There is actually more than one set of Alban Bergs. There's (at least) one on EMI, and an earlier one on Teldec. I think it is the EMI one that is so widely disliked, whereas the Teldec, in my limited experience(they're the only Mozart quartet recordings I have) is quite nice. Furthermore, Gramophone's recommended recording for quartets 17 & 19, the 'Hunt' and 'Dissonance' quartets, is from the Teldec ABQ set.
I know this topic asked about the string quartets, but if you haven't already you should definitely look into the string quintets. IMO they are superior, with richer arrangements and a broader range of expression. The philips duo sets of the complete quintets are great in my experience, and give you a number of significant pieces together with the string quintets. There is also a very well reviewed set of all 6 fully digitally recorded from the Talich quartet available for $15
here. I haven't heard it, but based on my previous experience with the Talich I can easily believe all the praise. If I had known this recording existed before I got the complete quintets on Philips I would have bought this one instead.
Regarding the Vegh beethoven set, it seems to be of extremely variable availability. Sometimes it is available on Amazon and sometimes it is not. It was by far the most recommended recording of the Beethoven cycle when I was shopping for one, but seemed to be out of print at the time so I bought the Talich set instead. Then it reappeared a month later. Right now Amazon isn't selling it new and the cheapest used copy available on Amazon is $300. However, the Vegh Beethoven set is available
here right now for only $58, whereas it wasn't listed a week ago. So anyone should strike while the iron is hot, if they want to get a copy.
Indeed, I should probably too. The Talich has not disappointed me at all but this set seems to be truly special.
