Not wanting to piss off NIGHTMarher:
In comparison to Wu, PE is relatively better on the noise factor. Slight crackle at the start of side a, but it's very slight and within acceptable range.
That said, the complaints about it being quiet are understated. I had to basically double the volume after playing Wu to even get to an acceptable listening level. One of the quietest albums in my collection hands down. As for the mastering, the best thing I could describe it as is "inconsistent". Bass levels are good, but nothing to really write home about. But there are times when everything else is kind of muddled. You want Chuck to be a force, but sometimes it's kind of almost gets lost. There are other times on the album it comes through loud and clear (after appropriate volume adjustments). I'm gonna have to compare the album on Spotify or something to rule out that that is just how the album is but there's something missing to put it over the edge. Overall it's just okay imo. Still a great album but I feel like it doesn't quite do it the justice it deserves.