Spacial expanders go back a long way in the studios. I have a Cambridge table radio with a “wide” setting that makes the music sound like it’s 3 feet to the side of the box, yet keeps the vocals centered. Personally, I find it distracting when overdone.
Madonna's soundstage
I hadn't listed to her Immaculate Collection in a while. I have changed some components since the last time and was blown away at the soundstage of this album! I normally get a decent appreciation for my system's soundstage. My system is in a large asymmetrical space and I am unsure if I can ever achieve what can be in a dedicated listening room. When I played this album today there were sounds coming from 5 feet beyond the speakers and my listening triangle is only 9 feet! It was on multiple songs and was so cool! I was curious if this album is a standout for others as well.