head unit and sub questions

i'm looking to buy a new head unit and was looking at a pioneer deh-p9600mp. what other units would compare to this one and are in the same price range? i've always used pioneer units and haven't really messed with any other brands. i heard alpine made good ones.  any suggestions?

how good are orion h2 12s? i know the older hcca's sounded good and hit hard but haven't heard anything about the h2's. are there any other subs that would stand with these?

i'm in the process of upgrading my current system so any suggestions would be appreciated, i'm probably leaning more toward spl over sq.

Pretty much everyone has a pioneer headunit, I see very few other brands in my area.  I have never heard anyone complain about them like they complain about sony HUs.  Rob will tellyou to buy eclipse, and alpine makes some good decks, but it really boils down to which HU has the features you want for the price you want.  If you want a fancy deck that changes 50 colors, has all the video stuff and a bunch of EQ settings, then go with a Pioneer or a JVC, or clarion.  If you want more of a bare bones deck that has better SQ and possibly is more durable, then go with eclipse, or alpine. 

As for the orion H2.  I heard 2 12s in the back of a tahoe, those things were pounding the crap out of that truck.  Some people say that orionis not  what it used to be, but I think they have a strong sub line.