Unpopular opinion, but first-hand experience is a great way to learn :D . If you're not sure whether something will work, set up an experiment and see if it does -- if it fails, the troubleshooting experience will be valuable, and if it works the first time, then it's time to treat yourself :)
But also, there's a book called High Power Audio Amplifier Construction which helped me a lot -- it's not specific to RF design but there is still mention of it AND a lot of the concepts from the audio spectrum and from amplifier design, still apply to RF design :)
In particular, it goes into detail about how the different sub-sections of an audio amplifier interact with each other, and I think it'll be a good mindset in general; i.e. seeing how different sub-circuits (even the premade ones) can interact with each other.
Hope that helps :)
http://www.amazon.com/High-Power-Audio-Amplifier-Construction-Manual/dp/0071341196
d-class amp for sub, save some money. Requires much effort though, and an equalizer