My music genre is predominantly jazz but your listening experiences I can relate to. I own many jazz recordings from the mid 1950s - 1960s (analogue tape and surely tube microphones ) AAD CDs. With rare exception there is beautiful natural tone/timbre and the capturing of space and presence. Just a joy to listen to.
I think modern recording has been kinder to the jazz genre than much of classical music. Most jazz recordings are well done these days. My limited collection of classical does include RCA Living Stereo and Mercury Living Presence of the era you mention, they are very enjoyable.
Charles