Name Brand Question(s)

[death is my gift]

I've been doing quite a lot of research on in-dash receivers and speakers. i'm looking to change out the stock on both. i was wondering some stuff. i see Pyle, Clarion, and Dual and then I see Kenwood, JVC, Sony. I plan on spending a little extra money in order to have a nice sounding system. so i guess my question is...

do "name brand" goodies sound better? kinda like the, 'get what you pay for' thingie? or does it really matter since they are doing the same thing?

and remember, before you start flaming me i am new at all of this. i didn't care about this sort of crap until i got my Yaris. that car (and this forum!) is keeping my ass broke as a joke. i researched my tires and rims before making the purchase and now i am doing the same with the audio. so, help a sista out.