Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

Rok2id,
I rarely take reviews on Amazon seriously though admittedly some are substantial. I often post on and read from the Gramophone website and as much as I respect that magazine and its staff, I need to put things from Gramophone in there proper context.
Honestly, I've found the help at the Harmonia Mundi store at Opera in Paris to be the most helpful and second to that, the SATURN help in Köln. As for internet selection and reviews, I mostly value ArkivMusic.com.
It has taken me years to know where and how to get information and when or when not to take it too seriously. However of all of the sources that I value the most, I would have to credit my lesson instructors, music theory teachers, music history teachers and/or conservatory professors in general, as they have given me the ability to think for myself.

Hey GFoot,

What is your view on Penguin Guide to Classical? I have enjoyed going thru mine and have bought many based on their recommendation...over time, i have expanded by buying additional ones not included there, and in a few cases disagreed. But generally been happy with their recommendations. Your thoughts welcome!

Hi Lloydelee,
I find the Penguin Guide to be a bit conservative though it is consistent. Do you remember the Schwann Catalogue for classical recordings? I really liked that catalogue and I was nearly devastated when it stopped publication because I would look through each quarterly issue backwards and forwards before placing an order with the local record store. The advantage that the Pinguin had over the Schwann would be that the Pinguin reviews and rates its CD's. The advantage that the Schwann had over the Pinguin is that it listed everything that was in print, therefore making the Pinguin catalogue seemingly minuscule by comparison.
The point that I'm driving at with this comparison between the Schwann and Pinguin is that if the Pinguin were to comprehensively list and review all of the excellent recorded performances available, then it would end up being the size of six unabridged dictionaries. Consequentially my collection is less mainstream in nature from that of the Pinguin entries and recently I've been relying on the reviews in Gramophone, Fanfare, etc... before making a purchase.
The Pinguin however is consistently dependable if there is a work that you aren't familiar with. Lastly, the Pinguin seems to choose most of its CD's from the corporate labels and less from the boutique labels but admittedly I have not seen its recent edition.

Listened to Gardiner's Symphony 9 and 1 on Youtube and really like it. Wonder if the following two sets are the same and why one is so much cheaper ? thanks

http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-The-Symphonies-Ludwig-van/dp/B0033QC0WE/ref=pd_sim_m_2

http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-9-Symphonies-Luba-Orgonasova/dp/B0000057EO

http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-9-Symphonies-Luba-Orgonasova/dp/B0000057EO

I own this set. This one has 6 discs. The sixth disc is an interview with Gardiner. I don't think that would account for the price increase. He wasn't that profound! I think it's just 'these sellers' cashing in.

Cheers