i went for the best head unit i could afford, whilst wanting it to look a bit poncey too! pioneer as it happens,
i went for pioneer E-motions components in the front, and co-axs in the rear. i know people say dont bother but ive tried it without and i like the sound with them in.
as for the subs, well, i went against peoples advice, and got hold of a pioneer amplified bass box!! (until funds allow otherwise) it was free (brand new) and was a left over from a stock return at a warehouse where my mate works.
i got it in there and i have to say im pleasently surprised!!! bearing in mind ive had systems with 2 x 12" subs before, the bass this thing chucks out is good!! i know people are going to say no it doesnt etc and i agree its never going to rival bigger systems, but for the time being it was an effective way of adding some bass into the system.
plus, the head unit im using has got so many audio features that i can play around all day long until i get the sound i want.
i think you can get hold of the box for about 120 quid, which aint bad when you think about it??