Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

I just listened to the Gardiner 'Eroica' and I must admit that it is a remarkable performance. I read some of Gardiner's comments online about the symphonies concerning authoritative sources and Beethoven's own markings and notes and the fact that throughout history, most of these documents were overlooked or ignored. I want to add also that most of the musicians available during Beethoven's lifetime were inconsistent when it came to their levels of technique and musicianship and that additional instrumentalists could be added to or taken away from a performance based on a performers ability. Adding in parts was often an undertaking that was done by the orchestra director. So, the hard and fast rules that we observe today were not really understood in either the 18th or the 19th century.

Thank you! I have read somewhere a strong preference for
Gardiner over the Academy of Ancient Music Beethoven Symphonies. Same forMackerras whose historical Mozart symphonies are apparently great.

Loydelee, I haven't had a chance yet to hear anything other than the 5th and the 3rd. If I'm not mistaken, the new reissued Gardiner Beethoven has been remastered. I've been listening to the original release but am now interested in the newer set.

To Brownsfan, Goofyfoot, Lloydelee21, et al...
I finally received the Karajan 1962 SACD Remaster Set and my impression is very mixed. Now FYI, I am playing CD only and comparing this set to the original red and gold box set which I have owned for many years.
First order of business...OMG(as the kids say), Symphonies 3 and 4 are outstanding and were most certainly remastered on a different system, most likely by the Japanese as mentioned earlier.

Now the rest of the set... The cd is more open than 1962 with very organic sounding upper strings, woodwinds and brass, in fact I would say the entire set sounds more analogue-like than most CDs, especially a remaster. Much improved dynamics, but I am very disappointed with the lack of definition in the bass. Cellos and double bass mesh together and resemble the muddy low end of the early release. The attack of the timpani is only marginally better than the original.

A positive is the lack of compression; I don't mind some tape hiss if the result is increased clarity of the instruments as is the case here.

My first reaction was that for $72 US it should have sounded better, especially when using Nos. 3 and 4 as a reference. They show that it is possible to get such a high level of quality from some 50 year old tapes. But after I was finished with my critical listening, I started to appreciate the brilliance of the performances and Karajan at his best. I can now put my old Red and Gold box set in the closet and rediscover Karajan's Beethoven.

Lowrider, as I said earlier, this is more about artistic merit than sonics. The 3rd and 4th are stunning in terms of recording quality. This is my favorite 7th, just wish they could have improved the sonics.