Matching Gear matter to you?

Interesting. The preamp is your most important component in many ways. If it is tube based, you have some flexibility in the sound profile and it is a little cheaper to roll tubes than in a power amp.

the one other question I have is all the equipment balanced or unbalanced?  In general I would say my current preamp is better than my prior preamp but it is single ended and my old system was balanced. When I swapped it straight into the balanced system it was not better.  

Fully balanced equipment always works best in a system that is fully balanced. And by fully balanced I mean end-to-end, not just a single ended unit with XLR connections added in.

you have no idea what will sound better to you, the only way is to try and pick the best combination no short cuts.  overall you won't go wrong either way but the same brand's set could sound better and than you lose nothing except some money. my preamp looks like something portable and it's silver and made 30 years after the power amp which is black and much larger like most home components, so what? the modded look gets more respect and it's good for the ego to match components not from the same brand so you can brag on audio forums about your matching skills !

@verdantaudio its all single ended.

As long as the piece of equipment being considered can handle (load, impedance matching, etc.) the other equipment, there shouldn't be an issue.

Then, it comes down to how it sounds in your system.  First, most companies don't make everything anyway.  Music servers, streamers, DACs, turntables, Speakers, cables, etc. so, there will be a slight mix anyway.

Also, just because a company makes say, amps, preamps and DACs, doesn't mean that they will be the best for the money you plan on spending.

so, it comes down to auditioning in your home and in your system.  If a dealer thinks you are a serious potential buyer (maybe spend quality time with dealers helps),  they will take your credit card information and loan you a piece (typically demonstration unit) for a few days.  

That has been my experience.  Also, there might not be many dealers in your area that have variety.  Sometimes they are stuck with only a few  manufacturers in house.  This limits your direct listening ability and comparison opportunities.

Sort of the Bose experience.  Bose makes it so you really can't compare directly their stuff with anyone else's in stores.

enjoy

Surely the important thing here is output and input impedances, and this is going to come into play most acutely between the preamp and amp.  Although a great many do, not *all* preamps and amps work well together, causing premature rolloff (p.r., an acoustic affliction) and other nasties.