Well, Andrew, your friend is apparently a bit more of a Beethoven enthusiast than I am, but this certainly is distinguished music. For a low-cost collection of all nine, the Mackerras set has fine performances and sound, rather than the set you list.

Sure, individual discs are better(but also more expensive). Your Wand 9th is excellent and the next individual pick should be the acclaimed Kleiber 5th & 7th (also on SACD). For 3 & 8 the Vanska SACD is suggested. 1, 2, 4 & 6 remain, and two really good sleepers are the Fey 1&2 and 4&6 .

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.