Yes, if you use RGB pixels, you must use ray Wu. These products were tested to work with the DLA controllers. The controllers have a limited selection of chip sets that they support, and also require 12v power. But there are many choices in lighting types (flex/rigid strips, bulbs, plastic/metal modules, ...)
If you use RGB dumb strings, you have many more options with other vendors. You just need to have strings with 12v+ for the common connection.
The community has a lot of great experience in successful dealings with ray Wu, so you can be comfortable in dealing with him.