John, I don't have enough personal info for a complete analysis, but what I've heard and read would lead me to suggest that the Vanska discs have the outstanding sound quality and at least the 9th is a very high-energy performance that I really like. I'd also suggest that Kleiber's vigorous performances of the 5th and 7th, which are my clear choice on CD, should also be the pick on SACD. Note that Karajan's complete set is from the early 60s performances, and even with the improved remixing and remastering, there's a limit to the sonic improvement(still a bit of hiss, etc.)that's possible, and so the newer Vanska recordings would have the advantage there.
So, Kleiber 5 and 7, Vanska 9.
