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Posted by Romy the Cat on
10-29-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d
This is my very wet audio dream over the years. I never had a good Chair. My room never allowed me to do so but as I will be moving my wet dream about a perfect listening Chair begin to erect my imagination.
Now I have nice leather couch… I like it as a couch but I hate it as listening place. Couch focus sound via reflection but this is only a part of problems. Couch doe not naturally fix the heat at single proper spot. This is why I seldomly listen music in my home at my sweep spot. – it is not very relaxing posture.
A good listening Chair does it all. It might be position in acoustically isolated location. It has no acoustically-reflective boundaries above upper part of body. It is superbly comfortable and let you to sit or to lie very easily. It has all remote navigation controls over the entire playback….
A good listening Chair allow to listen music in the Boundary Mode - the ceremonial, supernatural, semi-meditative state of being where your body is virtually sleeps but your consciousness is super-sharp and very alerted…..
I do not have my beloved listening Chair but as soon I get my new listing room then my listening Chair will be the very first and the very cherished item of my attention… The Cat
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Posted by Stitch on
10-29-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
10-29-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d
Stitch, funny picture, I was laughing…
Op.9, I was searching the Lafuma Magic at the site you line and I did not find any. I do not like the Lafuma’s idea their chairs are light and this back support is too toll. But you never know as some chairs feel remarkably comfortable when you put your ass in them. Still, I would like to have a shallow chair with wide arms and that would weight no less the myself.
I for instance like the CinemaTech’s Embassy Chair
http://www.mycinematech.com/Seating/Embassy/index.html
It might not look sexy but it feels ridiculously comfortable when sat in it and it has very-very good NATURAL restriction of a head in a very narrow sweat spot. I think I will be looking something along with those ideas.
There is also the whole notion of Zero Gravity Chair that was initially developed by NASA during their SkyLab program. There are few companies that make “Perfect Chair - Zero Gravity” but they not too much accommodated for sound as they have too tall back support…
http://www.humantouch.com/pc006-view-18.html
The Cat
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Posted by Paul S on
10-29-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d I noticed Ikea's "Poang" chair and footstool on sale at a ridiculously low price I could not resist, so I put them in my listening room even though it puts my ears somewhat lower than I prefer. The chair is so comfortable for me, however, that I will build a platform for it before I give it up.
Of course, I had tried it ahead of time and I knew the chair (and ottoman) fit me perfectly. I basically lucked out to notice it was on sale, but if it fits it still seems like a value at its low, regular price, compared to an Eames or other Herman Miller designs that are worth considering.
While we're at this, I hope everyone already knows about Ikea's "Expedit" record shelves. They look simply nice and work great for the purpose, at a very low price.
FWIW, I am not "an Ikea person", but they do have a few good deals, if you look carefully before you buy; and these are two of them.
Best regards,
Paul S
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Posted by jessie.dazzle on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Automotive seats typically have smallish, adjustable head restraints, and the seat backs recline. Take a look at this:
http://www.bookofjoe.com/images/2007/10/22/1ewtrety.jpg
Note that the support integrates arm rests. Yes one's butt would be a bit low for our purposes, but its no big deal to make a taller support. The seat in the photo is from an English-made Rover P6 (1963-1977). These seats are amazingly comfortable (and heavy), and are often upholstered in very nice leather; they can be had very cheaply.
And, this thing is just offensively UGLY; I include it only for its potential to spark an idea:
http://www.stresslessdentalcare.co.uk/images/Chair.jpg
jd*
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Posted by perrew on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Designing with Power Point http://www.klutzdesign.com/
I use the Corona by Poul M. Volther cant be beaten in aestetics.
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Posted by twogoodears on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d I always loved this cocooning chair... also a long time fave - almost a must - among Far Eastern audiophiles.
As a plus, lacking a true head support, the ears do not have a back leather surface which - possibly - blur the listening.
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Yes, the idea of dentist chair with almost a fixation of the head is certainly there but it needs to be done NATURALLY and not abusive.
I do like the idea of the Rover chair, perhaps not chair itself but a very strong metal frame. I feel that arm rests are VERY important in the right listing chair. For instance the CinemaTech’s Embassy Chair has very high and wide arm rests located at very “smart” angle. What you sit in there then the arms goes relatively high, masking you virtually to stretch on the chair – extremely comfortable position; you kind of lie in there but in vertical position. Also, since you are almost lying you have very restricted movement but it done not by enforcing you do not move but by position you that you have no need to move. The CinemaTech as now is my leading chair I just do not know where to buy is if I would willing to.
