Which is the best recording of Bach's Mass in B mi

Two performances I very much enjoy are:
~ Harnoncourt, with the Concentus musicus Wien on Telefunken
~ Gardiner with the English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir on Archiv

Both are historically informed performances, but beyond that they are very different from each other.

You may need to be more specific:
Cd or record?
period performance or modern instrument?

If you want "period" performance Rushton has good suggestion with Gardiner/Archiv or perhaps Parrott/Virgin.
There are more modern versions in catalog, but I think Bach Mass especially lends itself to the unique insights/sounds offered by period performance.

If you want a more "modern" instrument sound, then on LP or a CD reissue (Philips) is Eugen Jochum conducting the Bayerischen Rundfunks orchestra and chorus...

Great suggestions. I'm looking for a CD. Also, I'm after suggestions for CD's that are technically very well done. I'm new to audio, but not new to choral music, having been a conductor for many years. I would like to hear what a good version, recorded well sounds like regardless of the style. I will probably end up with all the recordings anyway.

Baileyje.......where were you conducting, inquiring minds have to know.

I think the best version Bach Mass B minor to start and branch out from is Gardiner/Archiv, the sound is very good but not exceptional. Unfortunately this is still full price version.

For exceptional sound check the Gardiner/Archiv version of Monterverdi "vespro della beata vergine" this is very impressive recording with massive soundstage.