Hifonics have really gone downhill over the last ten yeas or so. I was a Pioneer dealer, I like their headunits but not their amps/speakers (there are better ones out there for the money). In the price range your looking at, the Alpine is the best for the money.
That being said, audio is VERY subjective. In spending your own hard earned money, dont listen to friends, salespeople, and even people on these and other forums. You really need to do a lot of listening on your own. My suggestion is to take a CD you are very familiar with, try to listen to the same song, same speakers, same headunit, and only switch the amps around. Listen to the sublte (and some not so subtle) differences in the amps. One will jump out at you and scream "I need to be in your trunk!!" I know its fun to bring friends with you, but they will talk you into something you may regret later. Have fun shopping and let us know what you come with.
Hope that helps...