Well, I owned the M1si version from 96-09. Very similar to the M1 I'm sure. They like lots of power due to the bipolar design. They fought me hard with the rear firing drivers compounding reflection issues but in the end they can be tamed. As for their strengths, big soundstage, large presence, pretty deep bass, and they sounded good at very loud levels. For pinpoint imagining and super sweet highs not as good. No doubt if the grill socks would come off I'm sure this could improve as whenever I'd vacuum the socks they would sound better. To improve your scenario I would get an actual preamp, not a reciever feeding your amp. I would surely make sure the room is'nt too echoey as this really kills the bipolar aspect. Good luck!