Help me decide on Subs and Amp(s)

It really depends on your goals.
There are different configurations for getting:
1.) Highest SPL
2.) Best sound quality.
3.) Lowest outlay of cash.
4.) Stealthiest/smallest footprint install.

Installers will usually ask:
1.) What's your budget?
2.) What kind of music do you listen to most?

I suggest going to a reputable car audio installation shop that carries hi-end equipment....just to listen...don't plan on buying anything until you've heard lots of different amp/sub combos.
Listen to what big bucks can buy you and then work your way down until you hit a point that's
unaccepatable sound quality/quantity-wise. When you've found what you think you want, research it on line.
Find out what it should cost and use that as leverage when you go to buy.
Maybe even consider buying it online if you're so inclined.

There's lots of good equipment out there....don't get in too much of a hurry.
Personally, for subs, I'm partial to Diamond Audio, JL Audio, Image Dynamics, & Oz Audio just to name a few. For amplifiers, Diamond, JL, Xtant, US Amps.

Trust your ears and shop around....good luck!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(iSamurai @ Oct 30 2007, 04:59 PM) [snapback]532574[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeoGeek @ Oct 30 2007, 04:24 PM) [snapback]532639[/snapback]</div>

Good advice and good brands to start looking at. With the availability of most subs in different ohmload configurations you could buy a good sized amp and then just plug in various boxes that your local shop has on display and see which ones sound decent in your car. I realize that some tuning will be required to optimize the sound but with subs you can at least get a general idea of what characteristics they exhibit. In store displays are terrible IMO.

The only issues I have with the Prius is the amount of rattles you get when you add a decent amount of SPL.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ Oct 30 2007, 10:17 PM) [snapback]532706[/snapback]</div>

ugh.....I know those rattles too well.

Also don't forget that 12's and 10's sound different too. I personally like the sound of 12's. And also think about whether or not you want a ported or enclosed box. Things like that will often have more to do with the final sound than the brand you go with(although that is important too).

I personally wasn't worried about size. I knew I was going to be giving up something by putting subs in, so I went for the best sound possible. I have it so that I can disconnect the amp, remove the fuse and just take the box out if I need that space for some reason. I also ended up putting very dark tint in the back, because that will be visible to all if you don't.