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Matching Gear matter to you?

So I had a plan to to go with a single manufacturer for my power amp, line stage and phono preamp. It soothes my OCD but also looks sexy as hell in addition to component synergy. 
That said it was brought to my attention that a different manufacturer has a better component which is also less expensive. My first thought is better and cheaper = do it do it.

Am I crazy? (Probably)

Is my OCD holding me back?
gochurchgo
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
@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. 
mickeyb
581 posts
 
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. 
erik_squires
16,197 posts
 
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.  
yaluaka
40 posts
 
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.😂
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
339 posts
 
I have a SS amp and tube Pre Amp from the same mfg.   The synergy is the unmistakable.    Like to say XYZ is always compatible with itself.
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