Endless debate: monitor + sub vs floorstanding


Have made a simple system with Peachtree Inova and Proac Sig 8 Tablettes on sand filled stands. Lovely sound I am quite pleased with though I'm considering either supplementing my beloved Tablettes with a sub bass (most likely the new Rel T5) OR grabbing a pair of full range floorstanders (likely used Proac as well).

Any thoughts on the relative merits of the two setups in terms of expression, detail, dynamic spectrum, musicality and also flexibility? Intuitively, it seems I may have more opportunities to play with and fine-tune the experience using Tabletttes plus sub.

I realize there is probably no perfect answer here. Unfortunately, my opportunities for a good side by side listening comparison of the two systems is pretty much nil.
marburg
I'm partial to a good pair of 2-way with a pair of subs. This way you tune your monitors for best sound staging and imaging and tune your subwoofers for best bass response. Most of the time they are never best in the same location, but set up time is longer than floor standers.
A pair of capable monitors and multiple subs will have less peaks and nulls in the bass region.
John Marks has some interesting observations on this topic here:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/fifth-element-48-sidebar-25-cheers-standmounted-speakers
Interesting article. I knew that there seemed to be a two-way bookshelf camp, but I'd never read an argument for the point of view.