertoia below best by far. 

roxy54...the topic is "listening chair."  His love-seats are still available for showtime and the camp recliner easily folds and stows...ready for his go-time in vinyl mono, two channel and 11.3 surround.  Pin

Huh? I said the chair was ugly, and your point is?

Hmm...

I love my orange "lawn chair" with the "milk crate" for my flip-flop covered feet...

(It’s a minimalist thing)!

But really, - A low-backed, suede leather covered "La-Z-Boy" chair.

(Very low wave-diffraction coefficient, plus high particle scatter-absorption).

And damned comfy!

Vintage Ekornes 'Pegasus' chair - it also came in a loveseat.  Back reclines.  Almost as good as the Le Corbusier in the Maxell ad.  Chair and Current Chair view....