My guess it that it was ruined in the mastering (when it's transferred from the mixed studio master to a CD master). They often run through graphic equalizers and compressors and all sorts to get "the sound they want". The sound they want is a good sound on a boom box, car stereo and mini system .. because that's what most people own. I expect in the US the car stereo is the primary listening source.
Unfortunately hifi buffs are a small percentage of total listeners and don't get a say in the sound quality.
Unfortunately hifi buffs are a small percentage of total listeners and don't get a say in the sound quality.