What is the best sounding Mahler symphony cycle?

Thanks to each of you! The Bernstein box sounds like a good place to start. Abbado for an independent 1st and 5th seem to be reasonable to purchase as well. Again.. thanks.

To me the Solti/Chicago set is better than Bernstein.
To my ears the best sounding set, at least on redbook. is the Phillips Haitink/Concertgebouw. He also has the great Maureen Forrester and Ely Ameling not to mention the Amsterdam Chorus.
Haitink is less "sturm and drang" than most which I like better myself. YMMV

Off subject I know, but I am just listening to a wonderful live BBC Promenade concert of Mahlers 2nd by the Bavarian Radio Symphony, conductor Mariss Jansons. I don't know if you colonials can get quality internet feeds or Radio transmissions of the Proms. If you can, this Summer series of 7 day a week daily concerts on BBC Radio 3, is not called the worlds best concert series for nothing.

The Complete Ring cycle in Concert performance by Barenboihm 2 weeks ago, was just magical. CD and LP get a break when these concerts are on every year from July to September.

Best sounding Mahler cycle? It is a question very difficult
to answer.

Since Haitink is mentioned here, should Kubelik, Tennstedt,
Sinopoli and Boulez be nominated for a fair comparison?

Also for East European interpretations, there are cycles of
Neumann and Kondrashin available.

Happy Listening!

Otto

Yu11375 wrote:
Best sounding Mahler cycle? It is a question very difficult
to answer.

I would put none of the ones you mention in the category of "best sounding" although they each have their felicities with regard to performance.