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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
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.
metman
233 posts
 
if you can stretch your budget to $800.00 have Jim Nichols from JWN amps build you a custom tube amp, I promise you won't be dissapointed
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
You might want to consider an NAD amp - they have tremendous reserve power capabillity. NAD watts are better than most other mfgr's watts. A 125 watt NAD 270 will walk all over most 150 watts/ch. amps. Here's one on Audiogon for well under your budget:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/nad-c270-stereo-amplifier

You could start with one and then upgrade by buying another and bridging them. The power output will be phenomenal when bridged...

-RW-
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