Just to share...

I used to run on the SPR-176A, the old Type R component which consist of 1" tweeter and 6.5" midbass. Pretty good and easy to run. Tuned the comp set to play SQ, pretty possible with some compromise on certain things. Things to note, the 176A is rated at 50W. So any amps can drive it easily. For entry level folks, this comp set would be very ideal. I used to listen to almost everything. But has since shifted my setup to purely SQ running subless. On the crossover side, you can set the tweeter setting with 3 settings. Can be use to tone down the sharpness.

You cant compare the 176A or the 17LS(2005 Alpine Type R comps) with the SPX-177R. This 177R comp set are made purely vocal biased. It is rated at a lot higher power(Cant remember, check ALpine website) and it is bi-amp capable. You need pretty good power to run the comp bi amp. Then only you will feel the capability of the 177R. The crossover itself comes with jumper setting so you can setup the passive to control the drivers. Bear in mind the bi amping in this case is not active bi amping. Passive bi amping via the cross over.

If you want a simple setup biased to vocals based on the songs you listened to, you dont need a pre-amp. I used to have this setup

Alpine CDA 7893R
Alpine Type R SPR 176A
Alpine Type S SWS1242@1.1cft enclosure
Rogers RSA 428, 75Wx4
Stingers HPM, 12 gauge cables
Stingers Bullet Series RCA

All tuned biased to vocals. Another thing, not only the components are important but the tuning too. Set the gain too high, the vocals will sound digital and so on...

Understand what you want to achieve with your budget and look around for the best bargain. Audit other folks setup too to know your preference.

BTW, dont ask me what I have now... Okay ka? Thank you!

Like Driftmeister said, depends on model. If you still hvae doubts, please try to listen to folks who have the components. One of the bigger nightmare in ICE is getting a components which might not be of your taste.

Generally, most comp set are good. Real difference is when you powered it with an amp. Else, the comp set would not be any different when it is plugged by the HU.