The newer "boxy" TriStars are TriStar/Compact in name only. They're now owned by the same company that owns Electrolux: Aerus.
The last GOOD TriStar that was built was the EX-20. It was very much like the Compacts and has the same insane suction and great PN as the CXL that I so often rave about.
The modern "Boxy" TriStars have the same motor as the modern Aerus luxes do and a similar power nozzle. As far as I'm concerned (and i'm sure a lot of people will agree...) TriStar/Compact died in 1998 with the introduction of the EXL. They just don't make 'em like they used to.
Some people disagree, but I personally can't stand the PN on the modern TriStars. They're just too "Lux-y" for me. Way too noisy and you can't fit a VGII in them!
***I step off my soapbox now.....***
