Is system synergy worth having matched components?

if you are happy, you are happy...but might be fun to try the Odyssey preamps and some others...depends how much time you want to play around with...I've had great success both ways...

@jasonbourne52 

"Unlike gravity, synergy is an imaginary concept."

For those who cannot hear worth a damn, yes! 

@stuartk 

X2

I am in a similar jam. I found an amp that matches my speakers, which simply was correct vs wrong compared to other amps I tried. It is weird that it is balanced Levinson proceeded by single ended Lamm preamp. I have heard the all Levinson amplification with my speakers, but prefer the tone of my current preamp. Other may prefer the opposite or just dislike it all.  I am sure better could be had, but that's always the story. 

Synergy,yes! It is important.

Same brand, not really. The pair from same brand is the understanding of the designer. The pair could be good one, but not great one. You might found the great match on the market with different brand.

Just like me,

I found Rega cursa 3 + audio research vt100 iii is such a great match.

I also found Ayre kx-5 + audio research ref 75 se is very good.

It is the journey, believe me. Everyone explore the hifi world, including the designer.

No one can set the superior standard, as there are more great match who they do not know even they design.