I'm new to car stereo and what are the channels for amps for? How many channels should I get. I'm going to get two 12" subs and type r components for the front.

 

With that setup you will be using 4 channels, one for each speaker. You could use one 4 channel amp and try to power it all fom that but since you are going to have two subs I would suggest one amp for the front components and another for the subs. It can be tempting to spend less on the component speaker amp but if you want it to sound any good you should put some decent power into them so they can keep up wit the subs.
The sub amp will depend on what subs you get and how many voice coils they have.

 

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=826043 <------- can't go wrong

And if you haven't bought your components yet, I'd recommend https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=826074 or even https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=826028

Alpine components are good, don't get me wrong, but these Bostons are hard to top -- some of the best I've heard.

 

yuh need two amps, one for the interiors, get 4-channel, and one for the subs, dual channel or mono. get ALPINE amps!!! not too expensive, but DAMN they work good.

 

so the mid and tweeter goes to the crossover then to the amp... and the sub just goes directly to the other amp... and the two amps are connected how?


the amp for the components should be smaller right?

 

how many outputs does your deck have? hopefully, it will have atleast rca outputs...use the front outputs for the interior and rear outputs for the subs. and i don't recommend an external crossover unless you're gonna get sumthing serious. your local audio shop should sell in-line passive crossovers that go directly on the positive wire on your interior speakers...less work and filters out bass nicely.

EDIT:::sorry, i forgot that you're getting an alpine component system, so yes, they go straight to the crossovers.

 

no im gonna get serious with this. i have a phoenix gold 1000watt 4 channel. 2 12" jl audio w6. type r 6.5 components. and the pioneer DEH-P850MP cd/mp3/wma player

 

i think you should have a pretty good deck. it should have front, rear, and sub outputs...which'll make your install nice and easy. just run the amp for the sub to the sub outputs and the components to the front outputs...to tell you the truth, i actually got better results when i run the components straight from the deck...but if you can tune well, but all means, use an amp. just one thing...type r component crossovers are notorious for overheating and dying. be careful!