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  1. Home
  2. OSD Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. OSD Nero MB5
OSD Nero MB5 Review
OSD Nero MB5 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Fiberglass Woofer
  • 50-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 100 watts
  • Weight: 12.00 lbs / 5.45 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11-15/16"x7-5/16"x9-5/8" / 304.0 x 177.8 x 245.0mm
MSRP: $159 (list price)
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OSD Nero MB5 Review
OSD Nero MB5 OSD Nero MB5
Check price atAmazon›

Made by OSD · United States · since 2003 · direct and retail

OSD Nero MB5 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by OSD. It was released in 2020. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Fiberglass Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the OSD Nero MB5 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Frequency Response of the OSD Nero MB5 Speaker

OSD Nero MB5 has a Frequency response range of 50-30k Hz and Power Range of 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, Nero MB5 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how Nero MB5's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
OSD Nero MB5
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the OSD Nero MB5?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 50 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

OSD Nero MB5's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
OSD Nero MB5
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the OSD Nero MB5 is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.

Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the OSD Nero MB5 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

90dB of the OSD Nero MB5 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the OSD Nero MB5 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the OSD Nero MB5 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–100 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Nero MB5 features type connectors.

OSD Nero MB5 External Dimensions and Weight

OSD Nero MB5 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11-15/16inch x 7-5/16inch x 9-5/8inch (304.0 x 177.8 x 245.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of OSD Nero MB5 is approximately 435.6cm2 / 67.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of OSD Nero MB5, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

OSD Nero MB5 Real Life Body Size Comparison
OSD Nero MB5 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the OSD Nero MB5 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

OSD Nero MB5 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
OSD Nero MB5 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The OSD Nero MB5 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Nero MB5's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
OSD Nero MB5
Min
Average
Median

Cabinet type and Materials

OSD Nero MB5 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Available colors

OSD Nero MB5 is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

Nero MB5 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the OSD Nero MB5 come with a Grille?

Nero MB5 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of OSD Nero MB5?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Nero MB5:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the OSD Nero MB5.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

OSD Nero MB5 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch RP-400M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 52-25k Hz
Klipsch R-51M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
Klipsch RP-500M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Jamo S 801
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 76-26k Hz
Wharfedale Elysian 2
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 35-22k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
B&W 606
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
Wharfedale LINTON
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about OSD Nero MB5

What amplifier do you need for the OSD Nero MB5?

OSD rates the OSD Nero MB5 for 100 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the OSD Nero MB5 easy to drive?

The OSD Nero MB5 has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the OSD Nero MB5 need a subwoofer?

The OSD Nero MB5 reaches down to 50Hz (full range 50-30k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the OSD Nero MB5 use?

The OSD Nero MB5 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 5.25" Fiberglass woofer.

Is the OSD Nero MB5 sealed or ported?

The OSD Nero MB5 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the OSD Nero MB5 come with grilles?

Yes. The OSD Nero MB5 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the OSD Nero MB5?

The OSD Nero MB5 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs each and measures 11-15/16inch x 7-5/16inch x 9-5/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the OSD Nero MB5 cost?

The OSD Nero MB5 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $159.


OSD Nero MB5 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandOSD
Full Model NameOSD Nero MB5
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range100 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response50-30k Hz
Release Date2020
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionFiberglass
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome

CONNECTIONS
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height304.0mm ( 11-15/16-inch)
Width177.8mm ( 7-5/16-inch)
Depth245.0mm ( 9-5/8-inch)
Height304.0mm ( 11-15/16-inch)
Weight5.45 kg (12 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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