I can't help you directly, but have you tried the Penguin Guide ? I have always found it to be a very helpful guide, whether you're looking for performance quality, recording quality, or both.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/014051497X/qid=1005937946/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_12_1/104-3521912-0475126
I hope I'm not stating the obvious ... I haven't heard as much mention of this book in the US as I used to back in the UK, so I'm not sure how well it is known/regarded in the US.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/014051497X/qid=1005937946/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_12_1/104-3521912-0475126
I hope I'm not stating the obvious ... I haven't heard as much mention of this book in the US as I used to back in the UK, so I'm not sure how well it is known/regarded in the US.