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

tablejockey Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,959 posts 03-10-2023 at 05:06am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If you're not hearing rockin bass on Running with the Devil, Smokin and Baba O'riley, you have a lame source recording and or your setup is not dialed in. And thats WITHOUT ridiculous cables, fuses, tweaky gizmos or other audiophool gadgets. Bass and drums are in full effect on those tracks.
macg19 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 962 posts 03-10-2023 at 05:20am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Dude you need the be Smokin someting and maybe listen to some Marley...
gosta Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 839 posts 03-10-2023 at 10:15am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Who “Live at Leeds” is a terrific recording (same for Live at Hull and Isle of Wight). VH III has fine sonics.
lowrider57 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,418 posts 03-10-2023 at 10:42am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete In original recordings the bass is balanced within the mix in most cases. I think those who don't hear enough bass have gotten used to today's remasters with their loud brickwalled low-end. There's lots of bass now but it lacks the detail and definition of original recordings.
dayglow Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,975 posts 03-10-2023 at 02:29pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @lowrider57 +1 Spot on!