Kaiku Root Headphone Stand black
Kaiku Root, concrete headphone stand
Headphones left flat on a desk will sooner or later end up under a pile of papers, with the cable tangled and the ear pads crushed. Kaiku Acoustics, a Finnish headphone manufacturer based in Kuopio, solves this small mess with a stand hand-cast in raw concrete. The shape remains minimalist to let the headphones take center stage, and each piece retains the marks of its own casting, with its variations and texture.
A block of concrete cast one piece at a time
Each Root is individually molded, then left with its raw surface, without smoothing that would make its appearance uniform. The concrete therefore retains its most lively qualities: variations in shade from one area to another, a texture that catches the light differently depending on the lighting, and small irregularities unique to each casting. The stand you receive will never be quite the one in the photos, and no other piece will look exactly like it. This character is part of the product: it makes it closer to a small workshop-made object than an accessory coming off a production line.
The material complements that of the brand’s headphones, which combine a Finnish wood headband with anodized aluminum earcups. The concrete brings a more raw, mineral touch to the ensemble, equally at home in a contemporary interior or on a light-wood desk.
A stable base, even with one hand
Concrete has one very practical advantage over wood or thin metal: its weight. The Root does not tip over when you remove the headphones with one hand, or when you put them back a little quickly at the end of the day. This stability matters with heavy, stationary over-ear headphones or planar driver models that often weigh more than half a kilo, and it avoids having to hold the base with the other hand. The trade-off is the same weight: the Root is an object you set up in one place and leave there, not an accessory to slip into a bag.
The stand accommodates most headband headphones, wired or wireless, from open-back hi-fi headphones to Bluetooth models with noise cancellation.
Headphones stored without being hidden
Placed on a stand, headphones rest on the top of their headband, much as they would on a head. The ear pads are no longer compressed against a hard surface, the earcups hang freely, and the cable does not end up trapped beneath a keyboard. Above all, the headphones remain visible and within reach, which changes habits: you are more inclined to use them again when they are not buried in a drawer.
On a home-working desk, the Root defines a dedicated place for headphones between video calls. In a studio, it sits next to the monitors without cluttering the mixing desk. In a living room, it finds its place near the hi-fi system, where it becomes a decorative element in its own right rather than storage you would try to hide.
Technical Specifications
Overview
- Minimalist design with a modern style
- Decorative piece suited to an office, studio, or living room
- Keeps headphones on display and within easy reach
Construction
- Material: concrete
- Hand-cast, one piece at a time
- Raw concrete surface featuring natural variations unique to each piece
- Robust, durable construction
Compatibility
- Compatible with most headphone models
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Root available in other materials or shades?
Yes. Kaiku also offers the Root in dark-toned concrete (Root Dark), with the same hand-cast construction, as well as a solid oak version. The latter replaces the mineral grain with the wood grain, whose pattern and shades also vary from one piece to another. The choice mainly depends on the setting: light or dark concrete for a more mineral or industrial interior, oak for a wooden desk or a Kaiku headset whose headband you want to extend.
Does a Kaiku Wave headset fit on the Root?
Yes. The Root is the brand’s accessory for its own headphones, and the Wave fits naturally into it, with its wooden headband resting on the concrete.
How do I maintain a raw concrete stand?
A dry or barely damp cloth is enough to remove dust. Raw concrete is a porous material: it is best to avoid harsh household products and to quickly wipe up any drops of coffee, tea, or coloured liquid, which could seep into the surface and leave a stain.
Can concrete damage a fragile piece of furniture?
On a lacquered, glass, or delicate varnished wood surface, a few adhesive felt pads under the base protect it from rubbing, especially if the stand is moved from time to time. On a melamine desk or an ordinary shelf, this precaution is not essential.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
