Sorry I can't directly answer your question. I am a happy BAT owner. I will say that matching and balance is very inportant. Either of these 2 preamps seriously out class your current sources. These preamps can't make the sound be better than what the source is delivering. Maybe this is your 1st step on a journey that for most of us doesn't really end. If so, a investment in a top notch preamp is sound.
I'm inclined to say step down a little in your preamp and go for better sources. Both CD and vinyl. Using a BAT VK50SE with a cube phono stage isn't a great idea-IMO. I personally would buy a vk30se and a vkp5 or p10 phono stage, about the same $$'s and your sound will be much better on the vinyl side. I'm sure the ARC lineup is the same way. Pick your poison on the digital side :)...the step down in preamp will still easily do it justice.
I'm inclined to say step down a little in your preamp and go for better sources. Both CD and vinyl. Using a BAT VK50SE with a cube phono stage isn't a great idea-IMO. I personally would buy a vk30se and a vkp5 or p10 phono stage, about the same $$'s and your sound will be much better on the vinyl side. I'm sure the ARC lineup is the same way. Pick your poison on the digital side :)...the step down in preamp will still easily do it justice.