Kurt,
You already KNOW what the 50s sound like. Get the 22s and you'll know how BOTH sound. If you like the 22s, keep them. If you don't like them, return them within the 30 day period and go back to the 50s. Either way, your decision will be an informed one based on personal experience, and you'll be able to rest your mind. However, don't judge the 22s until you get the sub to go with them. If home theater is your primary listening goal, for HT, I found the 22s, with my STF-2, to be absolutely flawless.
You're right that the 22s are a little easier to deal with because of size, but they will still work best on stands in a position away from reflective surfaces where they can "breathe."
