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

I agree the preamp is very important...the Schiit Freya is great for the money, but for me, not a long term solution. BAT makes great Integrated Amps which are good value. I have owned the Freya and BAT Integrated, and friend has BAT separates, so I'm familiar with these products. After 30 years of separates, I am now super happy with an Integrated Amp...

Good luck on sorting this out-you'll get lots of good advice but it will be conflicting as we all have a different experience. My advice should be filtered through that lens, like all of it-its a very subjective hobby.

I agree with those who say you'll be disappointed to go cheap on the preamp-components should be well-matched or its the lowest common denominator that prevails.

I would prefer a well-designed and well-built integrated over mismatched amp and pre. Integrateds  are, in my opinion, closer to separates than was the case in years past. A couple of brands that I have personal experience with-be careful of recommendations from folks who haven't actually heard the products-Anthem and Michi.

Anthem builds really good stuff for a fair price. You could get an Anthem pre and amp for around your budget. I suggest taking a look at the Anthem STR Integrated. I owned that unit at one point and it was excellent. It is built to last-not cheap build at all, has plenty of power that your speakers will appreciate, a competent DAC and phono stage-everything you need for $5k. It also has the ARC room correction which tunes the output to your room. This leaves you with the budget for a nice turntable, arm, and cart.

Michi is the upscale version of Rotel-separate design teams, higher quality components, etc. Also in your budget-you have lots of choices for 10k.

I share your anxiety concerning buying used. You can save money and likely won't have any issues. But if you are unlucky, it won't be a good experience. TMR is a good compromise. You will pay a little more for used perhaps, but will get a 30 day return window (5% restock fee) and 90 day warranty. I've had 4 transactions with TMR-all good.

If you can visit a couple of dealers or a show and listen to different options, well worth the effort.

Good luck!

I am a BAT owner too and in the past owned ATC large bookshelf speakers. If I were you, right now, with ATC speakers, I'd look for a used Ayre amp and the best used BAT preamp you can find. You'll see that I use that combo myself in the summer when my BAT VK55SE mono blocks just run too hot in my room. ATCs need solid state amplification IMO, and Ayre provides the most "tube-like" warmth and detail combined with the control and slam you need for your ATCs. I have used TMR for used Ayre gear, as well as private sellers here and on Audiomart. I think you can find what you need used for under your budget. For your phono preamp, you can also look for a used Ayre phono pre, which I use and think is excellent. Not expensive either. There are of course many other options in the used phono pre world. Another excellent used piece I own is the PS Audio GCPH, an older model that has excellent sound.

I have several pairs of ATC speakers, and you have nice ones.

 would suggest a different pathway. The tubed BAT amp is not the best amp for these speakers- it won’t provide sufficient bass control. I would suggest the Schiit Wotan accompanied by the Schiit Freya+ with really good tubes. I’m running black glass Ken-Rad VT-231’s in the gain section and CBS-Hytron 5692’s in the buffer (this is about $750-$800 or so from someone like Brent Jessee for NOS). Awesome bass for a tube pream. Do not let others belittle this preamp- it’s very close to my Cary SLP05 with ultimate upgrade running similar premium NOS tubes.

If you ever expect to upgrade (and it sounds like you will) I recommend separates. An excellent preamp is essential; buy the one you like best and most first, whatever the price. I recommend a tube preamp; and learning/listening more about them. Buy the amp later--there are some good amps used and new for not a lot of $$, and you can easily upgrade later. The Schitt Freya+ is nice, but not a long-term keeper.

Listen critically and attend live concerts/performances of music you likewhile you choose. Spend two days at AXPONA in April, in Chicago.