I have a JL Audio Stealthbox and I want to swap out the sub for something more powerful. What can I fit in there? (I'm aware I can just get a custom box, new sub, and then sell the stealthbox. Not my plan though)

 

How much power are you running to the sub?

 

Temporarily in pushing 150 via jl 300/4. Im getting a mono amp, but ill decide that when I choose a sub

 

If you have the orginal sub from JL in the box they it's a W3 which can easily hold 500 watts espically in a sealed box. Swapping out the sub it's going to cut if for you. Get an amp that will push around 500 watts RMS and you will notice a huge difference.

 

I thought it's peak was 500. Isn't RMS 250 or 300?

 

In a sealed box you need more power to make the same about of sound for a ported box. I've installed several w3's on a 500 watt amp.

 

Hmmm. Can anyone jump in and confirm this? I realize that either way I need a larger amp, but I'm deciding which one to get based on what sub I decide to buy/keep. I feel like pushing 500 watts to a sub that is rated at 300 rms for an extended period of time (ex. a road trip) would likely cause damage to the sub.

 

Look it up on JL's website. The 500 watts is in the "high" range but for what they say it will handle but I've been dealing with JL for years and can tell you from experience that this will not cause any problems. In fact, you under powering your sub by 150-200 watts is actually doing more damage to the sub then being a little on the high end of it's power handling.

 

Please explain how underpowering a sub has a detrimental effect on its longevity. Does listening to your music at low volumes destroy speakers? I've never heard of this occurring, nor have I heard of a speaker being blown due to a lack of power. I have however heard of many a speaker being blown due to amplifier clipping.

 

Underpowering a woofer will not EVER damage it. 500watts RMS on a JL W3 is doable, depending on how hot you let it get. Your profile says you're in MO. You'll be fine.