Tennstadt on EMI in the 5th would be a good next step. Many consider this to be Mahlers' greatest (I don't) but its certainly easy to make a connection with it. I have also enjoyed the 7th by Levine on RCA. This Symphony is way different than the 5th but is also very assessible.
Great vinyl sound and Mahler is a tough task, especially when you add in performance as well. Drop the great sonics part and you'll get a lot more recommendations, such as Bernstein and the NYPO, etc.
If you really get the bug, open your mind to some digital....there is some great Mahler in the little pits.
Re other Mahler Symphonies for the newbie, Save 3, 6, and 9 for later. 3 will likely lose your attention - its long and beautiful but not overly dramatic. The 4th is OK but the heavens just don't part. For many its an easy introduction to Mahler, beautiful vocals though. 6 is in my estimation his greatest, but its a tough listen 'til Mahler gets in your blood. #9 is probably best after you have at least digested #5. All IMHO of course.
Great vinyl sound and Mahler is a tough task, especially when you add in performance as well. Drop the great sonics part and you'll get a lot more recommendations, such as Bernstein and the NYPO, etc.
If you really get the bug, open your mind to some digital....there is some great Mahler in the little pits.
Re other Mahler Symphonies for the newbie, Save 3, 6, and 9 for later. 3 will likely lose your attention - its long and beautiful but not overly dramatic. The 4th is OK but the heavens just don't part. For many its an easy introduction to Mahler, beautiful vocals though. 6 is in my estimation his greatest, but its a tough listen 'til Mahler gets in your blood. #9 is probably best after you have at least digested #5. All IMHO of course.