I have to agre with much of what has already been said. I also agree that it is a very good question indeed. The topic always comes up in reviews. I have a few cd's that particularly difficult to get my head around. One is an Eric Clapton cd . Eric's voice is clearly just right of center. This was ok because it meshed well with the rest of the instrument positions. That is until his solo guitar comes in clearly stage left. So I closed my eyes and imagined him walking away from his mike during solo's, as might happen at a real concert. This was great and worked for a few minutes until the guitar and voice casme in together. Not. The guitar was still on the left and the voice on the right.
Jeeze, what was the mixer thinking?
Sometimes though, it happens just right and then you can really enjoy the soundstage impression. Other times, your better off not analyzing too closely.
oz



"Life is what happens while your busy making other plans" John Lennon