DC's listening room/system

[Thermionics]

The Paong is definitely comfy and affordable, but the problem with it (not to mention a few of the other "suggestions" haha) is that I prefer a low-backed chair so there's nothing behind my head - no material right behind my ears interfering with the sound in the room. I prefer to hear around and behind me, and there's roughly 1/3 of the room still behind my position, so something that doesn't come up any higher than, say, my shoulders, is more what I'm looking for.

I'm on the fence between fabric and leather - I'd actually prefer a fabric upholstery, but with two kittys in the house, leather is less likely to get clawed. My previous listening chair was a nice upholstery but got clawed up pretty bad over the years. The current chair (borrowed temporarily from a bedroom downstairs) is "pleather" with a blanket thrown over so it's not so plastic-y.

Might be a little too tall behind the head, but this could also be a good option (if you don't mind the fact that it is a knock-off):

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Leather-Recliner-Aluminum-Palisander/dp/B09RQQN82N?th=1

I have an Eames Lounge knock-off I use for listening to my main system, and it is pretty damn comfortable, and my ears are slightly above the back of the chair (but then again, I'm over 6' and have a long torso)

 

[Wntrmute2]

Might be a little too tall behind the head, but this could also be a good option (if you don't mind the fact that it is a knock-off):

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Leather-Recliner-Aluminum-Palisander/dp/B09RQQN82N?th=1

I have an Eames Lounge knock-off I use for listening to my main system, and it is pretty damn comfortable, and my ears are slightly above the back of the chair (but then again, I'm over 6' and have a long torso)

That's not Don.

 

[Thermionics]

That's not Don.

I’ve not met Don, so I have no frame of reference. But thank you for context. 👍

 

[joe83]

The Paong is definitely comfy and affordable, but the problem with it (not to mention a few of the other "suggestions" haha) is that I prefer a low-backed chair so there's nothing behind my head - no material right behind my ears interfering with the sound in the room. I prefer to hear around and behind me, and there's roughly 1/3 of the room still behind my position, so something that doesn't come up any higher than, say, my shoulders, is more what I'm looking for.

I'm on the fence between fabric and leather - I'd actually prefer a fabric upholstery, but with two kittys in the house, leather is less likely to get clawed. My previous listening chair was a nice upholstery but got clawed up pretty bad over the years. The current chair (borrowed temporarily from a bedroom downstairs) is "pleather" with a blanket thrown over so it's not so plastic-y.

fwiw, I’ve seen people cut off the head rest area leaving it about shoulder height.

it’s a very comfortable chair

 

[Audionut]

I found myself in a shopping mall yesterday, for the first time in 2+ years. I was along to provide spousal consent on some new luggage, and used the opportunity to visit a few places to scope out options for a new listening room chair. No decisions were made (Sticker shock? Oy!), but seeds were planted.

First stop was Macy’s:
View attachment 48009

Then Restoration Hardware:
View attachment 48008

And finally Pottery Barn:
View attachment 48007

View attachment 48010

Any of these would probably be fine, though none was a “winner” by any stretch. The one at Macy’s was the least expensive, but the leather pads on the metal arms ended right where my hands rested (I’m short) and I’d “feel” the cold metal. (I revisited it at the end when we picked up said luggage and was annoyed by that a second time; it’d probably end up getting a “no” vote.) The library chair at Restoration Hardware was spendy (!), but by far the best quality. Price alone probably prevents it from being a serious contender, but boy was it nice. The two at Pottery Barn could be contenders, though, and could qualify for more research.

Yes, two of these places carry beautiful stuff, but they are really proud of their products ($$$$). Have you tried Crate & Barrel? Also, there is a comfy leather recliner at Costco. Unfortunately, it’s a bit on the simple side in appearance and only available in gray leather.

 

[DC]

Might be a little too tall behind the head, but this could also be a good option (if you don't mind the fact that it is a knock-off):

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Leather-Recliner-Aluminum-Palisander/dp/B09RQQN82N?th=1

I have an Eames Lounge knock-off I use for listening to my main system, and it is pretty damn comfortable, and my ears are slightly above the back of the chair (but then again, I'm over 6' and have a long torso)

Those are very nice, and super comfortable! If I were taller (@Wntrmute2 above is correct, lol), I might consider one. And if I weren’t seeking the best “active, focused listening” chair, that’d be a finalist for sure!

 

[DC]

On a related note, the CD shelves are back up here (configured slightly different than before) and the boxes stacked in the corner by the radiator have all the CDs for the empty shelves. (Any CDs visible here just traveled “as-is” in their racks/shelves when evacuated, but the bigger ones needed to be emptied first.)

 

[Punker X]

Wasn't looking for a new chair, but a neighbor put this to the curb. Waiting on the upholstery place now.
Solid oak and very heavy.

 

[AudioFanKJ]

I am not sure where you reside DC, however being a victim and owner of some Restoration Hardware furniture, I can attest to their comfort and durability. (Make sure to compare with the down filled cushions)

They are pricey but offer the option of dozens of types of leather and fabrics in the same chairs.

RH does have a couple of locations which are deemed “Restoration Hardware Outlet” stores. A lot of the showroom pieces and orders in which the leather “shade” may have been off color for some designer end up there. We are fortunate enough to reside about a 30 minute drive from the outlet store.

May be worth looking into.

 

[JoeThePop]

That reminds me DC. I bought something quite a while back at the Pottery Barn Outlet in Birch Run, MI. Selection is limited of course, but may be worth the trip.

 

[DC]

Thanks! Excellent suggestions!!

 

[asilker]

Love seeing the shuffle and repairs. We just moved into a 1924 bungalow and are getting the entire place refinished at the end of the month, this thread has got me excited. I spent all last week steaming mastic to reveal century-old maple. Hopefully it will look as alluring as yours

 

[DC]

Not much to update... lots of other distractions lately.

But an unexpected day off today allowed some fun time, so I finally got the speakers and listening chair very carefully positioned (mostly based on odd-number room divisions), then used the mirror-on-the-wall technique to find the exact first reflection points and cross-reflection points on the two side walls and first reflections on the sloping ceiling, see sticky-notes in pic. Previously everything was just eye-balled, and not really as close as I had thought. Doh!

GIK Acoustics website again has been stalked, but wallet is still intact... so far. I think I narrowing down what I want, just hyper-overthinking it, as usual. ("Analysis Paralysis" anyone??)

Obligatory crappy pic:

 

[Olson_jr]

@DC

Was it that Paragon/Wilson post that inspired you today?

https://conta.cc/3RBMvWg

 

[MrEd]

Looking good Don, it's been a long time coming 👍

 

[billfort]

This looks fantastic Don!

Such an inviting listening space, really well done.

 

[DC]

@DC

Was it that Paragon/Wilson post that inspired you today?

https://conta.cc/3RBMvWg

Naah, just some unexpected free time.

 

[Wntrmute2]

Nice work Don!

 

[Wntrmute2]

@DC

Was it that Paragon/Wilson post that inspired you today?

https://conta.cc/3RBMvWg

Most of that gear makes me throw up in my mouth a little. Sorry, not sorry Paragon.

 

[DC]

Most of that gear makes me throw up in my mouth a little. Sorry, not sorry Paragon.

Well, that’s probably not the system I would have assembled if I had those funds, but to each his own. I don’t have quite the visceral reaction you get.