@oldhvymec The C2500 and C2600 were both on my list when I was upgrading my preamp and I did audition both of them, but ultimately I went with the C49. I have yet to go through setting my gains on the inputs, but I will. For now I’m just enjoying the music.
If I understand your statement correctly about “Remote Assignment” you might be able to do what you want by using the second set of codes that are on your remote. The Remote Control included with the C2500 utilizes the NORMal McIntosh Control Codes. The Second Set of Control Codes the C2500 will respond to is referred to as the ALTernate Codes. The ALTernate Codes are used when the C2500 is used in the same location as another McIntosh Preamplifier and/or A/V Control Center. This will prevent the Remote Con- trol from affecting the operation of both units at the same time.
I’d copy and paste the steps but the manual has images as well that might be useful if you end up trying it. The steps are on page 19.
My wishlist would be to have an HDMI output on the Preamp to hookup a TV/monitor to access a more user friendly GUI ( Graphical User Interface). It could be used for setup and display information. Ultimately, you could use the up, down, left and right cursors on the remote to navigate around the interface and it could tell you information like bitrate of files, file type, file size, and any other nerdy stats.It would also make it easier to make changes to the inputs and gains as well as tone controls. Kinda what’s like on most Surround Sound Preamps of today.
I hope your preamp comes back from repairs soon!