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Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

My CD's of Beethoven's symphonies were all issued in the late 80's or early 90's and sound flat and two-dimensional, with a back-of-the-house perspective. Vinyl is more dynamic but I can't tolerate the surface noise during the quiet passages. So, fellow A'gon members, I'm looking for your suggestions for the best sounding (good tone, big dynamics, front row perspective) and most thrilling performances of Beethoven symphonies on redbook CD. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
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rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
For a complete set: Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique, under the direction of John Eliot Gardiner.

My favorite singles:
Symphonie No. 9, Wiener Philharmoniker / Karl Bohm with Norman,Domingo,Fassbaender,Berry

Symphony Nos. 5 & 7, Wiener Philharmoniker / Carlos Kleiber

I have the Jarvi and Vanska and they are excellent also.

Cheers
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Rok2id told it like it is.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
I also like the Gardiner LvB. The 2nd is as good as any I have heard.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
The Barenboim/Staatskapelle Berlin cycle has outstanding sonics, but slower, sensitive, and powerful ala Furtwängler. Large orchestra with violins split left and right, double bass on the left. Recorded 1999 on Warner.
Similar to the Gardiner is Harnoncourt's cycle. Faster, powerful, smaller orchestra and recorded by Teldec.
I agree Bohm/vienna for single CDs.
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crazee01 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for your responses. Glad to see there's some consensus.

Regarding Zd's request for an equipment list:

VPI Scoutmaster/Signature arm/Super Platter/SDS/Lyra Kleos
EAR 834P phono stage (with Singerman mods.)
Audible Illusions L2B line stage
Lector CDP 7 CD player
Rives PARC
Gallo Ref. 3.5 speakers on Bright Star Audio stands
Spectron Musician III w/all upgrades
Shunyata power conditioning
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