Yeah this is noticeable. Whenever I play an older album right after playing a newer album with the volume the same, the older one is noticeably softer.
I've also got mixed feelings about other aspects of modern production. It's sharp and clear, but at the same time it often sounds sterile. IMO the best-sounding albums (sound quality-wise) are from the early 70's. A lot of stuff I listen to from that era sound like they were recorded in a wood-panelled studio with heavy carpeting and mics muffled just right. It's got a nice, soft, warm sound which is also clear but doesn't have the tinny/lo-fi sound you hear in a lot of mid-60's and earlier music.
Even when I listen to a modern album that was recorded, say, in someone's house, it still has a bit of a sterile vibe to it. I note this is regardless of the quality of the music itself.
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