Listening chair?

Theoretically, a high-backed chair puts the back in play as a reflective surface that will adversely affect sound. The reflections will cause all kinds of cancellations and reinforcement of different frequencies, and so, it is best to use something with a low back.

In reality, I personally like my high-backed reclinging chair, which is similar to the Ekornes chair. I have no problem with the sonic effect of using that chair -- the sound actually seems more focused when I use that chair.

I VERY HIGHLY recommend the Ekornes chair also. I have the "Kensington" model and they will have to probably bury it with me :-)

Yeah MoFimadness, just as soon a someone makes a casket big enough for the Maggies as well!

i own three Ekones Stressless chairs. they are comfortable and nicely built. i used one for three years in my listening room (1996-1999). the only issue is that the back rests are broad and somewhat cupped. they will definitely effect the sound to a significant degree.....depending on how tall one sits. as Rushton mentions above, if the backrest top is above your ears there will be issues.

i do recommend the Ekones Stressless as a great chair but only marginally as a listening chair.

if the sonic performance is a priority but you want a headrest then seek out a chair with a narrow back and headrest that has no 'cupping' effect. a headrest in and of itself is not a problem.

btw, i also own a chair similar to the Stickley Eastwood Chair called a Morris Bow Arm chair. quite comfortable and really great looking chair. the backrest is not cupped so even though it is wide it would be better for listening than the Ekones. unfortunately it is not as comfortable as the Ekones. i don't use this as my listening chair. you can see my listening chair on my system page.

there are always trade-offs.

I copy-catted Mike's chair and it is very comfortable.
It is also on the Relax the back retail store website.
I just love the chair, also comes in suede type cloth
with options like viscose ( Temper-Pedic type) elastic. BTW, there is also a competing brand to Mike's Delta and I believe this one is called "Perfect Chair." It does have the high back which is above ear level. I am not sure how bad this is, but I do know that it is something I no longer think about. Thanks Mike.