Yea, go DB Drive...excellent stuff...same distibutor as Scosche/EFX.

Out of your list I would say go either DB Drive, JL or Alpine.....all excellent products with great costomer service.

I will not suggest Audiobahn even though I know thier higher end lines DO get very loud and don't sound half bad...I blew up a pair of the 12's off a small Rockford 301S...of course they were 3 years old but still.

Alphasonik is basically Audiobahn with different styling...they both come from the same place.

I do like Clarion's subs....but not the ones with the silver metal **** for the cone. I like the older subs, especially the ones with the purple cones...I forget the model numbers now, and actually, I haven't seen anyone using them for quite some time. But those older Clarion's are wicked.

 

*note to self....Don't buy his subs if I see them up for sale*

 

I"d take a look at planet audio, their Zetar (or Z) series subs are loud, and handle some serious power. they also have a number of other lines of subs, and do quite well on customer service... U can;'t beat a 3 year, unlimited warranty if the sub is installed by an authorized retailer.

 

*note to self....Don't buy his subs if I see them up for sale* </font>[/QUOTE]I dont put more power to em then I should or anything but they are being fed by my 2000x and my car is gonna fall apart. They most likely wont ever go up for sale cause its hard to sell custom stuff.

Alot of people are recommending stuff based purely on them getting loud, he wants sound quality not SPL. Something to blend in with his front stage nicely.

3-4 W3V2's would still be outter ur price range alex and I dunno if you would be able to get the proper ohm load?

 

You're not gonna get 2 subs, that will take 500-600 watts rms each, brand new from a retail store, for 500, ain't gonna happen. If you want that, then I suggest looking for something used.
Since you ruled out internet brands, then you're pretty much stuck at buying used equipment.