When I bought my 4550XLGVCCE machine last year, there was a really good sale on them at B&H (the enlarger and a 4 bladed 11x14 easel thrown in for only a hundred dollars more than the 4500II if I remember correctly). I just tried their website to see if it's still on sale, but the site is down at the moment....still, it'd be worth checking if you want a new one. ( www.bhphotovideo.com )

The enlarger is a tank btw; the column is specifically matched to the head which is why it comes permanently aligned. If you buy the baseboard, it too is very rugged with a steel girder reinforcing it underneath which also keeps it 'true'. Good luck.