Which component is most responsible?

+1 Onhwy61 and Minkwelder, those were my thoughts exactly. So in essence, it IS the source, the recording though, not some source component in an audio rig.

Talk about can-of worms. Pardon me but I'm just finishing a glass of Bonacorsi 2011 Pinot and it's been my experience that most well made components can get you to where you're going but cables are what take you there. The bar has been raised to the point where most amps, preamps and speakers are game for what you have to throw at them.

Before I get squashed with replies allow me the space to state that most threads I've come across that pertains to what takes to get you there are related to cables since that is what most folk tune their systems with. They're already content with their systems and it's the cabling that brings coherence or focus (the ability to hear that separation in the chorus).

Damn, this Bonacorsi is a sleeper. :-)

All the best,
Nonoise

The room has the greatest impact on soundstage and detail.

Speaker setup and room acoustics mostly.

Assumption is rest of gear feeding this is decent quality and matched well.

In this order: speakers, preamp, amp, source components, cables.