Navydavy

Hi Blvdre, I'm also researching soundbars and am nearly settled on the R-20B. I am also concerned by no HDMI interface with the R-20B. But more than one has told me there is no difference in sound quality between the TV's digital optical sound output (SPDIF) and the sound from the HDMI connection. Meaning the R20 receiving sound from the digital optical line would be the same if the R20 had an HDMI like the RSB-11. As I understand it the advantage of HDMI on a soundbar is you can connect all sources (Cable, DVD) first to the soundbar then the signals travel to the TV via HDMI. I believe I've seen it called HDMI ARC on the TV. My TV is an older Vizio without an HDMI ARC so the only option I have is connecting all sources to the TV and using the digital optical out from the TV to my TV. Recently I've seen the R-20B for $399 on Klipsch and Crutchfield which is less than the RSB-11. Crutchfield also has some R-20B on their "scratch and dent" page for $339. Hope this helps. David