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Matching components?

I’ve read a couple of posts on this site alluding to the notion that one can be best assured of positive results by matching components produced by the same manufacturer when assembling a stereo system. Is this really a thing? Should I worry that a Decware phono stage won’t play nice with my ARC linestage? Or that I would have been better served by finding an ARC DAC in lieu of the Black Ice FX DSD I recently acquired?

Just looking for a little guidance, as my budget is such that I really can’t be screwing this up...

thx
rfnoise
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,783 posts
 
This is a question I had at the beginning of my journey, too. It simplifies things but it’s more like having the waitress order for you -- takes away the fun and eliminates the easy-to-discover variety of the many things that can work for you. There are some rules of thumb for avoiding MISmatches (that are easily researched) and that’s probably the limit of caution you need. I’ll spare you links to my unmatched system, as explaining this doesn’t require hubris.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Generally you should take care to match components, electrically and mechanically.
Sound wise you can manage.

fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
Matching is only for appearance. Has little to do with SQ unless you are talking impedance matching.
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
Not gonna lie, as far as appearance goes... I do rather fancy a badass stack of ARC gear... but i suppose neither my wallet nor my ears will be best served by vanity...

thx for all your input!
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 

  Went with matching preamp for my amp(s) under recommendation from the amplifier manufacturer and designer of the amp(s),...and I happened across a NM cond. one used for a fairly good price.   Nothing too fancy, amps, preamp, descent cables, speakers (I) love
  2 very good Sources. (Cd players)

if it sounds great to you , who cares what others think, play music and have a dram and some trail mix. 

  Used other preamps, tiny minuscule audio differences between preamps, but the matching one sounds amazing!
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