"Older Jazz recordings are of poor quality"
Let me offer a different point of view that older recordings (not only jazz) could be, and are, superior in many cases:
First, all the musicians were in the studio or on stage playing together as a group--there's something organic about that vs. the synthetic of overdubs, track bouncing, mix down, etc. The event was recorded in real time so it starts with a sonic purity of performance.
Second, the recording equipment chains were relatively short and pure. Mic to mic pre-amp, to mix console to master tape. Very little signal processing compared to later years.
Third, because that chain was all analog, there was no decimation processing. Once mastered the next phase is reproduction.
Pressing to vinyl, done well, is also a pretty short "chain" from lacquer to master to mother to stamper. There is some signal processing when creating the lacquer master--RIAA and some frequency extreme limiting but that's to ensure the vinyl is practically playable.
At its essence, with fewer "moving parts" in the recording and reproduction process, there were fewer places to go wrong. Try to listen to the Rudy Van Gelder recordings--they are a great starting point for "older" jazz well recorded.
Let me offer a different point of view that older recordings (not only jazz) could be, and are, superior in many cases:
First, all the musicians were in the studio or on stage playing together as a group--there's something organic about that vs. the synthetic of overdubs, track bouncing, mix down, etc. The event was recorded in real time so it starts with a sonic purity of performance.
Second, the recording equipment chains were relatively short and pure. Mic to mic pre-amp, to mix console to master tape. Very little signal processing compared to later years.
Third, because that chain was all analog, there was no decimation processing. Once mastered the next phase is reproduction.
Pressing to vinyl, done well, is also a pretty short "chain" from lacquer to master to mother to stamper. There is some signal processing when creating the lacquer master--RIAA and some frequency extreme limiting but that's to ensure the vinyl is practically playable.
At its essence, with fewer "moving parts" in the recording and reproduction process, there were fewer places to go wrong. Try to listen to the Rudy Van Gelder recordings--they are a great starting point for "older" jazz well recorded.