Viridian, I've noticed quite a difference in sound stage in various venues. Sometimes different seats in the same venue can change the sound stage.
Sound stage, front, middle, or behind your speaker
I've heard all three, and it seemed to have nothing to do with the quality of the speaker. I have dipole speakers and the sound stage is 7 feet behind the speakers. I suppose there are a number of variables that will determine in front or behind; the question is whether or not this is determined by the position of the speaker or the speaker it self?