BAT amp + cheap pream vs BAT integrated vs Prima Luna integrated

From AI:  The BAT VK‑120 (a Stereophile Class A component) is decisively superior to the EVO 400 in any system that demands current, control, and scale.  

EVO 400 offer pleasant warmth, Softer bass, Compressed dynamics, shallower stage, a “nice” sound rather than a “commanding” one.  

The EVO 300 is even less competitive with it’s lower‑current, lower‑headroom.  

You can buy two VK-60s, convert them to mono upgrade the caps for even better performance and be under $4K (Which is less than the EVO 300).  Add BAT preamp and you have a grand slam.

. . .and, yes, pick a speaker first.  My amps comfortably drive my Martin Logan CLS Is--with it’s wicked load that can drop to 1.6Ω at 20 kHz

Regarding your preamp selection, why listen to Schitt if you don’t have to?

Just my thought.   

"Cheap" preamp is a bad idea in ANY system ....   The preamp is the most important component in the chain.   A poor choice is a bottleneck for the entire system as everything goes through it.    

@tykozen, as ​​​@oddiofyl stated, going cheap (an afterthought, it seems from what you have said) on your preamplifier is a bad idea.

Between the preamplifier, the amplifier, and your speakers, the amplifier is the least critical when it comes to sound quality, so long as it’s not undersized for the load the speakers will demand.

It is a good idea to start with the speakers based on the music you play and sound you like, figure out broadly what amplifier you need (particularly ability to provide enough current to properly drive the speakers at their lowest impedance dip) and then decide if you want to go with an integrated amplifier or separates. But don’t see the preamplifier as an afterthought.

+1 on get the best amps  you can.  Separates allow an upgrade path, wherever you start.  People like the Freya, would certainly be an ok place filler to enjoy the new amps.  Preamp does, as stated above, make a huge difference.  I upgraded a pre pro to an Audionet Pre1 G3 and oh my ...it was the first time I really heard what I was looking for.

Integrated pre and amp are definitely less costly than separates.  Used equipment is typically half the price of new.  Every piece of gear I own was bought used, except the speakers.  My wife got tired of me taking her to stereo shops, she just bought them for me.  LOL.  Still using them.