Totally agree that preamp/amp matching is the best approach. Have tried mixing sources with good results, but ended up matching the cdp as well, but only because it out performed my other.
Benefits of brand synergy
How important is brand synergy in matching components? This not only includes amps and preamps but also digital sources from a particular brand, say Arcam or Kell. Is this "synergy" important just for impedance purposes or is there an additional sonic benefit of having everything matching? Thanks.