I do like the Harnoncourt a lot, it is one of the sets I got 2 weeks back. I also am enjoying the current Barenboim, another non period non historical performance (the playing is incredible and the recording very beautiful). also the Kleiber 5th (and 7th) on xrcd are great as suggested. Despite the fact that a lot of people remark that the Karajan is "heavy handed" or whatever, each time I come back to it and put it on it I am very happy to hear it (especially the ones I've found so far on vinyl). Furtwangler is...Furtwangler. like a rock, you can't argue with it. but on cd anyway the sound quality is so lacking that I gravitate to the other versions. (I don't have his live 9th yet, though).
Otto, thanks for the Neumann live recommendation (and the quote). I look forward to finding it.
Otto, thanks for the Neumann live recommendation (and the quote). I look forward to finding it.