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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
pdspecl
254 posts
 
A used B&K amp can be had for that price. Also, for a few hundred more you could get a new factory direct Emotiva amp that has serious watts/current. My friend has one powering Maggies and it sounds very nice for the price point. Will run the Mirages easily.
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
I had the M1si, newer version, for many years and you are right they are power hungry. I started with an Adcom 545 (100watts) and ended up in the end with Mcintosh 500 watt amp. For $500 it will be hard to find anything that will bring the M1s to life, possibly an older high power Rotel or Adcom? As for your speaker cables try the Anti-Cable, Blue Jean, or DIY type as they will surely be a huge improvement over what your using now.
csmgolf
871 posts
 
I used an Aragon 2004 Mk II for several years on Mirage M5si with very good results. While not optimal for the M1, it would be better than what you are using. An Acurus A250 would probably work well also. I second a look at the Emotiva amps in your price range. Stretch your budget just a little and the Parasound Halo A23 becomes an option.
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