Just bought the Alpine 9886 head unit and am going to install it as soon as I get it (suppose to arrive tomorrow).

Is there anything I should look out for or know before I start? This will be my first time installing a head unit. What tools do I need to complete the job?

 

Also, am thinking about replacing subs and amp....the amp definately needs replacing (cheap dual) but the subs I dont know about. is the eD SQ10 be better than an old JL 10W4? I mean would it be worth the extra 70+cost of enclosure to replace the exisisting JL?

 

Get the wiring kit, and the dash kit for your car. You should never have to cut any factory wires when installing a system IMHO.

 

From what I've gathered, the SQ10 is a decent choice if you want to keep it stealth and replace the factory sub under the trunk's floor.

If you're going with a regular sub enclosure that will be sitting in your trunk, I'd definitely go with that JL.
The SQ10 and a few others (Pioneer shallow, Kicker shallow, etc) are the only options when it comes to keeping the enclosure stealth, in the same spot as the factory sub box.

 

Thank Nola, I'll probably stay with the JL then. Does anyone know what amp I should use to pair with this?

the specs are here for the JL 10W4.

 

Now that I think about it, should I just replace them all together?
any recommendations for a decent 10" sub and a good amp to go along with it?
I got a budget of about 400 bucks. Also any subs and amp will be bought from ebay, so take the lower prices into consideration.

 

I recently discovered Image Dynamics and I am impressed with their subs........JL is also great but spendy.......Elemental Designs is great....that is about all I have tried.

 

Pulled the trigger on the mrp 1000 and the 12 type x

 

Image Dynamics and Resonant Engineering (RE Audio) will both impress you. US Amps are a solid brand to power them.

 

Ok...starting to install and just a little question...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...al67/wires.jpg

why do they have special connectors? are those needed? I have butt connectors already...so should i just cut those off and use the butt connectors?

Also, the ground wire....should I ground it somewhere or just cut it off and use a butt connector.

The blue cord (power antenna), do I just connect this to the blue wire on the harness? It has room for two wires...

Hope I did the other ones correct...

 

The ground needs to be well, grounded. There's a bolt on the driver side the is used frequently. You can use the butt connectors if you want, but those slot connectors will be more secure if you get matching male connectors, it's up to you. And yes, the blue wire will be used to power the remote sub if you have one.