Need opinions about my new sound system.

[Bridq]

Hey guys, I need your opinions regarding my new sound system. I'm finally upgrading my components and want to know what everyone thinks. I have a 2000 Honda Civic EX and wanted a system that sounds great on my way to the clubs. I already have a decent head unit; it's a Kenwood KDC-MPV619 head unit. I also noticed that there are a pair of tweeters in by each of the side mirrors; they were probably put in by the previous owner. Here's what else I'm putting in:

Alpine SPS-170A 6 1/2 speakers for the front.
Alpine SPS-690A 6X9 speakers for the front.
Alpine MRP-F240 amplifier to power the speakers.

(1) ALPINE SWE-1242 TYPE E 12 Subwoofer.
(1)Q LOGIC QLH-12S100 12'' SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE
Rockford Fosgate P3001 Mono Amplifier to power the Sub.
Rockford Fosgate 1 Farad Capacitor.

What do you guys think? What I really want to know is if ONE 12 inch sub is enough; or should I get TWO? Also, if I get TWO 12 inch subs will my Rockford Fosgate P3001 amp be enough to power both of them?

This is the first time I am upgrading my sound system. Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated.

[Vtec95Civic]

I don't know enough about sound to judge.. but I can say the tweeters near the side mirrors are stock on Civic EXs.

[GScivic7]

well, it'll sound decent. Hope you don't think you're going to impress anyone at the club with 1 Type E sub.

[ponchonutty]

That would be an OK starter system. Not sure if the Kenwood stereo will have all the sound controls you might want or need. The one sub if in the right box, will sound very nice. Common rule though is that you have to have the right box built for the car and sub. Fosgate doesn't sit well with my tastes but maybe they've gotten better.

[sofast]

Say no to kenwood. The base to a good system is the head unit. I would also think about getting a higher end subwoofer. Type-s or R would be good. And you better get a good alarm to keep jackers away.

[Bridq]

Thanks for your replies guys. I'm not trying to impress anyone at the clubs with my sub. I want a decent system to listen to "on my way to the clubs." Like I said this is the first time I am upgrading from stock and I dont' have a lot of money to spend. So for now I'll have to do the best I can.

But for future reference what is wrong with type E subs? Why should I get a Type R or S? I got my Kenwood head unit 2 years ago. At the time it was one of the few head units that had mp3 disc capablitities. Which head unit would you recommend? This is just the beginning for me. Within the next year the other stuff will most likely be upgraded as well.

If anyone can post links to subs, head units, or any other components that would work well for a civic I would appreciate it. I just want something that sounds good.

Also, I learned the importance of having a car alarm after having my car broken into twice in Los Angeles. I have a Viper alarm on my car. Probably not the best, but definitely better than nothing.

[GScivic7]

www.ikesound.com, www.wooferetc.com, www.thezeb.com, www.onlinecarstereo.com those are the only sites you'll need.

As for cd players. I really like Alpine and Pioneer. Alpine if sound quality is more your thing, Pioneer if you want something a little "prettier".

The problem with 1 Type E sub is that you obviously want to show off your shit while "going to the club" why you would want to advertise all the equipment you have I don't know. Anyhow the Type E is Alpine's bottom of the line sub. Only handles 200 watts I believe. It'll thump, but for a little more you can get something that gets a whole lot louder and sounds a ton better.

Kenwood headunits in the past have actually had a rep for catching on fire. There were lots of complaints about smoke coming from the deck etc. There are so many MP3 capable cd players out right now and for all different price ranges too. I think it might be a time for an upgrade.

[Bridq]

Thanks for the useful info GScivic7; it really was helpful. Maybe I will look for a better sub then. I've never had any major issues with my Kenwood deck, but maybe I will upgrade later on this year. I'll keep alpine in mind.

Nobody answered my original questions though. Should I get 2 subs? Also, will my rockford fosgate amp be enough to adequately power both of them?

[GScivic7]

That rockford is to small to really power anything to their full potential. Depending on what subs you ultimately get and how loud you want to be will be the deciding factor as to whether you want 1 or two subs. Having two subs will almost always be louder just because you will have more cone area. But I can guarantee that 1 of the new Type Rs will be louder than two Type Es and sound so much better while doing it.

[Bridq]

Thanks again for your advice; now you really got me thinking. I think I will return my type E sub and get 1 type R Sub for now. If 1 Type R will be better than 2 type E then I should be ok (for now). I just want a decent sounding system.

What is the main difference between the SWR1241D - Alpine 12" Type R Subwoofer and the SWR1221D - Alpine 12" Type R Subwoofer. They appear to be priced the same on the woofers etc. website.

If the rockford I had in mind is too small to power my sub; which model would you recommend? Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to this. I really do appreciate all the advice I have been getting.

[GScivic7]

The difference between the 1221 and 1241 is their ohm rating. The 1221 is a 2 ohm dual voice coil sub and the 1241 is a 4 ohm sub. The reason they offer them in different ohm configurations is to give you your choice of how you want to wire it and how many ohms your amp will see.

Check this out real quick, it'll give you somewhat of a basic understanding i guess http://www.jlaudio.com/tutorials/wiring/index.html

as for an amp. The new Type Rs handle 500 watts RMS so you'll want something that can put out that much at least. www.ikesound.com check out that website. I would recommend the Hifonics BX500D since you are on a budget. Along with an Alpine Type R 1221.

[Bridq]

Thanks again man. Which alpine head unit would you recommend? I guess my speakers are good though right?

[GScivic7]

how much do you want to spend on a head unit?

Yes the alpine speakers you chose are awesome.

[Bridq]

So the Hifonic BX500D should be ok for the Type R amp? Will it power 2 of them if I decide to buy another one? My Alpine MRP-F240 should be ok to power my speakers though right?

[Bridq]

Hey GS, I walked into Best Buy and checked out some head units today. Now I know what you mean when you say pioneer head units are "prettier". I was impressed by pioneer models DEH-P7700MP and
DEH-P6700 with the swimming dolphins. But Pioneer falls a little short in comparisson to Alpine right?