Scansonic HD MB1 B Bookshelf Speaker, Black (Pair)

The Scansonic HD MB1 B is a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker that combines a ribbon tweeter derived from Raidho development with a carbon mid-woofer in a front-ported enclosure.

Small in volume, surprisingly big in sound – and in matte black understated enough to disappear into any living room instead of dominating it. This is exactly the kind of speaker that can do more than its size suggests.

Why the MB1 B?

Scansonic HD is the younger sister of Raidho – both belong to the Danish manufacturer Dantax. The ribbon tweeter is borrowed directly from there: a featherlight foil diaphragm clamped along all edges that resolves highs airily and without the metallic hiss of many dome tweeters. Below it works a 5.25-inch driver with a rigid carbon diaphragm instead of the usual dust cap.

The bass reflex port sits at the front. That sounds like a detail, but it's practical: you can place the MB1 B closer to the wall than most competitors without the bass becoming bloated. A real advantage for small to medium rooms.

What you hear

An open, three-dimensional soundstage that you'd hardly expect from such compact cabinets. Voices stand tangibly in the room, details resolve cleanly, and the bass reaches deeper and tighter than 17 centimetres of width would suggest. This is no sharply-tuned effect speaker, but a balanced, mature reproduction.

The adjustable aircraft-aluminium feet and a carbon plate on top keep the cabinet calm. What you hear is the music – not the speaker.

Who is the MB1 B suited for?

For anyone who wants genuine high-end sound in a normal-sized room without two towers standing in the living room. Ideal with a good integrated amplifier or a streaming amplifier. Plain talk: the MB1 B needs a stand (available separately) and some distance to the rear wall – squeezed onto a sideboard, you're giving away its ability. If you want serious deep bass for home cinema, pair it with a subwoofer or choose a floorstanding model from the series.

Our verdict

The MB1 B is one of those small speakers that reminds you why you started this hobby. Specialist magazines such as i-fidelity.net, stereo and fairaudio have consistently praised it – i-fidelity explicitly classed it as high end rather than mere hi-fi. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil help you find the right amplifier and stand so it can show what it can do.

Technical data

• Type: 2-way bookshelf/compact speaker, bass reflex (front port)
• Finish: black silk matte
• Drivers: 1× ribbon tweeter, 1× 5.25″ carbon mid-woofer
• Frequency response: 45 Hz – 40 kHz
• Impedance: > 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Crossover: 2600 Hz / minimum phase
• Recommended amplifier power: > 50 W
• Cabinet: curved, heavily braced, vented; carbon plate on top, adjustable aluminium feet
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 178 × 312 × 286 mm
• Weight: 6.1 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); stand available separately

Frequently asked questions

Is the price for a pair or a single unit?

The MB1 B is sold in pairs, and the listed price is for two speakers. That way you can plan your stereo setup without any nasty surprises. Matching stands from the MB series are available separately – we're happy to advise you on the right height and placement.

Can I place the MB1 B close to the wall?

Yes, closer than most bookshelf speakers. The bass reflex port faces forward, which makes the MB1 B less sensitive to a nearby rear wall. Some distance still sounds most open – a few centimetres of room help the soundstage.

Which amplifier suits the MB1 B?

A quality integrated amplifier or streaming amplifier from around 50 watts suits it well. The MB1 B isn't power-hungry, but it rewards clean power with more control and dynamics. Which combination fits your room and budget is best discussed in person.

Does the MB1 B absolutely need a stand?

For the best sound, yes. At ear height and decoupled from furniture, it plays noticeably more openly and precisely. Matching stands from the MB series are available separately. Wall mounting or a shelf will do in a pinch, but won't unlock its full potential.

Why buy the Scansonic HD MB1 B at HD Zürisee?

Because a speaker only truly blossoms in the right system. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil have spent years hearing which combinations really work, and we advise you on amplifier, stand and placement. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or email shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Pair the MB1 B with an integrated amplifier or streaming amplifier, a matching speaker stand and decent cables. Find more from Denmark in our Scansonic HD overview. The matching stand for the MB1 B is the Twin Stand.