Reading through looking for suggestions to improve my Bruckner collection, and thought I'd throw in my $0.02...
I've got 48 Bruckner recordings, including 3 complete cycles, though I don't have several of the recordings often listed as 'reference' recordings, especially older recordings, as I strongly prefer more modern, higher fidelity recordings. Anyway, my favorites...
0/00 - Haven't found a compelling recording of them yet (doubt I will).
1/2 - Jochum, though I like Karajan/BPO/1981 for its sound quality and it's almost as good artistically.
3 - Same favorites as above, but the original version of the score is also damn interesting (I have Tintner, but the samples I've heard of Nagano sound amazing - definitely tempting...)
4 - Wand/BPO/1998 - The sound isn't perfect, when it gets loud it gets a bit harsh sounding, but it has REALLY satisfying bass in the brass section =D Harnoncourt/RCO is also nice. A bit lighter, brisker, and with a touch of that Harnoncourtiness...
5 - Harnoncourt/VPO has a slight edge over Sinopoli/Staatskapelle Dresden, cause while great in its own right, and I got it before Harnoncourt, so I tend to be a bit partial to it, Sinopoli sounds a touch too clinical to me. Other than that subtle style difference, they are VERY similar recordings, though.
6 - Still looking for the perfect 6. Samples I've heard of Skrowaczewski sound promising. I have Klemperer, Jochum, Karajan/BPO/1979, & Tintner. Klemperer is good, but too slow and stately sounding for what I think I'd like to hear done with this piece.
7 - Karajan/VPO hands down. Harnoncourt is good for a different, more brisk & lighter hearted take on it, though a bit idiosyncratic as Harnoncourt often (though not ALWAYS is). Based on how many people suggest it, I'm contemplating getting Wand/BPO/circa 2000.
8 - Karajan/VPO hands down. Chailly is also pretty good. I have Giulini on order, but from what I've heard I think it might be just a touch slower than I'd like. I love this piece too much not to give it a try though. I saw a live performance with Mehta and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra though that absolutely blew me away - WAAAAAAY better than any recording I've heard (I love the seats here in Chicago where you can sit directly behind the orchestra =) Sadly the recording available for sale doesn't come close to capturing the feeling of that live performance (which was months after said recording BTW). Based on what I've read, I'm contemplating getting Wand/NDR/1987, but can't find any online samples of it, so I'm not sure I will...
9 - Harnoncourt/VPO hands down. Samples I've heard of Giulini and Skrowaczewski sound similar, with Skrowaczewski/Minnesota sounding quite thrilling but uneven to me. But maybe I'm partial to Harnoncourt. Plus the finale fragments in the Harnoncourt recording are something I think any Bruckner fan absolutely must listen to, especially given how well it's played