Manufacturers of musical gear like guitar amps etc know that their target market is young poor musicians, so they know they have to hit a lower price point with their products. The target market for 2 channel HiFi is middle age guys with disposable income, so products are geared towards them (fancy cosmetics, wood veneers etc) and prices can be set higher.
Maybe Fender and Gibson should start making hifi stereos! They could probably make a 60 watt integrated tube amp and sell it for $500.