Soundstage Width cannot extend beyond speakers

[GUTB]

In my current configuration with speakers 2 feet away from treated sidewalls I get an image that can extend up to about 1 meter from the outside of my speakers. The sounds don’t originate from the wall but rather they seem to bend/curve some distance away from the wall towards my listening position. Think of it like those curved screen computer monitors. Of course I’ve heard much wider at various shows.

 

I’m at a loss on how anyone could think there’s no soundstage beyond the speaker’s edge. The only thing I can think of is that you have a junk setup AND you’ve never been to an audio show or visited a decent dealer showroom.

[GUTB]

Soundstage width in my experience is guided less by the electronics and more by the music and speakers. Speakers with a wide dispersion pattern seem to be better / easier is attaining width of soundstage. Room / speaker setup is key.

 

In my environment, soundstage quality (imaging, stability, focus, etc) is more important than width (or depth).