Someone school me on this stuff

Budget?
Room size?
Musical preferences?

The more junk you have in one box, the more that tends to be compromised. A receiver will have an amp, pre-amp and tuner all in one box for a good price and should be simple. However, you have a few downfalls here: First of all, they all share one power supply. Secondly, things tend to be less isolated which can affect sound negatively. The final reason for separates is for flexibility. It's much easier to upgrade one piece at a time.
Also, to squeeze everything into one box will also cause compromises in both size, sound and quality.

For sake of argument, we'll say no budget. Room is 20' x 10', and I am a rock music fan. Though, I like many things from blues to pop.

Do the pres usually have more than one channel? Or does it depend on what you want to do with it?

kyleandrus;

unfortunately there is no easy answers to your questions.

nowadays for me,when it comes to building a system [for friends for eg] these are the steps I follow:

1.start by installing a dedicated cuircuit and receptacles.Use Non-nickel plated receptacles,always;the brands are not important.

2.
Treat the room.minimum requirements would be bass traps at the corners and between speakers.

3.Get a good stand.I almost always recommend Finite elemente stuff;their benefits are just too great to ignore.

4.decide on a pair of loudspeakers:these depends on;

a.the kind of music you listen to

b.your room dimensions.A lot of time all you need is a good set of monitor speakers..

5.Choose your amps.The chpoice of your Sp will determine the type of amps you need.For me,If you have less trhan 10 K to spend on amp,it is better to stick with a well made intergrated from specialists company[Neodio,Lavardin'Gamut Etc]

6.Choose your source.As a starter I would suggest you stick with one,Digital or vinyls.

7.Control the resonance of your Speakers and electronics.This is a must for me...Again I like finite elemente stuff a lot.

8.Get a power conditioner.

9.Sort out your cablings.To me at least ,most money should go to ICs.

Sit and Listen to the Music!!!