What's up with lousy bass on classic rock recordings?

Few examples: ACDC Back In Black, Van Halen 1, Boston (1), WHO's Next, Def Leopard Pyromania.

The low end is almost non-existent. Digital and vinyl.

It's not my system, I listen to a lot of jazz, other classics like Janis Ian Breaking Silence - bass is rich, full, has slam when appropriate.

Compression? Or were the low frequencies never there? Pretty disappointing.

macg1903-10-2023 12:53am

erik_squires Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 15,791 posts 03-10-2023 at 01:15am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Recordings were made for the equipment of the day. Remember boom boxes?
gosta Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 839 posts 03-10-2023 at 02:14am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Mountain Cream Free
macg19 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 672 posts 03-10-2023 at 02:22am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @erik_squires good point, never had a boom box, but I did have JBL 6x9's with an Alpine head and amp in the trunk - that was fun
arcticdeth Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,549 posts 03-10-2023 at 02:56am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete bass is fine on may stereo
tony1954 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 898 posts 03-10-2023 at 03:38am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @macg19 I have been frustrated by the same thing, but of course there is nothing you can do to fix it. Unless someone can get hold of the analog tapes and remix everything.