Tyler

I don't think anybody is telling you _what_ to do, but rather providing information based on their own experiences. For instance, if you've never heard the difference between the same sub in two different enclosures: one being flimmsy and too big/small, the other being solid and the right volume, you might think "a box is a box". I've known people that have spent $500+ for a system that was pretty shitty, so dollar amount doesn't mean anything. If all the info posted in this thread is totally new to you, you might just be better off taking your ride to a local shop. I'd hate to have talked you into pulling your X apart only to not know how to hook everything up. I know what I would do and snowboardguy knows what he would do....it's up to you to decide what YOU want to do. None of us can show up at your house and do this for you (atleast I know I can't :-)

I get the feeling you aren't "ready" to tackle an amp/sub install job by yourself yet (am I wrong?). Do you have a buddy who's done this before and can help....maybe a fellow X owner?

I'm sure there's a mobile audio installer besides bestbuy/cc in your area. Go there and ask what they recommend and tell them you want to save as much space as possible. For $500 you should be able to get a quality amp/sub/box installed at a reputable shop.