McIntosh decisions

Save yourself worry, and about potential future speaker upgrades, and get the MC2152.  Or MC1502 As it is the newer, non-Anniversary edition.  It powers my Liliums beautifully, and I use separate preamps (phono & C1100), along with DAC & CD Transport.  Never an issue with clipping on the Liliums, and I do play them loud sometimes.

Not great service when they break.

I stayed solid state.  C55 with MC452. I like the app versatility.  I had the c53 and swapped it for the 55.  456/462 has plenty of ass to drive about anything.  
 

I ran B&W 803D speakers for a while.  Loved the setup.  But now the amp and pre are in my man cave powering MCXR100’s which I had in my living room.  Too much speaker for the room. They do well in the cave.  But honestly I like the B&W voicing so much.  I got a set of 805D4 Signatures for in there driven by a MA8900 with a DA2 board.  They are delightful.  
 

That’s my only integrated.  Small space. It’s great. Big space I have the separates and considered the MA12000 but just did not want to deal with my perceived hassle of Tubes etc.  

not sure if my thoughts help, but in the caliber of what you are considering, my humble opinion is you can’t go wrong.  It’s all about the space you are trying to fill.  
And of course your subjective feelings.  

I have both a McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp and a McIntosh C2500 tube preamp and a McIntosh  MC 302 power amp.  The separates sound better. Lower noise floor and better “ease” to the music. 

I have the mcintosh c 12000 driving  several monoblock mcintosh with a xlr splitter with out any problems. Mcintosh has powergaurd as mentioned that protects it on bad voltages and sometimes puts it in limp mode. Also it has clip protection that won't let the amplifier clip. You can get on mcintosh  website and they list certified repair shops and there are plenty. I do also have the mi502 that is 4 hypex modules class d 500 watts in 8 1kw in 4 ohm. I have several brands but love my mcintosh  blue meters the best,well built and heavy stable to at least 2 ohms.enjoy the hunt and the music