Audio ACL Rant

I know that it is a venerable institution, and I had never had top-flight audio equipment for my TV, and maybe all 3 PBS stations I regularly watch all transmit it badly, but why do almost all the performers on 'Austin City Limits' sound as if they're singing in a closet somewhere? It seems to me the audience applause for these shows sound much better and crisper than the poor performers standing in front of microphones.