Why don't more recordings have soundstage outside of speakers

I'll play Devil's advocate.

Recent quote from another audiophile website:

"There is no home speaker on earth that is 'worth' $5,000 for sonic properties. Sure you can gold plate and shine everything but it won't change the sound. If companies had to be honest about engineering and manufacturing costs, the high-end industry would collapse on itself. It's all about marketing to people that have more money (and/or gullibility) than the average consumer. Just look at "high end" cables & wires to see the phenomenon in full effect."

I have spent a lot of time optimizing my room acoustics.
It is true that many people don't think about the room or become very creative in dealing with it.
But the emphasis on room acoustics can go overboard just as the emphasis on equipment can go overboard. Not saying that's happening on this thread, only I'm reminded that it can happen. 

You can't make a good meal without good ingredients, no matter how nice the table setting. If you serve a Big Mac on fine china, with candles, good wine, and soft music, it will no doubt be better. But it will still be a Big Mac. 

 If you serve a Big Mac on fine china, with candles, good wine, and soft music, it will no doubt be better. But it will still be a Big Mac.

You are right for sure...

 Acoustic control Will never change the basic sonic quality of any piece of gear at all .... Never....

 You must search for basic quality component you can afford FIRST...

 But when you have then, thinking to change them, so called upgrade, BEFORE  controlling the mechanical, electrical and especially acoustical  embeddings of these gear is most of the times a waste of money....

When you can control these 3 working dimensions with the relatively good piece of gear you can afford, SOMETIMES there exist even no more the urge to upgrade....

 Why?
 Because music is there no more only sounds....

 For example my Sansui AU 7700 i paid 100 bucks was one of the better ampplifier in his category in 1978 in the world... it is not a " big mac "without being the best there is now for sure....

 He does not beat a FIRST WATT amplifier today for sure...

But he is a very good amplifier , it is easy to read the hundred of reviews about it...

 Same for my speakers and dac.... It takes me much studies to buy them without ever listening to them before....

 No acoustic control can change a harsh and bad dac in a cinderella...Nor change bad speakers ....Never...

My point is buy good gear AFTER that forget upgrade, think embeddings controls...

 If your system was well chosen in the first place you will be flabbergasted by the transformation on another level.... But most people  dont know what to do save spending money.... They upgrade before even trying to control their system for his optimal working peak.... They will never know how good their system can sound.... I had no idea myself 7 years ago with this Sansui and other pieces of gear i had bought...

And anyway how many people are in ectasy with their actual system?

 The dream to upgrade if it is a forceful one is the exact mirror of your insatisfaction... Save if you are easily bored and rich....

 This is my experience with me....It is the same for others....

 I speak about average people here not about people with unlimited budget.... We dont need to think if we can buy anything we want  generally....

My best to you....




 

Too many possible reason and variables to list.

Try less or zero toe in too for wider soundstage. 
I find a lot of electronic music goes well outside the speakers