I would not feel any remorse for owning a MC152. What a great amplifier. Bought my first McIntosh piece in 1990 and still have it...along with a lot of other Mc stuff bought over the years.
Sounds like your path of audio improvements is (firmly) established based on your posts and the action of opening the sealed box and not returning the MC152. It's great to have a path / plan.
There is a lot to be said (at least in my mind) about synergy between components. Finding the right McIntosh preamp will be another very nice upgrade and a great match to the MC152. Add the Klipsch cabinets that you long for when the timing is right and you'll have a fantastic system. I love horns too.
Flip on some music, forget about what we all think and simply enjoy your very nice system. Congrats on the McIntosh purchase!
Sounds like your path of audio improvements is (firmly) established based on your posts and the action of opening the sealed box and not returning the MC152. It's great to have a path / plan.
There is a lot to be said (at least in my mind) about synergy between components. Finding the right McIntosh preamp will be another very nice upgrade and a great match to the MC152. Add the Klipsch cabinets that you long for when the timing is right and you'll have a fantastic system. I love horns too.
Flip on some music, forget about what we all think and simply enjoy your very nice system. Congrats on the McIntosh purchase!