Is system synergy worth having matched components?


What have been differences you have noticed in listening to amps and preamps from different manufacturer's together compared to a combo from the same manufacturer? I love my current setup of an Odyssey Audio Khartago plus amplifier and Aric Audio Unlimited all tube preamp. It sounds great to me. But am I doing myself a disservice by not even hearing the Odyssey Candela or Tempest preamp with the Khartago? 

blue_collar_audio_guy

Showing 1 response by jonwatches1

I figure that a pre and amp from the same manufacturer were developed and tuned using the maker’s other pieces, so, *by design*, they should. Up to the listener to decide. My personal view is to at least try a maker’s pre + amp together - if there is useful combined voicing, I think it would be the pre/amp combo

I’m currently using a Mac tube pre into a McIntosh ss amp, and love the combo. But I also swap amps and run the pre into a Will Vincent el34 pp amp, and love the sound of those two together 

So, experiment and enjoy! Have a great day