McIntosh Announces Mc451 Dual Mono Power Amplifier

Wow,,, looks so big and powerful. The "V8" engine of the audio world maybe?

As a factory-indoctrinated Mac sales guy, to those complaining about the appearance, I will guarantee they will not change it. It is a BIG part of their brand identity…you can buy a new Mac and integrate it with an older system, and it looks like it belongs. Huge brand loyalty builder. 
This new amp has an electronic xover built in, so to use it properly the bass speakers should be passive woofers without internal passive low pass filters. The upper speaker can be anything.  Who has passive subs, really?  Otherwise you’re messing up an engineered passive network if you “double cross”. In most systems you should not use the crossover. 

@crustycoot   Most of us understand the aesthetics are very important with brand recognition, just wish they could offer a toned down cosmetic version in some models. Almost purchased the C22 Mk. V preamp but the over the top cosmetics vs. the Mk. III version which had an appealing vintage look was the deal breaker. 

You can also use this like it’s two separate amplifiers. You can run to full input signals to two separate sets of speakers if you wanted to. Or you can do the Byam route. I did this with 2601 model blocks and a Mac 275. The sound was fabulous I’m sure that this is no less.

Looks like a heck of a beast to move around, much too heavy to move at my age. Have to agree with Stereo5, let the bashers begin their rants! I do wish they would quit introducing new models every other month, however.