I absolutely got that impression just from this pressing. I mean to be honest maybe I'm expecting too much but I really do think this digital is a step down. All the other Bowie reissues I have sound great. This is digitally crunchy beyond what feels like an iffy recording would present...
I don't think you are expecting too much. The digital really did sound awful ion comparison to my Japanese pressing, I bought for my brother but ended up just sending it back.