Is system synergy worth having matched components?

If you ask a dealer, they will tell you it is very important to use the same brand pre and amplifier,as it is the easy way to go and they can increase the sales.

In fact, if you are a experience guy, you do not need follow that  way, you might choose your way, and better one

If  you are new, do the pair with same brand.

Most very good match is not going to public, it is in some one's room. Hifi is  a exploring  journey, and that is most  interesting things inside itself.

No.

Most devices, like preamps, have an output impedance that is pretty low.
Most amps have a high input impedance.

if it sound good, then get more music and be happy.

@holmz : +1! Unlike gravity, synergy is an imaginary concept.

But am I doing myself a disservice by not even hearing the Odyssey Candela or Tempest preamp with the Khartago? 

No.

there are a LOT of members that mix and match equipment.

just as it was mentioned earlier, if it sounds good, then leave it , enjoy it and buy music to listen to.

I have had three "matched" systems over the years.   First was a Apt Holman pre and Apt 1 amp.... pretty good combo for a 17 year old kid.....   next was a McIntosh C15 and 7100...   again, not a bad system.    Third was a brand new McCormack RLD 1 and DNA 125.     The latter was oddly enough the worst "matching"  of them all.   

After about two years with the RLD 1 , I replaced it with a Conrad Johnson Classic 2SE.   That combo sounded great.    For what ever reason I could not warm up to the RLD 1 .   It wasn't bad but it didn't wow me like the CJ in that system.

The McCormack was sold and replaced with a pair or Quicksilver Mid Monos .  A fantastic pairing that. I have enjoyed for about 8 years.    

With respect to system synergy.... you don't know ya got it, til ya got it.

I'm still using the Quicksilvers,  but now driving them witha Zesto Leto.  The Leto is incredible,  it also demonstrated how great sounding the Quicksilvers are.

Those 2 components have synergy in spades.    Im having a 300b amp built, hopefully  it will play nice with the Zesto.