Car Stereos: amp, hifonics amps, channel amp

Question
Hey Scott, I currently have 2 sets of 3 way pioneer premier speakers and a 12 inch phoenix gold sub. What type of amp would you recommend to power the whole system for around $200-$250? Are hifonics amps any good? I am not sure how good some types of amps are since all of them are listed to be "top of the line" Thanks for your help in advance.

Answer
Bryce,  It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things.  I would not recommend one amp for the whole system.  The first amp that I would get is a 150 - 200 watt sub amp.  Your head unit, with its 20-35 watts should give the highs and mids enough power for now.  Once the sub amp is added, it will be clear as to how much power you will want to have for your highs and mids.  A 4 channel amp with 50 - 100 watts per channel rms should give you plenty of power for another $200.  Hifonics amps are great.  You will not be disappointed.  Two things to remember about amps are: You get what you pay for, and the bigger the amp, usually more power.  Hope this helps, Scott