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 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.