Again, I live and breathe 12 volt, I know what i am talking about, I know good stuff and bad stuff. Memphis is not bad stuff, its just not a great as you think it is.
Pioneer comps ftw, people are so against them cause lower end pioneer is sold at walmart lol...

And JL makes quality subs. Not hating on any brands, but, JL W7's are awesome. And i gotta agree, the OP was complaining about JL's with foam surrounds....most all high end subs use Butyl rubber or w/e the fave material of the week. The only subs these days that should use foam is the low end cheapo subs, and 100% competition subs that are meant to last for only a few competitions.
But aside the point; I think i read him say his voltage went up after installing new wires. Was it at that # at load or at beat hits? Having larger wires is not going to change the voltage, since voltage is potential. You can have 120v,500v,1000v running on the wire, who cares, its current that matters. You ideally should have measured the maximum current before and after. But the fact your voltage jumped up after installing new wires, kinda begs the idea you had some serious wiring issues, likely the alternator cable or a ground. Larger wires means more current when you need it, which should only be under heavy hits. Again, i'm not hating your install, but, just explaining why you might be noticing such a large improvement.
and to GS...so if i gave you a 6V system you would be lost?

Come on man, at least claim your a master of DC not just 12V ;P