Perrew, thank for the providing a lead to the Klutz Design. Their Ballerina Sweetspot is an interesting idea. My only concern with it that it might be too flimsy and too rolloverable. I would like to see in a right chair very substantial mass and footprint. I do not need “elegance” in chair – I will not use it during cocktail-hour for Fidelity Investment yuppies. I need a substance of constriction and I do not think Klutz Design has it. I am known to destroy chair. I swing on them, roll of them and soon or later I always destroy chairs. I go over a chair a year at my work and a chair a year at my home office…. The Klutz Design is wonderful idea but it would be shame if I within my erratic ass would screw the head of the Klutz Design chair.
The Cat
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Posted by perrew on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Romy, I have not put down my own behind in Ballerina so cannot comment on sturdyness also don know the size of yours so will refrain from guessing, but it has some similarity to dentist headrest, and holder for remote, although Im not sucker for there design I somehow like it. Not like the Corona but still.
For me having nice looking chair just makes me happy to sit in, I dont use it for showing FI yuppie. For me its form before function to some degree.
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Posted by jessie.dazzle on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d
More on plastic-seat-sweat-syndrome later.
Looking at the Cinematech Embassy, and reading the comments about its ability to support one's head, I conclude the ideal seat may not require a head support that goes all the way up behind the head... This was exactly my thinking when I bought one of these :
http://www.espacecanape.com/produit.php?categorie=fauteuils&modele=Faubourg=Fauteuil&id=26
In the low position, the head support is not quite high enough to keep one's head from falling back, but can be raised exactly as required. Ideally, the armrests would be closer to the center, but on the birghter side, there is space for listener + feline friend.
Motivations for the purchase were the following:
1) Scale appropriate for large occupants (its not visually dwarfed by large people).
2) Features a reclining back, and an adjustable head support (click on the "AUTRES VUES" button),
3) Comes standard upholstered in thick wool fabric (a sort of felt); this fabric breaths, and is far more comfortable than suffocating in leather or vinyl in front of hot amps.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M619sDp4oyI/SUlMauvRYTI/AAAAAAAABSw/LkeSkCSFecY/s400/southern+culture+on+the+skids.jpg
Wool will not be 100% martini or Cohiba-proof, and will likely attract furry creatures, but in the event of a serious mishap, or just normal wear, the factory is set up to take back and re-upholster/service anything they make (the frame will last for ever; welded from heavy, large-section metal tube).
Which brings us to a possible snag; I'm not sure this thing is available in the US; Steiner is an 80+ year-old French company... I think its still family-owned (the founder was hauled away by the Nazis, and died not long after his release); but I'd be willing to bet they'd accommodate an over-seas sale. If not, there are ways...
jd*
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
10-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d
Yes, Jessie, you get the idea correct. If a chair positions the upper body “properly” (whatever it means) then the upper part of body with attached to it head has no other way to go then to stick naturally out of the chair and does not need any head support. I think k the key in here is to find a configuration of the lover pat of body that would make a person so comfortable and so firm in the chair that would eliminate a need or an opportunity to move the head. The Cinematech Embassy in my view is a perfect example but Cinematech do not produce it anymore.
The Le fauteuil Faubourg chair looks good but I feel that the top part of the back is a bit too tall. Also the chair is too wide and does not do the body’s self-centering. I do what to hear the back side of the room and I am planning to position chair far from the back wall. I have some very interesting and quite original ideas how to USE the space behind the chair – I will talk about it what I will be there. Meanwhile, if to look over the collection of the same espacecanape.com that you provided that I think this chair might be more suitable for my objectives: Fauteuils Confident
http://www.espacecanape.com/produit.php?categorie=fauteuils&modele=Confident&id=30
Unfortunately it is absolutely impossible to judge how comfortable chair is until you sit in it…
The Cat
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Posted by Paul S on
11-11-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d I was sitting there in a sushi place (eating sushi...), with "Sports TVs" buzzing away in the background, when the chairs the "sports talker guys" were sitting in suddenly caught my eye. This was the first time I realized that some chairs like these French jobbies are actually scaled rather differently than I'd supposed from just looking at these pictures. The main thing that surprised me is that the "short" backs in fact come up much nearer to one's shoulders than I ever suspected, even with the tall "sports guys" sitting in them. I'm guessing this means more back support when seated than I'd guessed, too.
BTW, I messed around with moving my head off the headrest of my Poang while listening to music and I was not surprised to confirm that it sounds better when the sound can wrap entirely around my head, unobstructed, ie, it sounds better when I lift my head off the headrest and lean forward a little.
However, since I routinely fall asleep in my Poang, I dunno if an "open back" chair would be safe for me!
