I expect the music of an era gets recorded with an eye towards the equipment of an era, which might account for the "vintage effect" described in the OP. I remember being shocked at how "right" Dylan's "Desire" sounded on some old speakers from the 70s, with their huge sloppy woofers.
That said, music played audiophile gear needn't sound like edgy etchings from hell, though it certainly can.
John
That said, music played audiophile gear needn't sound like edgy etchings from hell, though it certainly can.
John