Mahler on vinyl - your favorite

#2 Solti on London is gripping. Agree on the Elly Ameling Haitink 4th and Horenstein 3rd. But honestly Mahler is better on digital due to the huge dynamic range and the unavoidability of ticks and pops distracting during the pianissimos. 
You must listen to the Zander #6 and #9 with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. 

Yeah, I love the Solti Mahler 2nd as well. The problem with me and the Solti/Decca Mahler Eighth is that I just find the Eighth perhaps,errrr, a trifle overblown.

Listened to Mahler 4 with Bernstein. Can’t say that I like it. Will continue exploring other symphonies from the list above by Bernstein.

@crustycoot no issues with pops and ticks they won’t bother me too much as long as they’re occasional and minor. 

Mahler 1st with Solti and the London Symphony (better than the later Chicago disc.)

Mahler 9th Barbirolli, on Classics for Pleasure label.  Outstanding performance and sound.

Your moniker suggests sound quality is of importance, so with that taken in consideration:

no.1: Walter on US Columbia

no.2: Klemperer on UK Columbia (emi)

no.3: Mehta on Decca/London

no.4: Szell on US Columbia or UK Columbia (emi)

no.5: Barbirolli on HMV (emi)

no.6: Barbirolli on HMV (emi)

no.7: Solti on Decca/London

no.8: Solti on Decca/London

no.9: Walter on US Columbia

Lied von der Erde: Klemperer on UK Columbia 

I realise that the original issues of some of these recordings are in the collectors category and priced accordingly. In those cases (like the Klemperer no.2) you should try to find an early reissue, which usually will sound pretty good for much less. Enjoy the ride!