The M200 is an amazing amp. Any of the Outlaw stuff is great, and priced better than most stuff out there. In that price range I don't think I could recommend another amp to you.

Just to let you know a direct box wouldn't have fixed your problem. A direct box allows you to bring a line level signal down to mic level.

A couple other recommendations though.. a crown CE-2000 would give you plenty of power in bridge mono. If you dont mind spending way too much money a Crown K-2 will supply you with enough power to run whatever you want