I would rather have a tiny separate room for my audio system then be able to spend 5 times more and combine them. I have heard incredible systems in rooms the size of a closet and horrible combined HT / audio systems costing many times more.
Terrific observation and advice. I also agree with the necessity to achieve a musical-emotional connection. Without question some audio components are more capable of this than others. Music is meant to stir our human emotions. Dry, analytical and sterile won’t satisfy in the long term.
Charles