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

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.

I originally was going to go for SPLs (s800 + Elector). I changed my mind because the ATCs are already too revealing and precise, and the SPLs would only accentuate this kind of sound.

Would you consider the Elector to classify as one of the good ones?

So the consensus seems to be that:

1- Good Preamp, it CAN (or better) be tubes

2- Amp better be solid state to drive ATCs (85 dB); are 50 watts not enough to drive them? 

On solid state integrated, i was reading some reviews on PASS LABS INT-60 and SOULNOTE. Cannot afford an Accuphase (unless I go for Japanese grey market, no warranty, no possibility of any assessment by Accuphase if that happens, and need to buy a transformer, which may result in impact on sound). Have my repairs with Luxman for being a big corporation. 

I was assured that Prima Luna EVO 300 hybrid would be able to drive the ATCs. 

About Schiit, i have only read good reviews (except here). 

@tykozen - You have A LOT of terrific recommendations. Reading through them, if you decide to go with separates I agree with the posters who say ATC sounds better with a solid state amp. In which case, getting an Ayre or Pass and pairing them with a tube pre-amp makes a lot of sense because Ayre, and Pass have both the power and tube-like qualities you desire. 

As far as pre-amps go decide on your overall sound preferences. Kinda like martinis-very dry, with a hint of vermouth or full flavor. You could go highly resolving and neutral--in which case get solid state amp and pre-amp; resolving with the soundstage a tube/JFET pre-amp will provide, or full tube pre-amp, which have more bloom/euphonics/"more musical".

I'll end with YMMV, because everyone has their preferences, and there are so many good amp/preamp choices and combos.

David

I got a used BAT-VK80t at a decent price about a year ago. Very happy with it. The remote can be wonky but the unit itself has been a steady performer. It’s got oomph but It runs very hot! It sounded good on all my speakers (ML Montis, Harbeth, JBL and Epos) Musicdirect seems to have it on sale quite a bit lately along with demo units. If I ever decide to increase my amp budget, I’d consider sticking with BAT.

For reference I also own these integrateds;

• Cayin-A50t (tube)
• Anthem STR (ss)
• Naim Supernaught 3 (ss)