i didnt read what you said too carefully, but you say you're just after a 2 ch amp and sub/subs (+head unit)? ... are you doing anything up front? like will you be running a set of splits up front for your mid/high end, and a set of subs? if you're going to amp up a set of subs, i wouldnt do that with the stock speakers... i'd get a 4 channel amp, and buy a pair of splits and run them off the front 2 channels, and then buy 2x10s or 1x12 sub and run them off the rears... people will laugh, but Jaycar's "response" brand makes REALLY good stuff for the price... i have a response 4x100RMS amp and its always been really good and produced a good sound. to be honest unless you're dealing with top end audio equimpent, an amp is an amp... im also running a pair of response kevlar splits. if you go to caraudioaustralia and read the reviews, you'll see for $150, they are awesome bang for buck, running up with your focals and MB quartz speakers which cost 4x as much... i love them, and they produce a VERY clear sound... ... thats just what i recommend as far as an audio setup goes... dont just do your bass, cos you wont hear your mid/high end with stock speakers that are just running off the head unit... ... as far as head units go... i would recommend the alpine of those brands you mentioned, but check out JVC headunits... they are GREAT head units for the price. they have heaps of features, decent sound quality, and they all look very impressive and are priced much lower than alpine etc...