Trouble with commitment....

[cason]

Doesn’t matter.

 

[jrtrent]

To answer your question, partially, I just saw this at TRM today!

5 Reasons to Stay in One Brand When Building Separates

The separates path is one of the most rewarding in audio, and one of the most complicated. Once you commit to separates, the options multiply fast. Every brand makes a compelling case for its preamplifier. A different brand makes an equally compelling case for its power amplifier. A third brand...

tmraudio.com

In general, likely not too big of a deal.

Nice article. Interesting that their idea of "a complete line of separates" only includes "preamplifier, power amplifier, DAC, source," and by source they might just mean a digital source. The Rotel Michi line that they use as an example of a complete line of separates still makes you look elsewhere for turntables, cartridges, and speakers.

For nearly two decades, I had a one brand system made up of a Linn LP12 turntable, Linn tone arm (Basik Plus, then Ittok), Linn cartridge (I tried everything from the Basik to the Asaka), Linn LK1 preamp, Linn LK2 power amp, and Linn Sara speakers. There did seem to be that coherence and unified sonic goals thing the article talked about going on with it. One reviewer described the Linn amplification as small, closed-in, and airless compared to some other designs, and the LP12 was described as smaller, chunky, mono-like in comparison to a model from VPI. However, those Linn products were also lauded for being exceptional in speed, dynamics, note attack, pace, and drive; as one very favorable review put it, they really communicated the technique and emotion of the musicians, the vitality and humanity of the music.

Then again, I've also enjoyed music from systems made up of several brands, such as one that included Well Tempered, Grado, Audio by Van Alstine, and Vandersteen. None of these companies offers a complete system, but put together they can give you some fine music listening.