I think the Solti has always been my favourite Ring Cycle. I have the Karajan cycle, a wonderful Christmas present from a friend a few years ago, when he was cutting right back on his vinyl.
Favourite Opera Recordings
I know Opera doesn't float many boats, but it does for me. To any other opera lovers out there, which are your favourite recordings. That can be for quality of recording, the singing, the music, anything.
My own favourites are;
Puccini's La Boheme, the Beecham recording from 1958 on HMV I believe. As legend has it, knocked out in an afternoon. That is largely for the Principals, Jussi Bjoorling and Victtoria De Los Angeles, what perfect voices
Richard Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier on EMI, with Von Karajan and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Again, what a voice and what a wonderful opera.
Verdi Il Trovatore, with Leontyne Price, Domingo, Sherril Milnes and Florenza Cossotto, on RCA.
As a compliation I found in a second hand shop years ago Mozart, Die Schonsten Opernarien. A german recording on EMI, the quality of the recording and playing is remarkable.
These ae all vinyl, but CD SACD, it doesn't matter.