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.
crazee01
Loydelee21, I had that Harnoncourt cycle with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and thought the 9th to be the best of them. Yes, Orfeo, Audite, and more rarely mentioned Andante which was one of my favorites before they stopped production, too bad. I'm now looking at a Kreisler Japanese re-master that plays back at 192 kHz and since my DAC will match that frequency I'm certain to order it come payday.
Do you know if the Japanese re-masdters in general playback at this frequency of 192 kHz?
I am considering the 1963 Karajan set on SACD. It's $72 on Amazon. But then, SACD did not do much for the 1954 9th by Furtwangler. I tired to listen to it last night but could not. It may be best, just to pick and choose the best recordings of each seperate symphony. I buy some recordings that are of histroic importance, just to have them. Never listen to them.

Cheers
Brownsfan, A priority reason that I'm thinking of the Japanese re-masters is to to test my stereo. I don't own a SACD player but that's OK.
Ashkenazy: Strauss Ein AlpenSinfonie on Ondine has been on my list for a while. He is certainly a very capable conductor though pianist comes to my mind first and foremost.
Brownsfan, thanks very much once again. I have it on order!

Best regards,
-- Al
There is something a bit surprising in the Brahms recommendations coming in. Did you notice? Bohm, Giulini, Toscanini, Toscanini, Toscanini, and another vote for Giulini. One German conductor for the most quintessentially German music ever written.

Al, I am listening to the 1940 Toscanini NBCSO. It is quite remarkable. This is well worth hearing, and much better than his 1952 effort on the 1st.