What are the advantages of a component audio system?

They might even actually save a buck or two when one might realize they will not listen to radio over their system. I have good enough a system that low quality radio sounds horrid at home even though I nearly always listen to it while driving.

One prime example of the flexibility is that a separate pre-amp will make possible adding another amp to an existing one (whether it is an receiver or just separate amp.) That can make up for a nice older receiver that is only stereo & you can supplement that with a more up to date amp for additional channels.

Separates also makes possible replacing/upgrading one component at a time. Some years back it was common for stereo receivers to have an easy changing of conducting pins on the back to unhook the pre-amp from the adjoining amp so that an additional amp could be added for more power.

It is curious that because of differing engineering concepts used when designing speakers creates the situation that some are highly efficient & therefore provide plenty of volume from relatively few watts per channel of power, whereas another choice of speakers is referred to as a "difficult" load requiring a lot more power.

Most folks new to this probably do not need separates because their needs are not extensive. But you mention you recently bought high end speakers so you know this hobby can become contagious & lead to more expense. I'm guilty, but have to claim fine sound & image are worth it.

its good enough for the great majority of folks.

for tuners... im under the impression that your choice and placement of antenna are more important than the actual component you choose.

for separate amplifer... its rather unwieldy to put a huge power supply, amps, heat sinks, into a receiver.

so the question is simply if you need that much amp. Most don't.

I do, but I'm unlike most others. And heck, I already had the amp.

If you are new to the higher quality audio scene, I'd say stick with getting a quality receiver instead of separates. Most likely you won't be able to hear a difference between a very well made $800 receiver or a $1500 amp/pre-pro combo.

I'd stick with Denon, Onkyo, or Yamaha for your receiver needs depending on your budget. Just make sure that whatever you get has good customer satisfaction with the product.