"Bridge Over Trouble Water" sounds artificial

The better your equipment gets, the worse that old, sub-par recordings sound.  I did find something that really helps on these anemic sources.  Since I bi-amp, I use a separate amp AND and preamp for the bass. With a double pole, double throw switch, I bypass the sub crossover to add harmonics to fill in for these ancient recordings.  You can do this without the second preamp, but I also get to choose how much bass I add, and without phase shift.

The better your equipment gets, the worse that old, sub-par recordings sound.

I would say the worse they sound compared to the best recordings on same system for sure but any other comparison is highly subjective.

With all equipment BOTW is a poor recording.  Am I wrong?

No, you're right.  BOTW is a poor recording.  That is a problem with a higher resolution system, but for me the better sound on good recordings more than makes up for it.

  I have 2 early pressings and I enjoy them . The producer mentioned earlier did an outstanding job , especially considering the “ Era “. I wish I had an MFSL pressing , but not at current collector prices . I remember watching a documentary where they discussed the drum track for BOTW, being partially done in an elevator doorway in the middle of the night . Apparently the night watchman came off the elevator unaware and was quite startled . It’s too bad that the Classic Rock era suffered from the AM car radio mix . But it’s interesting to see people like Jimmy Page using a metal lipstick tube to enhance his slide work . And Pink Floyd’s homemade tape loops to add the sounds to some early music. While my system lacks any kind of tone control or digital correction , I find tube rolling alleviates some issues , YMMV. It is a crap shoot sometimes , but It is what it is ! Happy listening .

IMO - it's always sounded over produced to me. I think it sounds best on car radios or smaller, lesser systems.  The LP might be a different story, IDK.