Yes, brand name amps DO matter. As a matter of fact, brand names matter in anything you buy. Brand names are more expensive and you always get what you pay for. LIke stated above, if you're gonna shop at pep boys for parts, dont buy the parts at all. For audio equipment, i recommend brand names such as: Alpine, JL Audio, Clarion, Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, Infinity, etc.