It really comes down to the talent in the end. Yes, there are things that most of us can't recreate in regards of room size and high end gear. But, and a serious 'but', that does not mean that it isn't possible to get really close.
But-again, that means that will be a challenge without having ideal conditions. It then becomes more particular to the experience of the person recording in a less than ideal environment and making it work.
Experience, persistence, and giving a shit about the music being recorded seems to make a big difference to me. But that is just my opinion.