How to wire component speakers up front?

[airphoto]

Hey guys, silly question, but I don't want to make an error here. I've got some Alpine SPS-600C component speakers for my 2002 LT. The radio is factory, non-xm, I do have onstar in the rearview mirror, it does have a subwoofer, but it does not have the bose system.

The speakers I purchased are here: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11284_Alpine-SPS-600C.html

My concern is wiring the tweeters. Should I wire them directly with the factory tweeter wires, or should I wire in the woofers with their original wiring, and wire the tweeters to the woofers using the Alpine-supplied crossovers? And how do I determine the polarity of the factory wires? I believe one is grey, the other is brown (going from memory).

FWIW, I've drilled and located the tweeters ahead of the seat heater controls on the door panels. Seemed a nice place that wasn't obtrusive, yet it still kept the tweeter within 12" of the woofer, and I can rotate the tweeter dome towards my ears.

Any and all help is appreciated!

Greg

 

[blueflamed03]

use the supplied Alpine crossovers. I'd run new wire personally, if you can. Factory wiring is small, and pretty cheap.

 

[airphoto]

Thanks! I ended up using the crossovers from Alpine, and just left the stock tweeter wires unused.

 

[chip]

Stock wiring should be fine for mids and highs, so long as the current isn't outrageous.

 

[MOBmentality]

Stock wiring should be fine for mids and highs, so long as the current isn't outrageous.

+1

i rarely flat out disagree with tracy but imo on these trucks.. its just not worth it unless youre running a SERIOUS sq system.. or a massive door install.

 

[chip]

I get the feeling that everything he does, he does like that (Super Proper). I strive to be that way, but I would be lying if I said I were that disciplined. He's the guy you pray you're buying your used car from.

 

[MOBmentality]

I get the feeling that everything he does, he does like that (Super Proper). I strive to be that way, but I would be lying if I said I were that disciplined. He's the guy you pray you're buying your used car from.

lol +1 to all this.

Im an sq nerd too though.. and there are some tediums i just cant force myself to do.. and .01% is.. tedious as **** for anyone running D amps and off the shelf subs.. imo

 

[chip]

Why is that? If you match the RMS, you should be fine, right?............or am I missing something?

 

[blueflamed03]

a good system is as good as the sum of it's parts

 

[MOBmentality]

Why is that? If you match the RMS, you should be fine, right?............or am I missing something?

Well trace is right.. there is loss of quality through restriction and distortion through inferior shielding (the plastic crap on wires). 500 rms @ .01% signal to noise might be 480 rms at .1% by the time it reaches the speakers..

Think of speaker wires like your drive shaft.. you might have a super responsive 500hp engine.. but with a ****** heavy driveshaft you might lose not only HP from spin weight but also responsiveness in the form of driveshaft flex and warp and a heavier shaft being harder to start spinning and harder to stop. So ****** line makes 500hp and super responsive 400hp and groggy..

Wires are the same way.. stock wires are not capable of transmitting clean elegant power.. well not at optimum efficiency.. so you just have to weigh your pros and cons (time and effort and a lil money).

We all NEED better wiring.. but do we WANT them enough to warrant running them