sweet spot hell

Here's a list of things that KILL a wide "sweet spot", "imaging" and "soundstage":

(1) Improper speaker placement

(2) Improper listening position

(3) Improper selection of speakers in terms of type or size for that specific listening area

(4) Poor room acoustics / lack of proper room treatment

(5) Poor speaker design

(6) Electronics / cabling that is not well matched

Being able to optimize any / all of these takes a lot of time, patience and room. Trying to work all of the above into a non-dedicated listening room can be quite tough. Nonetheless, getting good results can be obtained if your willing to experiment and learn from others.

As to your comments about the "man in the stereo store", forget about ever hearing "optimum" results at a dealership or audio show. There is just TOO much other gear in the room to allow optimum set-up. Sean
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You can try a large toe-in so that the speakers aim at a point about a foot in front of the listening position.

This usually widens the sweet spot but of course will have other effects also.

But, it's free and worth a try.

I have my speakers toe'd in as Aragain suggests. Works for me.