Matching Gear matter to you?

Most audiophiles are OCD about their system...LOL. I have gone through few iterations of having multiple components from ‘same’ manufacturer. There are advantages to do so...you get the tonality and synergy right from get go, since they are all cut from the same sonic fabric. Not to mention the uniformity, I have seen Naim stack and they look pretty dope.

IMO, above approach is safe and easy way to build your audio system. But it also limits you to one manufacturer’s vision of sound. I have gone through four systems from same manufacturer and I can say unequivocally, nothing is more fun and satisfying when you take time to put together a system from different manufacturers. You’re bound to endure few headaches going this route but you could end up with a system that’s just as gratifying and SOTA. 
Good luck!

@lalitk  thanks. This particular piece is a tube preamp so I’m extra cautious as I’m aware of the role it plays in the overall tonality of the system. 

I think that if I could afford the d’agostino setup 
I would stick with all his new gear. Just because the stuff is so damn beautiful. Steam punk audio gear at its best. Btw, my stuff is all over the place but it sounds good and is in my budget. 

This is a tough one. 

First, use your own ears. 

Next, I have gotten into simplification. I have gone from separates with monoblocks to an integrated + DAC.

I come from a pro movie background so my usual instinct is to pretend I have an 8' rack I will fit everything into. Goddess I wish I could have 3 stereo amps with meter....

I am down to two fabulous components.  

I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but when I see matching gear, I feel the person is uncreative and basically uninteresting. To me that is the opposite of what this hobby is about. Which is experimentation. But of course that’s just me and all you uninteresting people out there may disagree.😂