The Karajan 62' is probably the best compromise for a first Beethoven set overall. A decent but not great recorded sound but excellent and consistent performances. Carlos Klieber's recordings of the 5th and 7th are musts for everyone period. The '38 Toscanini recordings are generally better musically than the early 50's versions. Several of the Furtwangler recordings are musically wonderful, especially any of the three live recordings of the ninth, my personal fave being the Lucerne Festival performance. I think that Walter's and Klemperer's Beethoven are special tastes and I would not recommend them unless you have a special affinity. If you want to, try the Klemperer version of the Fifth or Walter's Seventh. If you don't like those performances you won't like their others. The Harnoncourt set has the electrical excitement of a live performance and is well recorded but it really should be a second or third set. The "original instruments" crew of Norrington and Gardiner have good performances and are for the most part well recorded. Either of those would be a good buy but I would stay away from Goodman and the Hanover band. Also stay away from the Solti set. I am personally fond of the Szell set for classical elegance but again this is an second or third set.
