Ampifier chips

I don't know if this would be the section for it, but somebody tell me if it is in the wrong place!

Hey guys, i want to try to design my own battery powered Amplifier. For like beach parties and such. I want it to be able to run off of maybe a DC battery, or a crap ton of AA's. I'm trying to figure out a chip to order that can run off a small voltage, but put out the biggest power i can get. I was experimenting with 2 lm386's (I found them laying around with my things, so might as well try them). So what would you guys recommend?

 

Surely there's already something like this? Or did you want it custom to you?

 

I wanted to make my own. I've been fiddling around with electronics for a while now; i just wanted to see if there is anyone that would recommend anything before i order chips online. I don't want to blow money on a chip that sucks. ;S The lm386's can't power my huge 18ohm subs i found in my dad's basement.

 

I mean, i could probably build one with transistors, but it might end up being too big to be portable.