Scansonic HD MB5 B Floorstanding Speaker, Black (Pair)

The Scansonic HD MB5 B is a slim 2.5-way floorstanding speaker with a ribbon tweeter, a dedicated midrange driver and three carbon woofers.

In silky matte black it stays visually calm – until three woofers show that this is a full-grown floorstanding speaker, not a slender column.

Why the MB5 B?

Scansonic HD belongs, like Raidho, to the Danish manufacturer Dantax, and the ribbon tweeter comes from that same family: featherlight foil diaphragm, silky highs without harshness. New in the MB5 B is a dedicated 5.25-inch midrange driver that decouples the midrange from the bass – below it work three carbon woofers.

This concept gives the MB5 B plenty of cone area and clean mids at the same time. The curved, heavily braced cabinet with adjustable aluminium feet keeps resonances low.

What you hear

A large, effortless reproduction with bass extension down to 29 Hz, clearly separated mids and transparent highs. The MB5 B plays dynamic and controlled, even at higher levels. With 90 dB sensitivity it's easy to drive and never sounds strained.

The three woofers deliver pressure and foundation without overshadowing the fine midrange driver – so the soundstage stays open and well organised.

Who is the MB5 B suited for?

For medium to large rooms and listeners who want true floorstanding-speaker sound with reserves. Ideal with a good integrated amplifier or streaming amplifier. Plain talk: in a tiny room the MB5 B is oversized – that's what the smaller models in the series are for. If you take stereo seriously and like to turn it up sometimes, this is the right choice.

Our verdict

The MB5 B is the point where the MB series turns from a fine slim speaker into a full-fledged high-end floorstanding speaker. i-fidelity.net, LowBeats and HiFi News have praised it consistently. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil help you find the right amplifier and placement.

Technical data

• Type: 2.5-way floorstanding speaker, bass reflex
• Finish: black silk matte
• Drivers: 1× ribbon tweeter, 1× 5.25″ midrange driver, 3× 5.25″ carbon woofer
• Frequency response: 29 Hz – 40 kHz
• Impedance: > 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: 90 dB
• Crossover: 250 Hz + 2600 Hz / minimum phase
• Cabinet: curved, heavily braced, vented, with adjustable aluminium feet
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 178 × 1185 × 319 mm
• Weight: 25 kg per unit
• Front cover: not included – matching magnetic front grille (fabric, black) available separately as an accessory
• Scope of delivery: one pair of speakers (2 units)

Frequently asked questions

Is the price for a pair or a single unit?

The MB5 B is sold in pairs, and the stated price applies to both speakers. As a floorstanding speaker it needs no stands. That gives you your complete stereo pair in one purchase.

What's the difference between the MB5 B and the MB3.5 B?

The MB5 B has its own midrange driver and three forward-firing woofers instead of the side-mounted arrangement. This brings a bit more headroom and a different tuning. Which model suits your room better, we're happy to discuss with you.

How powerful does the amplifier need to be?

With 90 dB sensitivity, the MB5 B is easy to drive; a good integrated amplifier or streaming amplifier is entirely sufficient. Clean, stable power delivers more in the bass than sheer wattage. Which chain suits you, we'll figure out together.

What room size suits the MB5 B?

Best in medium to large rooms from about 25 square metres. In very small rooms it's oversized, where the smaller MB models are sufficient. We're happy to advise you personally on the right choice.

Why buy the Scansonic HD MB5 B at HD Zürisee?

Because a large floorstanding speaker lives on room and electronics. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil advise you personally on placement, amplifier and cabling. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

The MB5 B pairs well with a high-quality integrated amplifier or streaming amplifier and good cables. Find more models under floorstanding speakers and in the Scansonic HD overview.