I would have agreed with the OP until yesterday. I recently re-setup my room and moves the speakers much farther apart. I listened Smokin at the half note by Wynton Kelly Trio featuring Wes Montgomery. I was transported to the Half Note with my Dad who was listening with me. I'd never experienced anything like it. Didn't have that tunnel of sound I used to experience when my speakers were only 7 feet apart. I would concur that some of it has to do with setup.
N.P.I. What is it?
Listen to your MONO recordings with all channels off except for one and tell me what you hear. No Phantom Image.
Try it, it's right for the format.
B.T.W. In my previous thread MC told me I was so ignorant he could write a whole book about it. His problem was he didn't know where to start!!
Back on topic, I am enjoying "Essential Delta Blues" a compilation on Not New Music (2009). And damn if polarity doesn't make a difference - but a switch every other track? I guess it's eglitarian. I like the boost from the corner speaker (R in my case).
N.P.I. Give it a try and report here.