Component matching expertise - how do you do it?


I tend to rely on a dealer and expertise when it comes to pairing components.  And with what I read and other peoples experiences.

I am incredibly impressed when I read commentary by people who really know what they're doing when it comes to matching components.  Factors such as impedance, curves, amp power, and recognizing that some components don't get along with other components and keeping in mind specifications which are inherently complicated to really understand.

What are some of the key things people in the know look at when they are deciding between components being Incorporated into their systems?  

emergingsoul

Gear by the same manufacturer is probably going to have great synergy. Although I have not followed that advice. 

@mofojo

Yes, but no one really knows why or if it’s even true. A lot of that is probably marketing driven.

mr @ghdprentice gave a really great comment up above. I like to mix and match, I think it shows Independence. Definitely need to use matching speakers and matching mono amplifiers. How strange to mix and match those.

esthetically - yes, the same brand gears in the rack look awesome! from the sound side, not so much.. I’ve got great tunes out of SS pre+tube amp, all different brands..