Listening Chairs

MylesBAstor · Jun 26, 2014

Mission impossible. OK my audiophile stripes are showing. Trying to find a new listening chair so my ears are positioned between the speakers midrange and tweeter. Seems 20 inches or so is standard height for a chair and my height isn't going to change anymore. Hate listening sitting on towels Maybe will get some lawn chair pads temporarily. OK yes I'm insane.

treitz3 · Jun 26, 2014

Hello, Myles. Before this thread takes off, have you considered custom risers for the chair you currently have? This will set you exactly at the height needed and if towels or lawn chair pads will work, it doesn't sound like too much height needs to be added.

Tom

MylesBAstor · Jun 26, 2014

treitz3 said:
Hello, Myles. Before this thread takes off, have you considered custom risers for the chair you currently have? This will set you exactly at the height needed and if towels or lawn chair pads will work, it doesn't sound like too much height needs to be added.

Tom

Yes that's another option will consider too. It might be a little challenging as it's a recliner with a round base. Thanks!

microstrip · Jun 26, 2014

I had the same problem with the Aida's - minimum recommended ear height was around 41", about 5" less than the optimum for me and my comfortable chair. Happily the Alexia's are adjustable for ear height and distance from the speakers.

rockitman · Jun 26, 2014

MylesBAstor said:
Mission impossible. OK my audiophile stripes are showing. Trying to find a new listening chair so my ears are positioned between the speakers midrange and tweeter. Seems 20 inches or so is standard height for a chair and my height isn't going to change anymore. Hate listening sitting on towels Maybe will get some lawn chair pads temporarily. OK yes I'm insane.

you can use larger foam furniture movers from Loews or get a height adjustable office style chair. I am in your same situation and use those pucks. Not the most elegant solution, but it works.

MRJAZZ · Jun 26, 2014

MylesBAstor said:
Mission impossible. OK my audiophile stripes are showing. Trying to find a new listening chair so my ears are positioned between the speakers midrange and tweeter. Seems 20 inches or so is standard height for a chair and my height isn't going to change anymore. Hate listening sitting on towels Maybe will get some lawn chair pads temporarily. OK yes I'm insane.

NO worries.....your not insane, (actually were all a little insane -

) you just want to dial in the sound (staging, tonal balance, etc) based on the parameters of the speakers. MY designs require a higher than typical ear height off the floor (I would define typical as around 36" to 38" ) So consequently I need to be in a somewhat narrow window of 40" to 42". I have my leather sofa on 2" MDF blocks, painted black, and I also sit on a 2" thick highly dense cushion that exhibits minimal compression when you are seated. Had a nice matching fabric put on it. This set up works very well in my listening environment.
CHEERS...........T

DonH50 · Jun 26, 2014

You could build a little platform out of paving bricks under the chair. Throw a towel, felt, or foam on the brick to keep the chair from slipping.

MylesBAstor · Jun 26, 2014

rockitman said:
you can use larger foam furniture movers from Loews or get a height adjustable office style chair. I am in your same situation and use those pucks. Not the most elegant solution, but it works.

Thanks Christian and you have a few inches on me too!

MylesBAstor · Jun 26, 2014

Thanks everyone. Guess if worse comes to worse, can have some woodshop make a nice riser to put under the chair.

Bruce B · Jun 26, 2014

I use Herman Miller Aeron chairs in the studio .... very adjustable. Great for reviewing speakers at different heights

DonH50 · Jun 26, 2014

Guess if worse comes to worse, can have some woodshop make a nice riser to put under the chair.

I've done that but an empty wooden platform tends to resonate and may also boom and make noise as you move in the chair. I would suggest going with something solid (MDF as suggested earlier, my brick idea, butcher blocks, or at least fill the platform with sand to deaden it). How much height do you need? And shouldn't you be doing this for two chairs now?

es347 · Jun 26, 2014

MylesBAstor said:
Mission impossible. OK my audiophile stripes are showing. Trying to find a new listening chair so my ears are positioned between the speakers midrange and tweeter. Seems 20 inches or so is standard height for a chair and my height isn't going to change anymore. Hate listening sitting on towels Maybe will get some lawn chair pads temporarily. OK yes I'm insane.

I'd adios the towels and try Depends..

rockitman · Jun 26, 2014

MylesBAstor said:
Thanks Christian and you have a few inches on me too!

I have a good pillow I offer to shorter guests to get their ears in the sweet spot.

rockitman · Jun 26, 2014

Bruce B said:
I use Herman Miller Aeron chairs in the studio .... very adjustable. Great for reviewing speakers at different heights

That is exactly the office chair I am talking about.

GaryProtein · Jun 26, 2014

Get a piece of 3/4"plywood cut to the size that comfortably holds the chair and has space for your feet in front of you.

Purchase hardwood flooring of your liking--oak, Brazilian cherry, ash, etc. Glue the hardwood to the plywood. This will give a rigid "floor" for your chair. The plywood and hardwood gives you 1.5". Add a square of 2x4 underneath for each additional 1.5" in height you need. A little hardwood molding around the 2x4 will give it a finished appearance.

Brian Walsh · Jun 26, 2014

MylesBAstor said:
Thanks everyone. Guess if worse comes to worse, can have some woodshop make a nice riser to put under the chair.

I suggest caution since a wood platform may have resonances (tap or stomp your feet on it) that you want to avoid.

rockitman · Jun 27, 2014

I use these Myles...
http://www.lowes.com/pd_36797-255-4...ntURL=?Ns=p_product_price|1&page=1&facetInfo=

Whatmore · Jun 27, 2014

Dig a small trench to lower your speakers

BlueFox · Jun 27, 2014

Oops. Never mind. I just realized you want to lower the speaker. I want to raise my S5s since the tweeter is at ear level.

Get some speaker plinths and raise the speakers. Mapleshade sells 2" and 4" maple plinths. Add in the brass footers to couple the plinths to the floor and problem solved. Plus you get better sound as they absorb speaker vibrations.

Alternatively, I sometimes use the Herman-Miller office chair I bought for working at home. It has a height adjustment, but I prefer the plinths.

JackD201 · Jun 27, 2014

Bruce B said:
I use Herman Miller Aeron chairs in the studio .... very adjustable. Great for reviewing speakers at different heights

Great for sitting hours and hours on end. Aerons are THE BOMB.

Listening Chairs

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