Seems like the OP is telling us that he thinks it is operating correctly but is just a different kind of speaker than his prior sub. I would say, however, that if the gain is at 100% there must be some issue. That just isn't normal.
Gain level on a REL sub
Hi. I have purchase a REL R 218 sub to compliment my system and as far as sounding musical, I am happy. However, the gain is almost all the way up and I don feel that punch and slam I am looking for. Musically I am impressed with it but I still dont feel that level of impression overall. When I had the HSU STF-2, it was in a different league with in terms of impact and punch but for detail, the REL was better. My question now, Do you think I should try getting a another REL with the same model for a stereo pair or go with a different sub? My room is pretty small but it is treated with acoustic panels.