Jeff Grossman asked for...

>some thoughts from the list about a generally good set of the Beethoven
>symphonies.  ...I want to get a full-priced set...

You've already received many good suggestions, so I hope this one's not too
late.

I count myself among those who spend way too much on CDs, by the way.  So,
forgive me if I put this to you:  why do you especially want a set? Also,
it seems to me superfluous to seek out a full-priced set.  As I see it,
Beethoven is one of the few composers -- Mahler is another; Shostakovich
is often a third -- who's usually very well-represented in 2nd hand shops.
OTOH, you won't find much music by Frank Martin, Eduard Tubin or Peteris
Vasks in 2nd hand CD shops; so why not save your willingness to pay full
price for those composers?

In short:  My advice:  Don't overlook 2nd hand CDs.  In fact, a review I
read on MCML recently prompted me to go out and get myself Beethoven's
symphonies ...a treat I'd been leaving to myself for some later time.
This is now my collection:

I first got Symphonies 3 and 8 with Szell and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Superb performances.  As a 2nd hand purchase, this bargain Sony 'Essential
Classics' was a super-bargain.  (The scherzo of the #3 won me over
completely, and set me running out for the other symphonies.)

Then I found Symphonies 1 and 2 by Jochum/Concertgebouw, on the 'Concert
Classics' series by Philips.  Someone on MCML had recommended Jochum to
you, though with the LSO.  Even so, these are fine performances.  (Fabulous
first 'attempts' in the genre!)

I already had Carlos Kleiber and the VPO doing Symphonies 5 and 7.
(Doesn't everybody?) A bargain "The Originals" series reissue.  (I'll
join the chorus:  Why doesn't Kleiber record the others? I hear he watches
too much TV, alas -- a vice he shares with Alice Cooper {not so alas})

Lastly, I needed symphonies 4 and 6, but felt sure I wouldn't find them on
one recommendable CD.  But I saw a well-priced set with Mackerras, who's
fabulous with Martinu and may other composers, so I took a chance.  Then,
just today, I saw him recommended to you on MCML for his Beethoven.  (The
#4 is stunning; the sleeper among the first eight.  Well, with the #8, the
#3, also...)

I've decided to leave the #9 as my remaining treat for an even later date.
Then again, just today I saw the Furtwangler recommended on MCML at bargain
price on the EMI 'Great Recordings of the Century' series.

All told, an unimpeachable collection:  all in stereo, yet not one
full-priced CD among them.  Only the Mackerras is DDD, but you won't sell
yourself short with Jochum, Szell or Kleiber at cut prices.

Best,

Bert Bailey, in Ottawa