Just finished my boxes and installed a Directed Crossover, getting the Alpine 9853 installed tomorrow. Going from sealed to ported I was a little nervous on the outcome, but having heard both I wouldn't go back to sealed. I would have always said that I prefer SQ over SPL, but now I'm having to retract that opinion, SPL all the way.
Oh, I suppose this first post makes me a Noob again, but so far I enjoy the site. Hope you like the boxes.