Just heard the stereo mixes as my room is not condusive to a surround system.
Nevertheless, one would expect the stereo mixes to be treated to an excellent and sympathetic mastering, which has not been the case. The stereo mixes just sound flat and cold and harsh, and completely lacking in dynamics or warmth (and I have quite a warm sounding system). Abacab - from the middle box - is a very good example of an album that was previously very punchy and dynamic, and is now just lifeless.
I have also heard from a small minority that the surround mix is a little over-compressed (although most seem to love it, to be fair).
When I first heard the TIOA Tour Edition CD, I was honestly completely disgusted with the results, so pledged not to get the 80's boxset.
The original TIOA CD actually sounds very nice by comparison (this one was not mastered by Tony Cousins, which may be a factor - not criticising him, it's just he may have a different mastering style that I particularly despise).
