"For example, last night I played Blues and roots by Charles Mingus. I really thought it sounded fantastic. I had no complaints about low end while listening to that album. But, I’ve recently had a couple of folks comment to me on certain albums (albums they claim to know well) that my system wasn’t presenting the low end well and was too irritating in the mids and highs."
The OP once again, is presenting my observation.
It's not stated what actual recordings-pressings are used. New reissues/reissues done in the 80's or whatever.
Mingus album is a 1960 recording done arguably in the height of analog recording.
Charlie Mingus – Blues & Roots – Vinyl (LP, Album, Mono), 1960 [r3496796] | Discogs
Current reissue of that period Jazz is either "audiophile" or generic CD copy.
Doesn't make sense the OP is "sometimes" hearing a great recording, while most of the time not because the reason is some need for tweaky footers/advanced computer analysis of room nodes etc etc.
Not saying all those suggestions are invalid, or without merit.
The reason for subs is to enhance what's already there and add atmospheric/ambient low end.

