Standard Crankset

I have been cycling for nearly two seasons and decided to upgrade this year to a full carbon 105 groupo road bike. Last year I stuck with a standard crankset with 12-25T in the rear. However, I chose to convert to a compact crankset this season (50-34T) and swapped the rear cassette for a 11-23T. I figure that since i'm going down a to a lower gear crank, that moving to a slightly more high gear rear cassette would be ok...I'm just wondering on how this impacts climbing (on a gradient of approx. 5 to 7%) In the end, a 34/23 should, on paper, be easier to climb with then a 39-25 (standard) right?

Of course, it also depends on the rider's fitness. I am 22 and maintain a 30-32km/hr average speed on flat terrain over long distances; pushing hard I can get up to an average speed of 34-36km/hr.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

A.