A good example of this is the early Roxy Music records. The 1/2 speed remastered versions are worlds better than the originals.I go with the country in which the recording was made. Roxy being a British band you really want the Brit originals.
The more transparent your system is the easier it is to hear the differences. Resolution is important- stuff that sounds distorted on lessor systems can simply be detail- that a proper system will bring out and reproduce instead of getting freaked out about it. A great example of this to me is on Nonsuch 'Bulgarian Village Music' which is a field recording and has a bit of power in the vocal regions... I've heard many systems freak out on that LP, but in fact its immaculately recorded and stunning on a highly resolved system.
Its a real treat when you find a gem and play it on a good system!