Scansonic MB1 B Stand-mount Mini Monitor

The new MB1 B is a stand-mount, two-way mini monitor. 

The main goal was to create a small speaker that does what it does really well. The reflex port is placed in the front, and it uses special inlays that reduce noise to an extremely low level. While the speaker is small and stylish, the music performance is lively bright and bold, with a bass performance that defies its compact size. The speaker is front-ported to allow for placement near the rear wall.

The MB-series features the same good solid, two-way binding post. The feet are machined from aircraft quality aluminum and can be adjusted to level the speaker. For added rigidness, we have added a carbon sheet to the top panel; this, paired with extensive internal bracing, makes the cabinet inert and silent.

The Speaker Stands are not included in the price. They are sold extra and the surcharge is $990/pair for the dual post stand and $810/pair for the single post stand.

• Size: (WxHxD) 178 x 312 x 286 mm
• Weight: 6,1 kg
• Freq. response: 45 Hz - 40 kHz
• Impedance: > 8 ohm
• Sensditivity: 86dB
• Crossover: 2.6 kHz / minimum phase
• Enclosure: Curved, heavily braced, ventilated box design w/front loaded port
• Drive units: 1 sealed ribbon tweeter with kapton/aluminum sandwich membrane!
• 1 carbon coned 4,5” bass/mid driver with overhung magnet system
• Finish: Black-silk or White-silk
• Amplification: We recommend high quality amplifiers >50W

Reviews for the original MB-1 model

Andrew Everard, HiFi Choice (UK) June 2015:
"...if you’re looking for rather superior speakers for use in a small or medium-sized room, and can afford both the speaker/stands package, at around £1,800 all-in and the kind of amplifier you’ll need to hear them at their best, this is a highly competitive design. By combining room friendliness – that front-venting port means that you can use them close to a rear wall – stylish looks and a very persuasive sound seemingly beyond its modest dimensions, Scansonic has come up with loudspeaker well worthy of a serious audition..."   CLICK HERE to check out the entire review

 Michael Lang, STEREO magazine (Germany) Mai 2015:
"...a compact whirlwind! Lively, with the finest resolution, easygoing in the positioning and not too picky about the amplifiers used with it or the other environmental influences. A very successful debut..."

Sven Bilen, Jan. 2015, concluded:
"...have I heard better speakers than Scansonic MB-1 for this price? No. Do I want a pair of MB-1? Yes. This is really something you need to consider if you are looking for some really good stand speakers where the price is not sky-high. Here, you get a sound picture you will immediately like, and it all just feels sooo right. A big applause for MB-1!"
CLICK HERE to check out the entire review

Placing your Scansonic HD Loudspeakers for Optimal Performance

Scansonic HD speakers are easy to place in your listening room. Please follow these simple guidelines:

- In general, Scansonic HD like to be placed far apart, but relatively close to the listener. - Assuming your room can accommodate such placement, Scansonic HD like to be placed approximately 9-12 feet apart (measured from the central, vertical axis of the speaker drivers).
- Imagine a line running left to right from the front of one speaker to the other. This is the lateral plane of the loudspeakers. Now, from the center-point of this line (i.e. halfway between the left and right speaker), place a measuring tape perpendicular to this line, running perpendicular from the lateral plane of the loudspeakers and aiming towards your listening position. Your listening position should be directly on this line, approximately 6'-8' from the lateral plane of the loudspeakers.

Tonal Adjustments
Let's start by adjusting the speakers for the proper tonal balance...
- Scansonic HD need to be placed at least three feet from the back wall, i.e. the wall behind the speakers. Place the speakers at least three feet from the back wall and at least nine feet apart. Using a piece of music with which you're familiar, and which has significant bass content, move the speakers front and back until natural, powerful bass is achieved.
- Next, vary the distance between the speakers and side walls. This will allow you to adjust mid- and high-frequencies for proper balance.
- IMPORTANT: although Scansonic HD MB-series loudspeakers need to be placed several feet from the back wall, as described above, they can tolerate placement within a few inches of the closest side wall. Don't be afraid to experiment with such placement of speakers, as spreading the speakers farther apart and therefore close to the nearest side walls is often essential for best spatial performance.

Spatial Adjustments
Now, let's dial-in the speakers for best spatial performance, i.e., image focus and soundstage width...
- Scansonic HD speakers like a bit of toe-in. Aim each speaker so it points just to the outside of each shoulder, i.e. the left speaker should be aimed just to the left of your left shoulder, the right speaker aimed just to the right of your right shoulder.
- Once aimed per above, adjust for best compromise between image focus and soundstage size. Increase toe-in to achieve greater image focus, increase toe-out to enhance soundstage width. You may also want to move the speakers slightly closer together or farther apart and assess the effects upon image focus and/or soundstage width. Please note: very small movements of an inch or less can have a significant impact: proceed slowly!
- As per our recommendations included in 'Tonal Adjustments' directly above, Scansonic HDs can be placed within a few inches of the nearest side wall (This is a unique attribute for a high performance loudspeaker). Experiment with moving the speakers farther apart and closer together and choose the location that achieves the best tonal and spatial performance.