LOL, Buckle up buttercup it is only going to get worse.
You are correct in some respects and some are just price gouging.
Materials shortages and cost, ie nickle, polymers, chips
Skyrocketing fuel, logistics costs.
Covid and the Russia Ukraine war combined have created a perfect storm.
I hope I am wrong but the worse is yet to come. Stereo gear will be the least of our worries.