This is by far the weakest of Karajan's 4 (!) recorded Beethoven cycles. The performances and orchestra are rather bland, and the sound quality is quite bad, with significant tape hiss and muddled frequency ranges throughout -- perhaps if this were 20-bit remastered to current standards, it would be more competitive. Only recommended for those who *must* have all 4 of Karajan's sets -- it's not truly terrible, by any stretch, but it's mediocre, and at this price you can do far better elsewhere.If you're looking for a "vintage" (1940's or earlier) Beethoven set, try Furtwangler (my personal fave), or perhaps Toscanini. For beginners who just want to hear Karajan's Beethoven, stick with his middle 2 cycles -- both the 60s and 70s sets are outstanding.