Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Box size and amp rating questions

I obtained at a good price a Boston Acoustics proseries 10" (not the .5 series) 8 ohm version rated at 500W for install in my Contour. Sealed box suggested for the speaker ranges from .7 ft^3 to 2 ft^3 with the 2 as "optimum".

My goal is good sound quality. I would appreciate any comments re:

What happens to SQ if I use a smaller box than optimum, even as small as minimum?

What rated amplifier watts (and specific suggestions would be great) would you recommend to provide good fill and quality with reasonable (not break windows) volume? Not looking to compete or be noticed just want good clean bass.

A lot of it depends on the type of music you are listening too. A smaller box will give you tighter bass as oppossed to a boomy sound but the smaller the box, the more power you need to drive the sub. Also, it's an 8 ohm sub, I assume, you will be using 2 together at 4ohms?

I had only planned to use a single sub - is that a mistake with the 8 ohm?

I listen to rock, pop, jazz mainly and am looking for clear bass only.