G'day all.
Re tripods am I the only user out there of Giottos tripods? I can recommend them highly. I have the 8170 model, carbon fibre legs and an ingenious arm system that allows me to use it much like the explorer Gitzos. Admittedly it is Chinese, but these days much that we buy and use and trust is made in that country. Quality and workmanship, as well as some very original and practical ideas are all part of this tripod. If you are on a budget or would rather splurge on the ultimate head (where you should be spending the money) then consider this tripod brand. Giottos has also recently upgraded their designs and have a tripod very similar to Gitzo's 1325, a firm favourite among serious photographers with seriously heavy gear to carry.
On the head, I would also consider the Markins ballhead. Similar to the Arca Swiss, but again with a few design refinements (including a knob which is 18% grey, for white ballance measurements!). RRS is a firm favourite, but it is heavier than the markins, and on a lightish tripod tends to make it top heavy.
Lastly the clamp. You HAVE to get a RRS lever clamp. tHis is probably the most important invention of the last millenium (or perhaps this one, not sure when they came out with it). It makes life so easy, and eliminates the bother of screwing on and off plates... Visually easy to check if your setup is tight or not. This can be bought separately and added to most ballheads out there (as well as my monopod).
So there you have it.. Giottos Carbon fibre legs ($350), a markins ballhead ($350) and a RRS lever clamp ($120). Add some postage and handling and you're sitting with a high quality support system for under $1000....