I think you have to demo to find out which you prefer. I added a Rel Strata to my system and it's the best upgrade I ever made. Music has much more impact, venues have real scale. However, even used it was $800 which is a lot of money .. if you add the $800 to what you'd get for the Royds you'd get a significantly more capable main speaker.
So as I said at the start I think either approach is valid, but you really do need to try a sub before buying. Also my main speakers are floorstanders, and I think a sub might be a little more tricky to integrate seamlessly with bookshelf speakers, due to a higher crossover point, and the possibility that this might make the sub a bit too directional.
Sorry I can't give a definitive answer, but I really think it's a matter of taste.
So as I said at the start I think either approach is valid, but you really do need to try a sub before buying. Also my main speakers are floorstanders, and I think a sub might be a little more tricky to integrate seamlessly with bookshelf speakers, due to a higher crossover point, and the possibility that this might make the sub a bit too directional.
Sorry I can't give a definitive answer, but I really think it's a matter of taste.