When a sub is under powered, the amp is typically turned up to it's max gain (or close to). When you do this, it's cause the amp to send a clipped signal to the sub which CAN DAMAGE THE VOICE COIL OF THE SUB. Eventually cause extra resistance and in turn to much heat, cooking the voice coil. So yes, under powering a sub, by having an amp that can no way supply the power (a PDX 400.4 on two channels) will cause damage over time to a sub.

 

well if I properly set my gains then I'm not damaging my sub in your "theory." (I do agree that maxing my gains would destroy the sub tho) Improperly setting gains has nothing to do with under powering a sub. You cant assume that because high gains can damage the sub and sometimes people with small amps make up for it by turning it up to max gains, that I am doing the same. Just because I am temporarily using the JL 300/4 (as I said in my first post, because this is what I had at hand and I'm waiting to decide which sub i will have in my car to determine what amp I will need. I have now stated this 3 times), doesn't mean I'm turning the gains way up like a tool and trying to get more out of it.

Can we focus on the question at hand? What is the best sub I can get in there? I will get an amp (not one that will overpower and blow it when I decide to take a road trip) that matches the sub.

 

Getting a JL Audio Stealthbox then removing the subwoofer seems like an expensive way to get what you want. Why not buy a custom enclosure like this from ebay and buy whatever sub you want:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-S2000-...38241120651416

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-S2000-...item45f7b8b58f

 

I didn't buy the stealthbox, it came with my first S. Also, the sub just blew anyway, so I need a new one. Like I said in my first post, I don't want to buy an enclosure and sub. Thanks for all of the responses, but I suppose I'll just replace the blown sub with another 10w3

 

I would recommend either the Dayton Titanic MK III or the Dayton RSS265HO-4.

These should make you forget about that JL in a hurry.

Both are extremely affordable and can be purchased from parts-express.

 

You need to match the sub to the box to get the best sound, find out how much cu. ft. your box is then find a sub recommended for that size box.