Hi!
ICs can indeed improve SS width. SS height and depth to a lesser degree.
I’ve found it takes a combination of decent to quality cabling from the outlets to the speakers for the SS to be fully expanded, either artificially or with adherence to the recorded venue. Preffs being what they may be for different folks.
Along that route, one should be looking to obtain fidelity, naturalism and honesty as well and not focus solely on SS expanse.
The only IC I’ve ran across that yielded a cavernous depiction of the SS without changing any other aspect of the rig were Sound Smith cables. I was seeking new Main ICs at the time (pre to amp).
The biggest or more noticeable changes or alterations to the overall sonic display came via power cabling. One PC on just one device can make all the difference in perceived SS width and depth.
Naturally, it follows that the setup, room and gear itself MUST be capable of developing a larger sonic envelope.
Tubes for instance inherently provide a SS with more air or space within its displayed boundaries with just good to very good wires.
As has been said, there’s plenty of wires to explore and all have similar to quite diverse presentations. I’ve found one doesn’t have to spend tons to garner more air in the reproduction, but spending some more often does equate to ‘better’, in more ways than one.
I’ve always found starting with checking out power cables as my initial area of interest. Then source IC, main IC and then speaker wires. But that’s just me.
Good luck.
