Quality system, make poor recordings sound better?

Maplegrovemusic,
My experience is the same as you described. As my system has evolved, poor or average sounding recordings have clearly improved (hearing/appreciating more of the music's expression/emotion). The better recordings just became more so.

Some systems I have found mask poor quality recordings to the point they would be tolerable. However, in my experience, I have found that better quality equipment really show how poor the recording (not the music) really is. As I have upgraded, I have noticed that some CD's are just terrible to the extent that I can't listen to them anymore. However, I have also found that better quality (recording wise) cd's are absolutely wonderful sounding. You have to remember that back in the day, the cd recording equipment was touted as "perfect sound" but was really lacking. It is funny when I read so much about the tube vs solid state argument, when many times, the actual recording equipment is solid state based and multiple ICs at that with poor quality components. So yes, I have found in my experience the same as the OP. Love the music, but sometimes the recording quality really sucks and on better quality equipment, one can really hear this.

enjoy

With respect to the first question, my experience mirrors that of the OP, and John (Jmcgrogan2), and Minorl. I have a not inconsiderable number of poor recordings that I would prefer to listen to via YouTube on my $90 computer speakers rather than on my main system. But as my system has evolved, the great recordings continue to sound ever more realistic and more pleasing.

Regarding the second question, John and Russ (Rcprince) make excellent points. In my own case, though, I have not noticed a great deal of sonic variation from day to day or time to time. Perhaps it is not entirely coincidental that there is no industry and very little commercial development in my area, and presumably the quality of my AC is therefore relatively good and relatively constant.

Regards,
-- Al

can someone who feels as the op provide us with a recording you think is poor . i would like to play it through my system . Thanks

One further point about variations in the sonic performance of a system from day to day or time to time, specifically relating to electrostatic speakers if the OP or anyone reading this may be using them. Variations in humidity can profoundly affect the sonics of electrostatic speakers, especially if they include or are used in conjunction with dynamic woofers or subwoofers. See the post by Georgelofi dated 6-17-14 in this thread.

Regards,
-- Al