Hi SSA, I have been looking around car audio forums and have decided that this would be the best place to join as I am trying to get honest answers to some questions that I have about a system that I want to build. A bit of background on me. I am a resident of New Mexico and have a degree in EE. I have always enjoyed listening to all types of music and consider myself, at least somewhat, an listening enthusiast. I had an '03 Toyota Matrix upgraded with two of the OLD Alpine type R 10" subwoofers, Alpine head unit and a whole host of different components powered off a 45W alpine 4 channel amp. Alpine fan at the time. I currently have an '08 Chevy Cobalt Coupe with fully upgraded exhaust, read LOUD, and completely stock, read SUX, stereo which I am looking to upgrade. I did the custom look with everything exposed on the Matrix but I am looking to keep everything as stock looking as possible in my Cobalt. (Don't want it to be a target.) I will be starting another thread to ask about speakers and such for my listening style, hard rock to heavy metal including Double Bass and Violin. Thanks, Hayestc