There is a lot of truth in this. I've got a very expensive system that sounds very good. (WTA GTA/32.5 Hicap/mono 110s/ Neat Ultimatums) However I recently put together a Sony DD/Creek/Kef system for £200 in another room. I really enjoy it partly because 'it' doesn't cross my mind when I put a record on. It's all about the music, nothing else. I find myself playing it rather than the posh one.
I totally, agree.
Irrespective of the hifi, I never realised how important the room was until I visited a friend's home in the Wicklow Hills with paved floors et al and put Kind of Blue on the ghetto blaster. Astonishing sound.