Is soundstage width a myth?

I always wondered why people don't just buy 4 speakers for an amp that would separate the vocals and instruments. Possibly a stupid idea, but similar to the purpose of the subs?

Yes/no/maybe

EBM excellent answer.

     Whenever imaging or soundstage are mentioned, I like to remind people about these resources: The following provide tests, with which one may determine whether their system actually images, or reproduces a soundstage, as recorded. 

      ie: On the Chesky sampler/test CD; David explains in detail, his position on the stage and distance from the mics, as he strikes a tambourine(Depth Test).

     LEDR test tells what to expect, if your system performs well, before each segment. 

    Chesky CD contains a number of tests, in addition to the LEDR.

 (https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_ledr.php) 

 and (https://www.amazon.com/Chesky-Records-Sampler-Audiophile-Compact/dp/B000003GF3)

     The shape of your ears’ pinnae is also a variable, regarding your ability to perceive images/locate sounds.

     A Stereophile article, that explains the LEDR test: http://www.stereophile.com/features/772/ 

Yes, this Chesky CD is the one I referred to.  Most music CDs cannot be so simply recorded and would not produce such specifics cues for depth.  Mostly, good recordings don’t convey specific information about depth position of the person or instrument, but they do give one a sense of that person or instrument playing in its own space and not just pasted into the same flat plane.  This separation and the sense that some instruments are at or in front of the plane of the speakers and some are at or behind the plane of the back wall is good depth presentation.