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

@vip428  ive done almost exactly what you suggested with the V-Caps on two VK-60s, except I have a Rex Preamp.  

The OP’s $10k budget  can buy two vk-60s, pay for the upgrade, a 52se or 53se and probably a VP-P5 w/superpak that can be upgraded to outperform a p10SE.  That would be a reference-level system (that could double as a room heater).  

@op, I understand your concern about 20 year old amps, but the Krells are exceptionally well built and sounds great.  You can buy a pair for under $4k and then will drive almost anything.  I would not be so quick to discount them.  If I weren't saving for a BAT Rex 3 DAC,I'd buy a pair for a second system.  

I am a BAT believer and past and current owner of their tube and solid state units. Agree the synergy is with all BAT stuff but I have had BAT solid state amps (real good) mated with their solid state preamps and their tube preamps. The earlier BAT preamps, VK-3i, VK-50SE, VK-51SE were all bettered by the newer Rogue RP-5v2, RP-7 and RH-5 units. The older BAT preamps while very nice had like a veil over them, the Rogues on the other had did not IMO. The BAT solid state amps VK-200, VK-225, VK-250 and the VK-500 with bat pak can provide more that enough power and can be bought relatively inexpensively. My newest experiment is trying my solid state BAT amp with Backert Rhumba preamp, Aesthetix Janus preamp and Ayre K-1xe preamp. All have done well with the Backert having a slight edge.

I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions here!

SO my understanding from all this thread is that the biggest impact in sound quality is the preamp, and the amp would bring the juice. If I were to have separates amp and preamp, the 4 options are:

1- SS amp + SS preamp

2- Tube amp + tube preamp

3- SS amp + tube preamp

4- Tube preamp + SS preamp

In my case, having ATC 85 dB sensitivity, i would need an SS amp and if i want some tube characteristics, a Tube preamp. 

I did not add the option of a SS CLASS A vs AB amplification. 

Just one clarification, i am not married to tube sound, that is to say, the whole point of thinking about tubes is to counter-effect the extra clarity of the ATCs. Meaning, from what i have read, going for SS amp and preamp in AB would bee too much hardness. So the tube option came into place. BUT need to clarify i still like clarity, not in a way that is going to drill into my ears though. 

So for example, the combination: a BAT or Prima Luna preamp with a Krell, ATC or Pass Labs amp, would be a good combination, right? 

SO i guess a tube preamp with a class a amp is the best option for now.

So now my question is: what equipment specifications would indicate the best synergy between them? 

From my experience you want an amp/pre-amp combo that has matched, or closed gain matching. This will assure your pre-amp drives your amp without distortion or clipping.

Don’t leave Ayre out of the equation. Used pieces are available for reasonable prices and their stuff lasts forever. I’ve never even blown a fuse in 30+ yrs of various Ayre amps. 
*correction I did blow a fuse turning my VK-5 Twenty up to 90 on a pair of Maggie’s on a Springsteen track. Hadn’t blasted like that since college (50 yrs ago). Fuse was easily replaced once I figured out where it was (consulted dealer).