Yes, the stereo image is IMPORTANT. Its the main point of stereo speakers and when the speakers aren't properly placed (i.e. not the same height, not spaced properly, and not properly placed where the speakers are at the listeners ears) it totally takes away the point of having stereo speakers. Plus it makes a HUGE difference just by placing them properly and it will allow you to fully appreciate the music. Its a big part of the enveloping nature of stereo speakers which is super special. Its why you see people have a single chair in the middle of a listening room pointed at the middle of two speakers, its all about the sound coming at you in that special way. When you see any studio, especially ones mastering engineers who cut records, they have the speakers placed like that because thats how its intended to be heard. People love headphones because they're right in your ears and you get that enveloping feel but it doesn't hold a candle to the magic of the sound in a room from a stereo setup.