Paul S
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
02-13-2010
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fiogf49gjkf0d
I stopped by this morning in my local furniture shop to look for chairs and the very first one that I saw I felt in love with. It is Ekornes Manhattan chair, pleasantly comfortable and superb for listening objectives: low back, perfect fixation of head in vertical and horizontal plane while keeping a relaxed posture
https://www.copenhagenfurniture.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=593
It is not even ugly!
The Cat
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Posted by Paul S on
02-14-2010
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fiogf49gjkf0d What a great looking chair! Modern and comfy at the same time; not bound by any "school" of design. Welcome in my house; this would fit right in with the antique montage, too.
Paul S
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
11-19-2010
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fiogf49gjkf0d I have been using my Ekornes Manhattan chair and generally I am pleased with it. It is a bit not deep enough for the taste of my ass but with footstool it works fine. There is however an aspect in all of it that I do not likeand that I did not think before.
As I told I was fighting with micro-vibration that comes across my suspended floor. 8 jacks and two 6 by 6 beams later the micro-vibrations across the floor do not bother me anymore. What does bother me is the micro-vibrations that the damn Ekornes fine leather chair pick on its leather. I think if the chair were made from fabric then the effect would be much lower. It feels like leather acts as a diaphragm that feels the pressure that coming from Macondo too much…
It does not that it bothers me tremendously and I have no plans to change my listening chair but if I did not have any listening chair at all and knowing want I know now then I would not go for leather chair.
Romy the Cat
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
12-02-2010
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fiogf49gjkf0d In context of my VoES observation I am begin to look for a new Listening Chair. My Ekornes Manhattan chair is fine, in fact I like it but it has some accosts qualities that I am not wild. Also, it is very much no compliant with VoES.
So, I would like my new Listening chair/sofa/loveseat to be none-leather, do not have horizontal surfaces, to be compliant with VoES requirements and to be nice looking and comfortable at the same time. This is a bit tall order but let see how it goes. I do not mind to design my own Listening Chair, in fact I would very much prefers this way but I do not have anybody who will build it for me and I know nothing about furniture construction. I know exactly what external shape I would like it to be but that is about it….
The Cat
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
06-19-2012
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fiogf49gjkf0d My feeling about perfect listening chair has altered lately – I need another sit at my listening chair, so it kind of becoming a listening couch instead of listening chair. As much efforts I spent to explain to my girlfriend about time alignment and necessity to be at more or less equidistant position from right and left channel she still sits at neither my listening chair upside down like a monkey. It is not that I complain about - whatever makes her happy but I think bigger sitting arrangement will be more beneficial. It is not the last factor that she is my type of a woman, who can listen entire Bruckner 8 without a few trips to entertain herself to make a sandwich.
So, in replacement of my egotistic single listening chair we decided to make it more like “living room” arrangement, organizing it to one couch, two chairs and a table. I very much welcome to this idea, in fact we did some prototyping with the couches and chairs that we have and I do like the result.
Of course the reference listening position for with the whole room was designed will stay put – it will be in the very middle of the couch. The side chair will be no abstraction of any kind and the only concern I have is a table. It I have a large flat horizontal surface a few feet from my listening position and between me and loudspeaker then it will introduce fists reflection at HF. To cure the surface with sound absorbing material I will not be, so I need to come up with some kind of configuration of destine of the table that would be affective to imaging. Any interesting ideas or did anybody dealt with the problem?
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
08-17-2013
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fiogf49gjkf0d A few days back I visited a local audio guy and had a couple hours listening session with him. It was immensely pleasurable it only because very good sound that his playback demonstrated but also by the fact that he had comfortable listening chairs.
I need to admit that since approximately year ago Amy and I have changed my single beloved listening chair to a lovely family-oriented 3-sit leather couch my listening habits got transform. I just do not like to sit in there anymore. I still love to be there to “consume” sound but the couch we have is uncomfortable to sit. For sure the couch is sexy looking and matches the rest room furniture. For sure Amy and I did spent quite a number of wonderful events on this couch, starting listening together and ending with whatever it was. There are million other reasons why the couch is a wonderful idea. Amy was making fun about me what she first time came to my listening room, was mocking the fact that I have only one chair in the middle of the room. All my attempts to explain to her physical, acoustic and audio practical reasons to have one listening chair were disarmed by the argument that it is better to have her in listening spot. There is no argument with that – to have her in there is wonderful but as the listening chair was replaced with listening couch I also lost ability to have Die Walküre-long listening session. My listening hobbits become very shallow and short and I rather look forward to end a listening session than to begin it. I have absolutely no attraction to be at my listening spot and I do not feel “home” in there when I do. What important to mention that it has not become I am loosing interests in listening or unhappy about Sound (there are some misses with it as well) but rather with my physical detest to be in my listening spot.
