I have a very similar sized room that also opens up into the kitchen. Started with 22's and upgraded to 60's. Kept the 22's for surrounds. Upgrade was totally worth it in my opinion. But I knew just what sound I was looking for and when I plugged in the 60's and spun up a disc I knew I had done the right thing.
It was just a matter of the mid bass and bass not sounding full enough or having enough punch. And yes I am running a sub with my setup, the 60's were still worth the difference.
Also now I will listen to just the 60's quite a bit where with the 22's you kind of always needed the sub for backup.
But I must say I also like the idea of holding out and saving up for some 80's.
