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
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.

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.