Originally Posted by BigRedGuy

You should set the amp to deliver it's maximum undistorted power with all bass boost controls and any EQs set to neutral or minimum. Once you have done this, any extra you achieve with those controls will come at the expense of added distortion. Your subs will handle a certain amount of this before they reach their thermal or mechanical limits and the damage begins.

If you do tweak anything higher, keep a very close ear on your subs.....if you hear distortion back the volume off.....the subs will thank you by continuing to work until you get the bigger amp......

HTH