The recordings are obviously not the greatest on the market - Tennstedt certainly can't match Karajan's version of the 5th. The 2nd is a little disappointing, I agree - this is my favourite of the lot, and Gilbert Kaplan's recording of this with the LSO is fairly earth-shattering. Notwithstanding, for the amazing price, this set is an excellent buy, and the playing is of a sufficiently high standard to please all but the most critical listeners. Unless you want to spend another $100, take this opportunity.