Nic you will have to buy this one to tell me as this SFO is my only performance of symphony 8. Kal prefers another performance. The Grammy nomination here would include performance.

I use to be guided too much by performance as indicated in reviews, including remastered versions of old recordings. I focus now more on sound quality because Meridian gear will add so much to a good recording instead of highlighting problems. The more recently recorded generally give much better sound.

Also performance is more subjective than sound/recording quality. If you choose a major orchestra/conductor you are unlikely to get a poor performance. What you get is an interpretation or style you prefer or not.