ENGLAON Soundbar Buyer GuideUpdated 18 days ago
12VSBV3 vs 12VSBMAXDA: Which Soundbar Should I Choose?
ENGLAON offers two main 12V soundbar options for caravan, motorhome, and RV entertainment:
| Model | Best For |
|---|---|
| 12VSBV3 | Everyday 12V TV sound upgrade with Dolby Audio |
| 12VSBMAXDA | Premium 12V Dolby Atmos soundbar, best matched with selected 4K setups |
Both models are designed for caravan, motorhome, RV, and off-grid entertainment use. The best choice depends on the customer’s TV model, content, connection type, and whether they want everyday better sound or a more premium Dolby Atmos-style setup.
Dolby Audio vs Dolby Atmos
The main difference between the two soundbars is the audio format they are designed for.
| Format | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dolby Audio | Improves everyday TV sound, dialogue clarity, and overall listening quality |
| Dolby Atmos | A more advanced audio format designed for a wider, more immersive sound experience |
In simple terms:
- Dolby Audio = better everyday sound
- Dolby Atmos = more immersive premium sound
Please note: to experience a true Dolby Atmos result, the full setup needs to support it. This includes the content, app plan, TV, soundbar, audio connection, and internet connection.
Product Comparison
| Feature | 12VSBV3 | 12VSBMAXDA |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Everyday 12V sound upgrade | Premium 12V Dolby Atmos soundbar |
| Best Match | HD / Full HD ENGLAON TVs | 4K ENGLAON TVs, X90Pro |
| Audio Format | Dolby Audio | Dolby Atmos |
| Sound Output | 30W output, 2 × 15W | 40W output, 2 × 20W |
| Speaker Design | Dual 2-inch full-range speakers with bass radiator | 2.0CH speaker system with Bass Reflex Tube |
| Connection | HDMI ARC | HDMI eARC |
| RV Power Use | 12V / 24V compatible, 10–36V surge protection | 12V / 24V compatible, 10–36V surge protection |
| Main Benefit | Clearer, fuller everyday TV sound | More immersive premium sound |
| Recommended Customer | Wants better sound without needing Dolby Atmos | Wants the best match for 4K TV and premium entertainment |
Which Soundbar Should I Choose?
| Customer Need | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Better everyday TV sound for HD / Full HD ENGLAON TVs | 12VSBV3 |
| Does not need Dolby Atmos | 12VSBV3 |
| Premium sound setup for X90Pro 4K TV | 12VSBMAXDA |
| Best ENGLAON 4K + Dolby Atmos-supported setup | X90Pro Series + 12VSBMAXDA |
Choose 12VSBV3 if you want clearer dialogue, stronger sound, and a simple 12V sound upgrade. It is the recommended option for most ENGLAON HD and Full HD TVs.
Choose 12VSBMAXDA if you want a more premium setup, especially with an ENGLAON X90Pro Series 4K TV. For the best ENGLAON 4K + Dolby Atmos-supported experience, we recommend:
FAQ
Can I use 12VSBV3 with an ENGLAON X90Pro Series TV?
Yes. You can use the 12VSBV3 with an ENGLAON X90Pro Series TV as an everyday sound upgrade.
The 12VSBV3 is designed for Dolby Audio, not Dolby Atmos. This means you can enjoy clearer dialogue and stronger sound than the TV’s built-in speakers.
However, if you want the best match for a 4K + Dolby Atmos-supported setup, we recommend choosing the 12VSBMAXDA instead.
Can I use 12VSBMAXDA with ENGLAON HD or Full HD TVs?
Yes, in many cases you can use the 12VSBMAXDA with ENGLAON HD or Full HD TVs.However, HD and Full HD TVs will not provide the full 4K + Dolby Atmos result.
This is because:
- if your TV is not 4K, it cannot display true 4K picture
- if your TV does not support Dolby Atmos pass-through, it may not deliver a true Dolby Atmos signal
- if your content, app, or streaming plan does not support Dolby Atmos, the soundbar cannot create a true Dolby Atmos source experience
The 12VSBMAXDA can still improve your TV sound, but you are not receiving the full Dolby Atmos experience in this setup.
Will 12VSBMAXDA give me Dolby Atmos on a Full HD TV?
Not necessarily.
The 12VSBMAXDA supports Dolby Atmos, but a true Dolby Atmos experience depends on the full setup, not the soundbar alone.
Your TV, app, content, audio connection, and streaming plan all need to support Dolby Atmos. If one part does not support it, you may still get improved sound, but not the full Dolby Atmos result.
For the best Dolby Atmos-supported ENGLAON setup, we recommend you also read this.
Can I use 12VSBMAXDA or 12VSBV3 with a non-ENGLAON TV?
Yes, in many cases you can, as long as your TV has a compatible audio output connection, such as HDMI ARC / eARC, Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth.
However, ENGLAON cannot guarantee the same result across all non-ENGLAON TVs. Audio format support, HDMI ARC / eARC behaviour, Bluetooth compatibility, and Dolby Atmos pass-through can vary by TV brand and model.
For the best and most reliable ENGLAON setup, we recommend using an ENGLAON 12V Soundbar with selected ENGLAON 12V TV models. This helps ensure better compatibility for 12V power use, RV installation, and everyday caravan entertainment.