Need opinions about my new sound system.

[GScivic7]

yah as far as performance they aren't as good. But personally I like to have something a little pretty, cause I'm not that much into SQ not as much as SPL anyways.

[Bridq]

What is the difference between the ALPINE SWR-1222D and SWR-1221D aren't they the same?

[GScivic7]

the 1222Ds are the new models. They have the Alpine Type-X sub surround and basket. The 1221D is the 1st generation Type Rs (previous model)

[Bridq]

Thanks for clearing that up. GS, I also wanted to ask you about the tweeters that come with my civic. Are those easy to hook up to the system as well? Will they make a difference?

Also, I was looking at some of the "do it yourself guides" on crutchfield and one of the most common tools required is a soldering iron. Will I have to solder wires? I want to install as much stuff as I can to reduce the price in case I have to go to a shop to install the rest.

I read that installing head units is pretty easy as long as you follow directions. If I follow the directions that are included with my speakers and head unit is it really that easy?

[GScivic7]

I would just disconnect your factory tweeters, most factory tweeters sound like crap.

You don't need a soldering iron. I just use butt connectors to make any connections that I need.

Installing a headunit is uber easy if you pick up a wiring harness. The harness uses the same color code as the aftermarket cd players so you just match wire colors and connect them. Then all you have to do is plug in that wiring harnesss into your factory one and you're done. It'll probably take 10-15 minutes to make all the connections between the wiring harness and cd player, then depending on how many fingers you have to use, plugging in the wiring harness should take about 1 second maybe 2.

[Bridq]

What about the wiring harness that I have right now w/ my kenwood deck? Will that work? I'm probably going to get the alpine CDA-9851 that you recommended. How about speaker installation? a little more diffiecult due to removing side panels and installing the amp? what are the butt clamps?

[GScivic7]

if you are using an aftermarket wiring harness yup it'll work. As for speaker installation, it isn't that hard. Just be careful not to break any clips.

Butt connectors are round connectors that are open on each end. So you stick one wire end into one side, then the other wire end you want to connect it to in the other side and crimp both sides down.

Installing the amp is a breeze. You should already have a hole in the fire wall to pass the power wire from your battery to. Then it's just running the wires down the length of your car in whichever way you want to. I personally like running them down each door sill instead of under the carpet. Much easier IMO. When you are ready to do this, just hit me up on AIM and I'll explain it to you as best as I can.

[Bridq]

Ok, we'll do. I'm almost ready for at least the speaker and amp part. I will buy the head unit within the next 2 weeks. I have the MRP-F40 amp and both sets of SPS-Speakers right now. Just let me know all of the little cables and wiring I'll need. Will I need an amp kit, distribution block, grounding cables, cap throughs, etc. I don't even know what all that stuff does.

Where is a good place to put the amp? Under the front seat? If so do I need to buy something to keep it in place? I know you told me that most factory tweeters suck, but I will probably use them b/c they are there. Will I need to get extra cables for those too? As you can tell man, I'm really eager to get this stuff installed. It's been on my mind for like 2 months.

[GScivic7]

oh crap, I missed your post. I'll post up some info sometime this week when I'm not too busy cause it's going to end up being kinda long.

[Bridq]

No problem. I'm going to buy the head unit this week; I should have it by next week. I have the speakers, amp, and head unit, and my current wiring harness. I guess all I need are the cables to install it.
You'll have to tell me how to do everything, because I'm completely new to this. I only hope it is as easy as you said it is. Thanks again.