It's impossible for me to venture an opinion without knowing who you are (as a cyclist) and how you ride. I can say that I went from a standard crank set to a compact and it has been a very positive change. I run the 50x34 crank set and 11x25 cassette. It has made climbing easier and faster in addition to saving me enough energy so that I am no longer wasted after 30-40 mi. It is particularly helpful in the early season when I can use all the help I can get climbing.

Something like this might help make gearing decisions. http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_inches