Opinions: Used BAT VK-51SE or New VK-23SE

@dweller I saw Kevin's video which is what turned me onto BAT.  I was looking into the Primaluna Dialogue Premium when I saw his video about the VK-33SE.  That one is out of my price range, unless I find a used one.  And I haven't seen one...

The Primaluna is right in the sweet spot for my budget.  The BAT's I'm looking at will be at the very top end and won't leave any room for cables.  If I could find a preamp in that 3k to 3500 range, I leave myself money for some good cables.  Once I get over $4k, that extra cash is not so available. 

Any particular McIntosh or Audio Research preamps you can suggest in my range?  Used is not a problem for me.  

Also read very good things about synergy between Accuphase and Focal.  But not sure I'll be able to find any Accuphase Preamps even used in my price range.

Any particular McIntosh or Audio Research preamps you can suggest in my range?

What is it that you are looking for? Point us in a general direction.
Are you looking for more resolution, or more musicality?
Normally you have to decide which direction you want to go.
As you get warmer/sweeter sound, you tend to lose resolution, and vice versa.

Also, do you really need the 300 wpc that the Emotiva XPR-2 amp puts out?
I ask because your speakers seem fairly efficient, and perhaps a nice integrated amp may be the answer.

Perhaps a BAT VK-300(0)SE as @dweller mentions above, a Pass Labs INT-150, Coda CSiB, or a McIntosh Integrated amp (too many choices to list) would provide even better results than mating any preamp to your Emotiva amp.

If you do need all of that power, the Coda CSiB puts out a hefty 400 wpc into 8 ohms and 800 wpc into 4 ohms!! They do pop up occasionally for about $3K used.

Integrated amps would save you money on your cable budget too.

My recommendation would be to get a BAT VK-300SE (plentiful in the $2000 range) and plug in a pair of the NOS 6H30 "DR" tubes ($600/pr). I've been using this platform for years and I love the sound. You can, if you wish, use it as a preamp (has preamp-out) or as an integrated (150/300 WPC 8/4 ohms).
If you love it as much as I do, you can sell your Emotiva to reduce costs. If your Focals allow bi-wiring, keep the Emotiva and have a bi-amped monster system. Plenty of options... 

Warmth is definitely what I'm after.  I feel the Focals resolve so well that if I lost a little to gain in musicality and warmth, I'd be fine.  

An integrated is definitely a possibility.  When I was looking into Accuphase, that's the route I was looking.  Just don't think I can get into an Accuphase with my budget.  I haven't looked into the BAT integrated, I will research that.  Good point on the integrated as a preamp, leaving me an option to potentially sell the Emotiva to offset cost.

Well all 4 that I listed, BAT, Pass Labs, Coda, and McIntosh are on the warmer side of neutral, as is the Accuphase that you mention.

Accuphase E-470 are certainly rare on the used market, but they do pop up once in a while for around $5-6K. While that is a bit more than you were looking to spend on a preamp, it may be attainable considering you could sell your Emotiva power amp, and an integrated amp would require fewer cables/cords.

There is currently an Accuphase E-307 Integrated amp w/phono on Audiogon listed for $2,400 used.
There's also a BAT VK-300SE listed for $3,025, which seems a bit high to me.