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McIntosh has been around since 1949 and has had an excellent reputation for all the decades since. That said, they have performance level per dollar figured out in that you get what you pay for in their line. The 452 is designed to drive more difficult loads to higher volume - which can (but not always) have with it added clarity and detail.
In conclusion, try to project what Loudspeakers you will be purchasing and using in the future, Volume levels you will desire to achieve, size of your room, and then make the decision.
McIntosh has been around since 1949 and has had an excellent reputation for all the decades since. That said, they have performance level per dollar figured out in that you get what you pay for in their line. The 452 is designed to drive more difficult loads to higher volume - which can (but not always) have with it added clarity and detail.
In conclusion, try to project what Loudspeakers you will be purchasing and using in the future, Volume levels you will desire to achieve, size of your room, and then make the decision.