@Audiotroy--never thought the room was that big, but you may be entirely right. I assumed it might have something to do with the fact that there is a half-wall between the living room and the kitchen. Maybe I just need the subs based on the size of the room.
@jl35--that may be it too. I really didn't expect to need subs. Or at least I was hoping that if I spent that much money I wouldn't need them.