This all bogthers me to say the least. I did share my feeling with wife and she is OK to return to the single-chair environment. The problem is that it is not truly compatible with the new room decor and the furniture layout of our eventually living room. So, the whole idea of integrated room where audio and living quarters are combined is kind of slowly blowing in my face and I do not like it. So, I wonder if some kind of arrangement might be find that would give to me my single chair and at the same time keep the “family room” to be family room. I really am missing those hours-long listing session, sitting in sweat spot, listening music, thinking about Sound, to be me and to enjoy what I enjoy. I am OK that I can’t smoke cigars in there anymore but I still would like to be there….
The Cat
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Posted by Stitch on
08-17-2013
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fiogf49gjkf0d The normal audiophile has a problem when he marries first and wants to add a good Stereo System later.
One of my friends did it right, he bought his system first and married later, before he did that he showed all to his girlfriend and said "You know, what was first...."
Never a problem. His long, fat Cardas Wires are all over the living room and when visitors enter the room, his wife tells them to take care of the cables and not to to touch his Turntable...
You had your chance :-)
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Posted by JJ Triode on
08-17-2013
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fiogf49gjkf0d Romy:
If you can make the preferred chair and the couch easy to move, then you can quickly reconfigure the room for solo or dual use. Maybe put them on wheels?
When you wrote "My listening hobbits become very shallow..." I could not help thinking the scene early in the movie of The Fellowship of the Ring where a hobbit farmer has his finger in his ear up to the knuckle...
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Posted by Paul S on
08-17-2013
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fiogf49gjkf0d Perhaps your own priorities and habits are changing somewhat over time? No surprise there. If so, I guess the idea is to meditate on what you want from the room now, and arrange it primarily for that. I have a lightweight chair that I use for immersion, and I can easily move it around, depending on what I want to do in the room. I can move the speakers around fairly easily, too, but not very far, mostly due to the amps and the cables. The amps are a PITA to move at this time, but I guess I could come up with a plan for them, too, if I wanted to.
Best regards,
Paul S
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
08-17-2013
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fiogf49gjkf0d
 Stitch wrote: | The normal audiophile has a problem when he marries first and wants to add a good Stereo System later.
One of my friends did it right, he bought his system first and married later, before he did that he showed all to his girlfriend and said "You know, what was first...."
Never a problem. His long, fat Cardas Wires are all over the living room and when visitors enter the room, his wife tells them to take care of the cables and not to to touch his Turntable...
You had your chance :-) |
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Stitch, I know what you are saying but my comment above is neither some kind of existential question nor a referendum on the marriage for audio guy. I very much like the changes that come to my listening room along with wify. However, the changes, despite I very much like them from general décor and usability perspective, in the same time very destructive for my audio objectives. In my mind it is not about prioritizing of importance but rather about the attempts to find consensuses and compromises.
I did try to move the furniture in order to have my listening spot with a single chair. I did not like any configuration that I was able to come up with. It is not that wife did not like it, I did not. So it is not a debate between what I want and what Amy “allows” but rather between what I use to want and what I want now.
For instance, evaluating why I do not like the listening experience at my couch I recognize that one of the reasons is the fact that with my listening chair I have super comfortable, wide arm rests. With the 3-sit couch I naturally sit in the middle and had no support for arm and shoulders. So in chair I basically comfortably lay vertically supporter by back and sides. In the middle sit of couch I in fact sit with all pressure on my back. So, I tried to construct temporary walls from pillow in the middle of the couch and it “feels” like it gave to me much more comfortable posture, even though I do think that in chair I do sit more comfortable.
I wonder if I were able to find some kind of add-in for my couch , some kind or removable arm-rest or perhaps some kind of “insert chair” that would be placed atop of middle sit of my could that would make me to “lay vertically” in it. I am sure something like this shall be out there… This is pretty much what I think I need:
Rgs, the Cat
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Posted by scooter on
08-17-2013
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fiogf49gjkf0d I had to move some heavy furniture across a rug constantly so picked up four cheap sliders for c. $10. The bottom is some type of shiny hard plastic of about 10cm in diameter and they have on top 1cm of black dense foam for the leg of the furniture. The work like manic for very heavy furniture and haven't killed my rugs. Surprisingly gentle. They might damage the hardwood but do you really care? It is a bit of a pain to swap furniture all the time but my thought is you slide in the listening chair and slide out the sofa a few times a week for special sessions.
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