I had a MC252 and was looking to upgrade to a newer model. I almost went with the MC302 due to size to fit in my cabinet. After listening to the MC302 and MC452 I went with the higher-powered MC452. I was able to fit in my cabinet after removing the back of the console. There is a noticable difference between push-pil design (302) and qud balanced (452). The MC252 was a great amp - the MC452 even better. I now have about 4 hrs on the amp and it sounded great right out of the box. I do not find the amp warm at all; same with the 302. But, I am using a McIntosh tube pre.
