I can't comment on the big box either, nutty, but I've thought about saving for it to be sure - more to have it all, not as a sound issue. As of now, I've got older Cole Porter and Ellington stand-alone songbooks, and a newer, remastered stand-alone Harold Arlen songbook. The Arlen has somewhat fuller sound, but honest to god, they all sound great to me. I do sort of like the cardboard digipak on the newer editions of the individual songbooks, but wonder how they'll stand up in the long term compared to standard jewel boxes. Good documentation all around.