Ok, so my stereo sounds fantastic, I can get tons of bass without distorting in the least.

The only real issue I have with it is that the seperation isn't as distinct as I'd like. Meaning on tracks that use lots of stereo effects, I can't really tell "where" the sound is coming from.

Is this normal for the stock unit? Is it the head, the speakers, what?

Audio "Imaging" is limited in a vehicle due to confined space.

It would be quite hard to move your speakers or seat around to get the best stereo effect. The probably could be from a wrong wiring of your stereo, but since its stock, this isn't likely.

The ideal car system would be that you can't tell where the music is coming from (at least with normal music).

Some new speakers may help some.

lol it aint got nuthin to do with the wiring......and speakers would help but what would really help is a new deck, component speakers, a nice amp, and a equalizer which is the main part.......allows you to control almost all aspects of sound, especially a really nice one..........

its like adding a bunch of car parts like intake exhaust headers ported throttle body and what not......sure it will show gains but you will notice more gains when you get your car custom tuned to what you have done......new speakers, sub, nice amps will all give you nice sound, but an equalizer will alow you to tune all the sound......

you must have just gotten a alero if you think its a awesome stereo...i liked mine for about 2 weeks then you notice everything is muffled and there's no real definition in the sound. first thing id do is upgrade the fronts with some 5 or 6" components, high efficiency ones if your keeping the stock hu and amp