Joseph Audio RM22XL

Great speakers. They image like crazy and completely disappear as a sound source as do all JA speakers. I heard the original versions and almost bought them. Ultimately went with something else because they had a bit more heft in lower mids and bass. I'd recommend saving up for the RM25s or maybe buy the 22s and add a sub or two later if lower-octave punch is a priority. Best of luck.

I wouldn't say a sub is necessary and could be perfectly happy listening to them alone, but sounded from your original post you might be looking for something more in the bass range so hence the recommendation for the 25s. I heard the 22s in a fairly large room, but you have a pretty small room so the 22s may well satisfy.

I would characterize the 22s as neutral, and not in a sterile, cold way but rather in a very natural way. Brightness is always in the ear of the beholder, but I didn't find the 22s bright at all -- just nicely detailed. But again it's their ability to disappear into the music (and room) and throw off a transparent holographic stage with superb imaging that I find most impressive among their many impressive traits. Hope this helps.

The more I think about it, if I were you I'd get the 22s and at some point audition a good sub (or two) just to see how much it adds. (Fwiw I've been looking at something like the SVS SB12-NSD with the pulsars). You could end up with the best of both worlds -- better bass than most floorstanders can muster and probably easier to integrate into your room than bigger floorstanders as well. Actually, from that perspective you could even consider the RM7XLs with subs. It never ends.