"Whose" Beethoven do you like?

I favor purchasing each symphony by different conductor. This way you can listen to different insights. My favorites would be #3 with Pierre Monteaux (Philips), #5&7 with Carlos Kleiber (DG), #6 with Bruno Walter (Sony) and #9 with Klemperer (EMI).

Some people may like DG/Karajan 1977 set better than 1962 set, avoid the digital set from the 1980s which has poor recording and weaker performances. The 77 set at mid price is not the bargain the budget price 62 set is, but the performances are generally faster more vibrant, and the recording quality is excellent, and the 1977 9th symphony is Karajan's crowning acheivement of all his Beethoven recordings, the final having a power and fury not usually associated with Karajan.

I must say that I had among the greatest thrills of my concert experience life hearing Beethoven's 9th at Knowles Chapel in Winter Park Florida performed by the Bach Festival Orchestra Choir and Orchestra in December 1999. That is probably the best Beethoven's 9th I'll ever hear.