Scansonic MB1B Bookshelf Speakers
2 500,00 €
Scansonic MB1B is a pair of passive two-way bookshelf speakers for a stereo music system. The front-firing bass-reflex port makes placement closer to the rear wall more practical. A planar-magnetic tweeter is paired with a 5.25-inch carbon-fibre cone driver. The reinforced curved cabinet incorporates a carbon-fibre sheet in its top panel. A separate amplifier is required.
Scansonic MB1B bookshelf speakers are a compact passive two-way system designed for stereo music listening. These stand-mount speakers connect to a separate amplifier. A front-firing bass-reflex port makes placement closer to the rear wall more practical.
Purpose and construction
The curved cabinet is extensively reinforced with internal bracing. A carbon-fibre sheet in the top panel increases structural rigidity. This is important in a compact speaker, whose enclosure must remain stable while the mid-bass driver is operating.
The cabinet uses a vented-box design. Its bass-reflex port is positioned on the front and incorporates special inserts intended to reduce airflow noise. The front port provides greater freedom when positioning the speakers, although it cannot guarantee identical results beside every wall or in every room.
Drivers and crossover
High frequencies are reproduced by a planar-magnetic tweeter. This is a smaller version of Raidho’s planar design, not a true ribbon tweeter. That distinction matters when comparing the MB1B with speakers that use a genuine ribbon diaphragm.
The lower frequency range is handled by one 5.25-inch mid-bass driver with a carbon-fibre cone. A minimum-phase crossover divides the frequency bands at 2,600 Hz.
Connections and amplifier selection
Robust two-way speaker binding posts provide the connection to an amplifier’s speaker outputs. Use speaker cable and maintain matching polarity on both channels.
This is a passive model, so an RCA or digital audio signal cannot be connected directly to the speakers. Source selection and volume are controlled through the connected amplifier. The specified speaker impedance is greater than 8 ohms.
A high-quality amplifier rated above 50 W is recommended. This recommendation does not distinguish between continuous and short-term power and does not define the load used for the rating. Compare amplifiers by their output into the relevant impedance rather than relying on a single maximum figure.
Placement and stands
Begin with some space between the speakers and the rear wall. Then adjust this distance while listening until the bass sounds even. Position both speakers at the same height and keep their distances from the listening position similar.
Aim the tweeters at approximately ear height. Change the speakers’ toe-in angle in small steps and assess the result from the main listening position.
The model is designed for the dedicated MB1 stand and is also compatible with the Scansonic X-1 stand. Stands are sold separately. The MB1 stand has adjustable feet made from aircraft-grade aluminium, allowing it to be levelled precisely.
Black, white and walnut finishes are available. The speakers are sold as a pair, while the stated weight of 6.1 kg applies to each individual speaker.
Technical specifications
| Type | Passive two-way bookshelf monitor speaker |
|---|---|
| Cabinet | Curved, extensively braced vented-box construction |
| Bass-reflex port | Front-firing, with inserts designed to reduce airflow noise |
| Tweeter | Planar-magnetic |
| Mid-bass driver | 1 × 5.25-inch, carbon-fibre cone |
| Frequency range | 45 Hz-40 kHz, with no tolerance or measurement conditions stated |
| Impedance | Greater than 8 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 86 dB, with no measurement conditions stated |
| Crossover | 2,600 Hz, minimum-phase |
| Connections | Robust two-way speaker binding posts |
| Recommended amplifier | Above 50 W; load and power measurement method not specified |
| Dimensions | 178 × 312 × 286 mm, width × height × depth |
| Weight | 6.1 kg per speaker |
| Top panel | Reinforced with a carbon-fibre sheet |
| Finish options | Black, white or walnut |
| Compatible stands | Dedicated MB1 stand and Scansonic X-1 stand, sold separately |
| Sold as | Pair of speakers |
FAQ
Do these speakers require a separate amplifier?
Yes. They are passive speakers without an integrated amplifier. An amplifier rated above 50 W is recommended, taking its stated load specifications into account.
How do I connect the speakers to a stereo amplifier?
Connect the amplifier’s speaker outputs to the binding posts using speaker cable. Maintain consistent polarity on both channels to avoid compromising stereo imaging and bass reproduction.
Can they be placed close to the rear wall?
The front-firing port makes this type of placement more practical. You should still leave a gap and adjust it while listening because the room affects bass balance.
Which stand can I use?
The dedicated MB1 stand and the Scansonic X-1 stand are compatible. The MB1 stand’s adjustable aluminium feet help level it on the floor.
Is the tweeter a ribbon design?
No. It uses a planar-magnetic design, which differs from a true ribbon tweeter. This distinction is worth considering when comparing different high-frequency driver technologies.
How should I interpret the stated 45 Hz-40 kHz frequency range?
The range is stated without a tolerance or measurement conditions. Its endpoints alone therefore do not indicate how loudly the speaker reproduces sound at the extremes of that range.
