Though digital downloads are now the preferred format for many music listeners, you still can’t beat the extras that come with a well-conceived box set. Here’s a guide to some of the more notable multi-disc packages released this year (listed alphabetically by artist):

David Bowie, “Station to Station -- Deluxe Edition: The Ultimate Fan Experience” (EMI, $165.98): This over-stuffed box is for hardcore Bowie-philes only, a trove of music and memorabilia from his brilliant if drug-zonked “Thin White Duke” phase. In 1976, Bowie released “Station to Station,” a futuristic mix of space-rock, funk and electronic music, bridging “Ziggy Stardust” glam and his experimental Berlin albums. Two differently mastered CDs are included, plus DVD and vinyl incarnations (Where’s the cassette and eight-track versions?). The prize is a previously unreleased ’76 concert, with Bowie in top form with a killer band. Fans on a budget can get the essentials in a more affordable three-CD format.

Bob Dylan, “The Original Mono Recordings” (Sony, $129.98): This is Dylan as he intended to be heard on his first eight, game-changing studio albums, from “Bob Dylan” (1962) through “John Wesley Harding” (1967). “Original Mono Recordings” is a long overdue addition to his official catalog; bootlegs and used vinyl copies of the original mono recordings have been selling at exorbitant prices for years. During most of the ‘60s, mono was the preferred format, and Dylan and his engineers focused most of their energies on getting the mixes just right. That’s especially apparent on the classic “Blonde on Blonde” (1966). Though fans may prefer the sharper separation of the instruments on the stereo mixes, the mono versions get at the heart of Dylan’s rough and tumble sound, with the vocals in the midst of the instrumental fray rather than pushed out in front of it. The rockers especially sound more menacing than ever; “Like a Rolling Stone” has never sounded better.

The era of physical music product is winding down, or so the numbers say. But you wouldn’t know it by the plethora of new boxed sets clogging retail shelves this holiday season. Here’s a guide to some of the more notable multi-disc packages released this year (listed alphabetically by artist):

AC/DC, “Backtracks” (Sony Legacy, $39.98): For those who can’t get enough Bon Scott-era AC/DC from the ‘70s (and I heartily endorse your obsession), this troll through the band’s rarities will provide the necessary fix. About half of the music on this two-CD, single-DVD compilation resurrects Scott in all his leering, sneering glory. The latter-day stuff with Brian Johnson on vocals is of less interest, though “Big Gun” is helpfully salvaged from the “Last Action Hero” soundtrack.

The Beatles, “The Beatles” (EMI, $259.98) and “The Beatles in Mono” (EMI, $298.98): The first remastering of the Beatles catalog in 20 years definitely perks up the sound, with cleaner articulation of the instruments and more oomph in the rhythm section. Paul McCartney’s bass lines and the vocal harmonies are revelatory, but make sure you play it on a decent sound system to get your money’s worth. The package itself is underwhelming: There are no bonus tracks, and perfunctory mini-documentaries accompany each disc. The stereo discs can all be bought individually. That’s unfortunately not the case with the mono set, which is the real prize for collectors who want to hear the music the way the Beatles originally intended.

Big Star, “Keep an Eye on the Sky” (Rhino, $69.98): Blending Southern soul with British Invasion rock, this Memphis power-pop band led by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell made two albums in 1972-74, then drifted off into commercial obscurity (a third studio album was released posthumously). But the legacy it left is enormous, the songs an influence on generations of rock bands from the Replacements to R.E.M. This four-CD set tells you why, with selections from all three albums plus copious rarities and a 1973 live performance.

Genesis, “1973-2007 Live” (Rhino, $139.98): Eight CDs and three DVDs documenting the U.K. progressive rock band’s live career. This won’t be necessary if you’re merely a casual fan (go straight to the ‘70s studio albums with Peter Gabriel on vocals, available individually). Hardcore fans will geek out over the inclusion of “Live At The Rainbow 1973” in stereo and 5.1 surround sound, with the band’s celebrated lineup of Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford and Gabriel.