Sounding art

Our plan was to save the best for last. After all, i-fidelity.net already had the smaller Scansonic models from the MB series, the MB1 B, MB5 B and MB2.5 B, as guests. And these loudspeakers, which are manufactured in Pandrup, Denmark, were convincing without exception. Now the MB6 B, dubbed the »flagship« of the series by the Danes, made its appearance in the listening room. Anyone expecting a »killer« in terms of appearance will be bitterly disappointed. Scansonic's top model looks more like the filigree architecture of a modern skyscraper, a fast-as-an-arrow sailing boat or the wing shape of a modern aeroplane - these speakers are real eye-catchers. This exceptional silhouette results from the ratio of 18 centimetres width to 1.41 metres height of the housing, which tapers almost half a metre into the depth with an elegant curve. The slim MB6 B is available with a matt white or black finish, as well as a walnut finish for an extra charge, and therefore blends in with any living environment.

To ensure that the 35-kilogram weight does not start to sway, two crossbars are mounted under each speaker. Height-adjustable spikes are mounted at the ends of these to provide acoustic coupling to the floor. At the rear, just above the plinth, is the single-wiring connection terminal for the speaker cables and - instead of the usual bass reflex tube opening - three outlets, one above the other and perfectly integrated into the housing rounding for reasons of space. What we are used to from Scansonic is also confirmed with the MB6 B: the loudspeakers, which are largely manufactured by hand, are perfectly finished. No wonder, as the luxurious Raidho loudspeakers are also manufactured under the same company roof.

The streamlined design of the MB6 B does not allow the installation of drivers with a large diameter. To be able to move the necessary air, especially in the bass range, not just one or two of the 11.5-centimetre chassis fitted with a woven carbon cone are needed, but four (!) - per speaker, of course. This solution has a further advantage, as the smaller drivers can follow the signal more accurately because they are easier to drive due to the lower cone mass. However, they have to be measured individually and then paired. This is not a problem for Scansonic, as the company manufactures the drivers itself and can therefore easily install eight matched drivers.

In the centre of the baffle, at a good 90 centimetres high, sits Scansonic's well-known and proven ribbon tweeter, which is also manufactured in-house. This shimmering silver tweeter takes care of the transmission of frequencies from 2,600 hertz. The ribbon's aluminium foil weighs just 0.03 grams. It is designed to ensure an airy and precise high frequency response. The tweeter is framed by two mid-range drivers, which are identical in construction to the bass chassis. They take care of the sound conversion down to 250 hertz. They are allocated their transmission ranges by a phase-optimised crossover equipped with selected components. After completion, each loudspeaker is meticulously checked both technically and visually at the factory before it is carefully packaged and sent on its journey to its future owner.

Welcome to the listening room

Scansonic is one of the manufacturers that devotes due attention to the subject of placement. After all, it is the placement that determines whether the reproduction is average or truly convincing. In the case of the MB6 B, it is primarily a question of the distance from the rear wall. If it is positioned 70 centimetres from the wall in the listening room, the bass is lean, precise and fast. If the distance is reduced to 40 centimetres, the foundation worth listening to is added. Given their discreet appearance, you wouldn't believe the energy these speakers can generate in the lower octaves. In addition to the room, the upstream electronics are of course also responsible for the sound result. More important than the actual selection is the proper installation. This includes a sensible power supply, stable positioning of the components and suitable audio and loudspeaker cabling. Incidentally, this is almost impossible without a competent specialist dealer.

Once we had worked our way from the rough set-up to the final parking position of the Scansonic in small steps, we were able to start the listening tests. We started by listening to "Going Home", an album that guitarist Arne Jansen and cellist Stephan Braun have dedicated to the music of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. Such endeavours often turn out to be a crazy idea. But to our great astonishment, the duo succeed in creating wonderful, fragile interpretations of songs that most of us know inside out. Even decades later, "Romeo And Juliet" can still be given a new, sensitive flavour. The Scansonic creates a three-dimensional space for the two musicians, with the reverb disappearing further into the depths than with other loudspeakers. The resolution of the tweeter is outstanding, as the reproduction of even the smallest nuances impressively demonstrates.