BMG is well worth belonging to because of the wide selection of classical music and the low prices; they are always offering sales and monthly specials that make their prices unbeatable. The story about their CDs being inferior to those bought in a store is absolutely false--an audiophile myth; their CDs are idential to the same title bought in a store, just cheaper. Their marketing is pretty aggressive but you can choose email only or postal mail only. On balance they are a very cost-effective way to built a classical music collection.
As for Naxos, I'm a fan and have and enjoy many Naxos CDs. Naxos has become the most ambitious and adventurous force in recorded classical music in recent years. Their catalog is extensive and is not free from some dogs. A good way to go with them, I believe, is to get a copy of their catalog, which identifies all their CDs that have received positive reviews. Some have received considerable acclaim. If you buy the CDs that have received several positive reviews, it's hard to go wrong; this makes it relatively easy to spot the Naxos CDs that are really outstanding. It's worked for me. (If you are an audiophile, I could give you a short list of Naxos orchestral CDs I have that have demonstration-quality sound if you're interested.) Good luck and happy listening.
As for Naxos, I'm a fan and have and enjoy many Naxos CDs. Naxos has become the most ambitious and adventurous force in recorded classical music in recent years. Their catalog is extensive and is not free from some dogs. A good way to go with them, I believe, is to get a copy of their catalog, which identifies all their CDs that have received positive reviews. Some have received considerable acclaim. If you buy the CDs that have received several positive reviews, it's hard to go wrong; this makes it relatively easy to spot the Naxos CDs that are really outstanding. It's worked for me. (If you are an audiophile, I could give you a short list of Naxos orchestral CDs I have that have demonstration-quality sound if you're interested.) Good luck and happy listening.