Larry, although about 99% of my music listening is classical, where few tricks are employed, my understanding of much of pop mixing is along the lines of the previous replies, i.e. the final mix may have little resemblance to the positioning at the recording session(or separate sessions). I suppose if the imaging does reflect what the producers were trying to accomplish, then it's good, but it shouldn't be imagined as reflecting the original performance in any precise way.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.