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Good budget amp for Mirage M1

Hi all,
I recently acquired Mirage M1's (!) that I am driving biamped with an Onkyo Ht-RC360 [7.2 ch, 100pwc] receiver. I know that this set-up is not optimal as the mirage are quite power hungry. Does anyone have a recommendation as to which type of amplifier I should be looking for, for say a max of $500, that will give me a noticeable upgrade from what I have now?

Also, I am using generic 14gauge cable, is it worth it to go to 10 or 12 [these gauges are recommended by the manual].

Thanks to all,
dalig
doug99
288 posts
 
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
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

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.
dalig OP
11 posts
 
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.
mateored
258 posts
 
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.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

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?

Go with the Heathkit AA-1600 or AA-1800. I've used a fairly beefy high current Carver P175 and currently use a Heathkit AA-1600. The Heathkit is crazy good for the money and has an engaging combination of crunt, current, and very musical, non-clinical neutrality. Good resolution for the money too.
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