Does it have to sound good for you to like it?

Like almost everything, it depends. If it's background or on the go music, then I'm not so critical. If it's a set down and listen, then yes it has to sound very good, or I feel I'm basically wasting my time. 

With literally millions of songs to access, I would find it mind boggling why I would listen to poorly recorded music. If your tastes are limited, I could see it. Not an issue for me.

Since your tastes are not limited, what well recorded music have you heard that was recorded pre 1948?

For 6 years, I tape traded with a couple guys in the UK. 

Mostly demo tapes, NWOBHM stuff, and port radio garage recordings

napalm death

tank

samson

venom

mercyful fate

Spartan warrior

crossfire

satan jokers

lots stuff still boxed in basement, 

sound wuality is important,  sometimes it’s overlooked for the vocal and musical energy of live and garage recordings. 

I crossed that divide a long time ago. It's the music, not the static.