Custom Exhaust

Does anyone have any experience with custom exhaust systems? I have a local guy offering one at about 1/2 to 1/4 the price of some of the name brands for my A4. I don't need stainless, just someting that will improve performance and not be annoying loud.

i love load exhausts, i actually still don't have a CD player and prefer the sound of the engine to the radio ;) As for stainless I've seen a custom exhaust with rust holes that wass only 2 years old, I'd probably pay the bit extra!