amp output too low

I recently purchased the Kenwood eXcelon KAC-X1R mono block amp that is supposed to do 1200W at 2Ohms. Honestly I was not expecting to get 1200W out of this amp but I was expecting it to push my JL 12w6v2 harder than what it does. The gain range is 5V-.2V and I have it set on .5V, which I think is more than high enough to get the output I was expecting. My hu is the Kenwood DNX5120 navigation unit and I have the sub level on 6 out of 10. I am not a car audio expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have some experience. I have had this sub for about 3 years in a couple of different setups and I know how its supposed to hit. Any advice is more than welcomed. Thanks

Your best first step is to properly set your input gain.  Do not go by the markings on the amp, they really mean nothing.  Use the search feature on the forum and you'll find plenty of guides for setting it properly.Support the12volt.com

Thanks for that advice, however I have already done that. I was just under the assumption that with an amp thats supposed to produce as much power I would not have to turn the gain up so high. The reason I bought it was because I figured I would have plenty of headroom for my single sub and enough power if I decided to add another 12w6v2. Do you think it may possibly have anything to do with the remote bass knob???? I did not purchase one because I have never used one with any of my previous amps. Thanks.

You said: "The gain range is 5V-.2V and I have it set on .5V, which I think is more than high enough to get the output I was expecting. " which tells me you have not set the gain properly.Support the12volt.com

If you set the gains to the .2V setting, does it reach your expectations then?

In a way it does.....loudness wise yes, clarity wise no. I feel like I just wasted a couple hundred dollars on an amp the does not do its so called CEA rated power. I have had kenwood amps in the past that have performed well but this one has fell way short. Outside of JL amps what would be a good match for my JL 12w6v2 with enough head room to possibly add another w6???? Something less than $500. Thanks.