Component contributions to “sound stage”

@mazian  +++
The soundstage is created by the RECORDING ENGINEER when the recording is being MIXED.  If it’s not recorded onto the source recording in the sources, digital source nowadays, no equipment  ie. media playback equipment, at any cost, will create one in your room. 
YES. Speaker placement in the room is very important. Toe in, distance from sidewall and back wall, and ceilings, acoustics treatment, all play, a role in creating a soundstage. if you don’t get it right, you won’t get a soundstage.
Again…No matter what, you won’t get a soundstage, if it’s not on the source media!  
There was a thread just a couple of days ago that reviewed this topicl.
Bent

@elliottbnewcombjr , I totally agree with you!

Just a quick observation from me. After not having changed a component in almost a year, I took a leap and spent close to 4k on a new vacuum tube preamp with self generating power. I could not believe the enhanced separation and much improved sound stage. So, for me at least, my preamp upgrade made a big difference with regards to the OP's question.

Thanks folks, this is interesting.  I assumed most folks would start with the speakers, but it’s interesting how many started with the recording.  Keep it coming.

kn

In my experience, synergy between amplifier, speaker, and the listening room play a dominant role recreating sound stage, granted it is captured and recorded. Of course, your playback system should be able to faithfully extract this information. Speaker placement (Hey, it is free!) is very important. Speakers placed too close to the back wall, or too far out can also distort the sound stage. Floor reflections as well as side wall reflections also alter the sound stage.

All components contribute. But, I guess speakers first, then preamp, and all the rest including interconnects and cables. You don’t want any weak links.