This is a valid question about one's system. To reduce an answer to "it has to be in the recording" is not helpful. Of course. OP didn't ask how to make all of his music have same. I think he gets that. But yes, speakers with high quality drivers and with XO components having tight tolerances followed by geometry/acoustic symmetry of set up in the room/listening position. Then room acoustics. My experience is that the prior are about equal and combined account for the largest contribution. For equipment i found each piece about equal in contribution as I upgraded. Sure, one bad link and the whole chain fails and you might not detect satisfactory imaging at all.
Component contributions to “sound stage”
What components in your stereo system do you think make the largest contribution to your perception of sound stage in your system? Which element or component contributes the least to this part of the stereo listening experience?
Rankings are fine. Justifications or explanations are even better.
kn