Matching Gear matter to you?

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.

@ihasaguy that what I was aiming for. What’s swaying me to this other manufacturer is that my friend said it has excellent synergy with our amp (we have the same amp).

i won’t be able to audition so it’s a leap of faith. 

And for what it’s worth this will be my first tube component (regardless of which way I decided to go). This will replace a Schiit SYS in the signal chain so I’m even more scared/excited about making a mistake.

It’s a hobby. Supposed to be fun. We can have different priorities within a hobby. We spend good money on these toys. No reason it should not be visually pleasing. If looking at same-branded components is going to give you pleasure—and not irritate your ocd, then that may be worth a few hundred dollars to you. My system is all patchwork, but all my components are black which helps visually unify the pieces. 

I am frugal by nature, so getting the best value and sq per dollar is important to me. Though right now I do have my eye on a second hand set of orange floor standers! 50% off, but still 8k. Gulp. 

If you have OCD tendencies, my advice would be to chill out:  you are going to end up buying different gear in a year, anyway.  Not trying to offend you, it just seems to be how it works a lot of the time.