Is a decent 2.0 set appropriate?

[Onus]

I currently have a relatively cheap ($50?) 2.1 setup that is probably 8-10 years old. It could be me, but it seems the sound has deteriorated. I am contemplating a replacement.
I am 54, deaf in one ear, and my top-end is now down to around 13KHz; I am not an audiophile, but I do appreciate good bass and "understandable" voices (midrange).
Is a subwoofer absolutely necessary to get decent bass? If so, is it something than can/should be added separately? Otherwise, I'd like to reduce floor footprint and cable clutter. I have a decent amount of room on my desk behind my monitors.
I've been looking at http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836116043 or http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836110053 (which claims a lower bass). Will these be decent? Although I'd like to reclaim a little floor space from the sub, I'd willing to consider another 2.1 set if absolutely necessary. I do not believe I want wireless, due to loss of quality
My budget isn't rock hard, but considering my own hearing limitations, $75-$100 seems like the most that makes sense without having wasted my money. Your thoughts please?

 

[thee_prisoner]

If you're going the Sherwood route which is a step below in quality compared to the Yamaha but then again we are looking at inexpensive receivers anyways. Link for cheap Sherwoods: http://www.parts-express.com/brand/sherwood/396

 

[iam2thecrowe]

I'd rather increase my budget and get some quality, perhaps $150-$175. There's no huge hurry, but I probably need to resist dragging this out too much.

I don't know if you went ahead and bought anything but after stumbling across reviews of the Microlab solo series. There is the solo 7c, 6c, 5c and 3c depending on your budget and space requirements, but all are relatively cheap for what you get.
Self amped bookshelf speakers so you don't need to mess about with separate amps etc and seem to be readily available from many pc/electronics and online stores.