Matching Gear matter to you?

Can't disagree that the uniform look is nicest, it is just that I won't sacrifice performance for that look.

I do have one system that is a sort of heritage system which I first assembled in the early 1990s. All of the gear is by Classe (DR7 two chassis preamp - the separate power supply is the size of most power amps, a pair of bridged DR3 VHC power amps, and a DAC-1 D/A converter and the look is pleasing.  But my current main system, which uses mostly Conrad Johnson Premier components, has a different make of phono stage, as it is the best such I have ever heard. I do own the matching CJ Premier phono stage, but it lives in my second system upstairs.

I am going to take the plunge on the Quicksilver. My first piece of tube gear and only the 2nd major piece to the system (its been 2 years since the last piece).

It runs 12AT7 tubes, not sure what comes with it but it'll be down the rabbit hole on tubes soon.

I would suggest that the preamplifier and amplifier(s) come from the same manufacturer. In my opinion the other pieces can picked based on your preferred sound and features. Rarely will one company make all types of products that you will prefer.

 I have a tubed preamp and solid state monoboc amps (Concert Fidelity) and different brand DAC (Metrum Pavane), server (Aurender), phono amp (Audio Research). They sound great together. In my opinion part of the fun of the hobby is to find products that synergize with your other products and make you feel good.

I'm going to cover all of my gear with Astro Turf to see if I prefer "matched" components...I'll be reporting back.