Not exactly new to USACi, but new to Philly.

I moved to Philadelphia a little over a year ago and wanted to reintroduce myself.
I haven't ever been a heavy hitter in the Mobile Audio scene, but I've always been interested.
Currently I'm running DB Drive :rollseyes:
Specifically:
Dual K9 12" running at 1 ohm on the A72500.1
Alpine ICS-x7HD head unit with stock highs.
Stock alternator with an odd branded front battery isolated from a Kinetic HC2000
Vine Street High End Car Stereos decided to give me 4 gauge from front to 2nd battery for some reason, but
I'm 0 gauge to the amp from the 2nd battery.
I haven't put my car on the meter yet, but no matter where I go, everyone gives me the stink eye and a middle finger.
I didn't see an introductions category, so if you'd please move this to the appropriate forum.
I also had a few questions about several things.
The specifications for my equipment is very confusing.
For example, the A7-2500.1 claims to make 2500 watts @ 1 ohms. Is this RMS or peak?
In the manual, the specifications say 4300 watts @ 1 ohms. Does anyone have any real numbers on any of this stuff?
I'm concerned because I hooked up a 13.5" JL w7 to my amp and that thing barely made a sound.
I've also had a Memphis system recently that had much more impact and punch than my current system.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the n00b gear. I just don't have a huge budget.
I would have loved to run a typical competition branded setup, but retail that stuff can run upwards of $5k,000.
Whereas I only got these db drives for $750 or so $1,000 installed.