a few queries

i am currently in indecision about a few things for a system i`m planning for myself...

The first is a question of bass.  I've been a huge JL fan since forever and with the w7 and w6v2s floating about now, i think its time i treated myself to something nice.  my original idea was for a 13w7 running in a vented box, powerd by a 1000/1, however i have been given confliting views as to weather or not 2x 13w6v2s would sound any better.  a guy that works for the distributers in my country says a 13w7 will sound alot more controlled and smooth in comparison to the 2 w6, however the output would be greater on the w6's (how he came to the conclusion that sub configurations running on the same amplifier would have increased spl, i dont know, hence me questioning it).  Then a retailer tells me the w6's will have better SQ as they are less "boomy" (his words not mine), but then when the w6 configuration would also cost me an extra $250 (approx, i`m in the UK), i`m begining to doubt his motives for telling me that.

My next ponderance comes in the form of head units.... after all the kids round my way finally converted to alpine units, i feel a tad sickend with thier regularity in systems, so i`m after something a cut above.  I've been looking at units by Nakamichi and McIntosh, but was wondering what other manufacturers out there were also making top line units....

any and all suggestions are very much welcomed.

Thanks in advance, Biz

Good advice on HU name brands (although I am not a Kenwood fan) and I'd include Blaupunkt and Grundig in the mix.  Buy a good name brand with the features you want at a price you can afford.

I'd wait on a McIntosh HU right now if you are interested in them.  All the Mc heads currently available were made by Clarion before 2003.  Denon/Marantz now owns McIntosh, and they are rumored to have a new line of heads coming out next year that will be made by Denon.  Might be very good indeed. (McIntosh amps and speakers are and have always been made in the US.)