2.0 vs. 2.1: Will a subwoofer be a disturbance to others in a house?

[bboyshadows]

I've been researching Pc speakers and I've narrowed down to 2 choices;

Cyber Acoustics Subwoofer Satellite System (CA-3602a)
Creative GigaWorks T20 Series II 2.0

But, I have few questions holding back my decision. I know it depends on the quality of the speakers, but is 2.1 generally better than 2.0? (If anyone has these particular speakers, please do tell about your experience with them). Also, would a subwoofer disturb others in a household? I don't want the walls or floors to tremer. If it would be a problem, I would be more likely to get 2.0 speakers

 

[random stalker]

let's say it this way, generally speaking:
for the same price you'll be buying 2 or 3 pieces.
there is no way in hell those three pieces will be of equal quality compared to those two speakers. thus the 2.0 speakers should have better mids and highs compared to those 2.1.
but also note, those two speakers will never have such punchy bass as that subwoofer, because there is no way those tiny speakers can blast so much air through them as one large sub.
now, it breaks down - if you like to have massive bass /also like to watch a lot of movies and listen to bassy music/ then go 2.1, if you like to have clearer music /also if you play games a lot more than listening to music and watching movies/ then 2.0 is the way for you. personally I'd go for the 2.0 and get myself a subwoofer later.

ps: don't worry about a bit of shaking - if you don't go overboard there will be none. also, if you decide to get 2.1 speakers don't forget to set the crossover frequency to a decent value

 

[Delroy Monjo]

Of the 2 sets, go for the Creative. If you shake walls with either of those choices hey will likely be so distorted you would lower the volume immediately.
20 W. for a 2.1 setup is not much to write home about.