Listen...chair

Fact is the chair is part of the room and everything in the room affects acoustics and sound.

How much the chair will matter in practice will of course vary. In many cases probably not to any noticeable extent.

However if teh chair is tall and directly behind your ears that alone can have a significant difference in what you hear due to sound reflected there.

if you do not believe me try a simple test. Listen to your hifi normally. Then cup your hands behind your ears and listen. you will hear a difference, probably for the better, particularly in the midrange which is where most music occurs. Changing the location and form of the cupped hands will alter the sound you hear as well.

digsmithd

Depending on the speaker design, I would be more concerned firstly on where the chair puts my ears, especially in a small room. So if your high frequency drivers are by design, meant to be near ear level, ensure the speaker setup, or the chair you choose is height adjustable.

I found this chair on sale at BoConcept, Ideal height for me, very comfortable and no material around the head area, works perfectly and doesn’t take up too much space. Also light and easy to move which can be important if you are in a tight space like me and need to get access for cable routing etc

https://www.boconcept.com/en-us/furniture/living/armchairs/5569/monte-chair

Good thread and for me live and learn.  After reading this and googling the chair I just went downstairs and noted I have a Ekornes Stressless in the green color covered up in sheets in my finished walk out basement.  I picked it up this summer in great condition (1/4 " tear in one place) at this crazy used anything store on my way home from work for $125.  Until now I didn't think it was anything special. 

Goes to show even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then.

Cost effective, very comfortable, lightweight and available in fabric or (faux) leather. I’ve used one for years and never felt the need to upgrade. I can’t make the same claim for equipment…

 

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09125661/

 

Cheers,