i think you might be right for the most part... i turned down the gain and bass boost and it sounded even worse. its 800w max, and the amp is 400w max. i used to have a pioneer 300w running an mtx and it sounded 100 times better. so back goes this sub tomorrow, probably trading in for mtx 12", which handles 200rms and 400 max, same as the amp. thanks guys.