Scansonic HD MB5 B Floorstanding Speaker, Walnut (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, here in genuine walnut wood veneer.

The warm wood surface turns the large floorstanding speaker into a homely piece of furniture – that just happens to sound like high end, too.

Why the MB5 B?

Scansonic HD belongs, like Raidho, to the Danish manufacturer Dantax – hence the fine ribbon tweeter with its clamped foil diaphragm. The MB5 B combines its own 5.25-inch midrange driver with three carbon woofers, which cleanly separates mids and bass.

The walnut veneer is genuine wood and explains the premium over the painted versions. The technology and tuning are identical – you get the same MB5 B in a warmer look.

What you hear

A large, effortless reproduction with bass extension down to 29 Hz, clearly standing mids and transparent highs. The MB5 B plays dynamically and in control, even when you turn it up. With 90 dB sensitivity it's easy to drive and never sounds strained.

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

Who is the MB5 B suited for?

For listeners who want to combine high-end sound with reserves and a warm natural material – in medium to large rooms. Ideal with a good integrated amplifier or streaming amplifier. Plain talk: in a tiny room the MB5 B is oversized. If you take stereo seriously and like to turn it up sometimes, this is exactly right for you.

Our verdict

The walnut version is the most homely MB5 B – identical in sound to the painted versions, in a class of its own visually. i-fidelity.net, LowBeats and HiFi News have all praised the model consistently. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil find the right amplifier to go with it.

Technical data

• Type: 2.5-way floorstanding speaker, bass reflex
• Finish: walnut (genuine wood veneer)
• 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

Why does the walnut version cost more?

Because it's genuine wood veneer rather than paint. Natural wood is more elaborate to select and process, and every grain is unique. In sound, the walnut version is identical to black and white – the premium is purely in the finish.

Is the price for a pair or a single unit?

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

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 enough. Clean, stable power delivers more in the bass than high 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 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.