Here's an alternative thought. If I was to move to a location closer to the "centre" of Sydney - a one bedroom unit (apartment) close to Bondi beach, say - it would then cost the same as the space it was sat in. If we price in the space you need in front of the speakers and where you sit, it costs the same as the space it actually uses, where I am now.
In many cities, space is expensive and has to be carefully used. Sure, when I retire I could move to somewhere well out, into a new subdivision where I could have the listening room, but the way things are here I lose nearby shops, easy access to public transport, and I grow old a long way from health facilities. For different reasons, we can't drive.
Just because you can't imagine this stuff doesn't mean it isn't true for other people. For some, small components and no CDs are a better choice, whether for minimalism that may cause you less stress, several thousand books, room to move indoors - you may have impaired movement and need space for your frame/wheelchair, or have to allow space because of poor balance, whatever.