Mixing or matching component brands

For my neutral transparent system, my preamp+amp preferences is generally the same brand or an integrated, whatever raises the Sonics within budget.

For my high efficiency system which I’ll use to investigate tube midrange magic including flea watt, likely a mix - tube amp with a neutral (TBD) preamp.  However, I am open to a tube integrated.

I've generally been mix-n-match I have tried same brand a few times and generally found mixing and matching to work better. Currently 4 brands in my stereo that are sympatico for sure but not the same. 

with a limited budget, (which is by definition what we all of have) choosing from a single brand would be a big constraint. In general, it’s a much better value to mix and match

My components are from various brands, chosen for the features and performance I was looking for.

Like with most things, there’s no correct answer here - it’s question of swings and roundabouts. 

I started mixed and moved towards one brand over the decades. However, there accessories and tweeks that the manufacturer may not necessarily sanction.

Maybe, I am losing out on the very best components here and there. Plus, I haven’t fine tuned the character of the sound exactly to my taste. Yet I get the massive benefit of synergy.

For the past few years, I’ve had in mind to introduce a little more variety in the loudspeaker department to try to get the best of both worlds.