Good budget amp for Mirage M1

I just remembered: They aren't nearly as common as used Adcoms, but a *really good* amp well within your budget is the Heathkit AA-1600. I use one of these to power a pair of Mirage OMD-15s and it's marvelous. It's rated at 120 wpc but I think it's actually more like 180. It weighs 41 lbs which is more in keeping with a high current 150-180 wpc amp and it acts and sounds like it.

I picked mine up in very good condition just last summer for $239 at a retail hi-fi store. That's about what they go for on eBay. Even better is its high-powered big brother, the AA-1800. Those go for more like $600-750 but are easily worth it. Very well built, really good-sounding, fast and articulate without being edgy. The AA-1800 was rated at 250 wpc but typically puts out 350.

The M1's need alot of power.
For the price your looking to spend, i would look to the Emotiva XPA-2. This amp lists for 800$ and is built like a tank. It weighs like 75 pounds and is high current with a really good sound.
Here's a review of it.
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue58/emotiva_xpa.htm

04-09-12: Doug99
The M1's need a lot of power. ...Look to the Emotiva XPA-2. This amp lists for $800 and is built like a tank. It weighs like 75 pounds and is high current with a really good sound.

Yes. That's an even better suggestion than the Outlaw monoblocks I mentioned. 100 wpc more for only an extra $100. Right now they're on backorder but worth the wait. Given that the 1st-gen M1s weren't bi-ampable (except by special order), a fast 300 wpc high current stereo amp is a good idea.

Thanks to all for these very helpful answers! I ordered some gauge 10 cables from Blue Jean and am looking at used heathkit now. The emotiva seems a bit out of my range at this time. Are they ever on sale?

Also, carver is a name I came across with some rather powerful amps for relatively low price. The amps tend to be on the lighter side though (<20lbs). Would anyone recommend this brand to drive the M1's?

Also, I have the bi-ampable version.

I second the idea of looking for a used Rotel or Adcom amp. I'll add NAD to the mix. Tons of used deals to be had on all of them, and I think you'll be happy. I've got a 15-20 year old 200 wpc Rotel tank powering my office system and it's quite good. You can find them and NADs on ebay for pretty cheap.