Best String Quartets?

[doowlehc]

sorry this question is probably unrelated this forum.  But I really want to listen to more string quartets / quintets - which group is the best in your opinion?  I need some recommendation.  how is Amadeus Quartet

[Ludwig Van Rachabji]

The Amadeus is good, but the Emerson is the best I've ever heard.

[DarkWind]

The Kronos is pretty widely accepted.

[planetdave]

Ah! This is a nice inquiry.
The Amadeus Quartet had a special feeling for Brahms. They played from memory and developed an inimitable sense of rubato and rhythmic subtlety.
The Guarneri Quartet had a distinctly warm sound. They recorded the Beethoven quartets twice (for RCA and then for Phillips) and both are great.
The Juilliard Quartet's Bartok cycle of 1950 is remarkable. It popularized these pieces in the USA. Emerson's Bartok is fantastic as well.
The Cleveland Quartet played with great refinement, clarity, and liveliness. Their recording of Borodin's 2nd Quartet is the best I've heard (recorded when Donald Weilerstein was first violinist).
For the Shostakovich quartets the Borodin String Quartet is recommended. They were Russians attempting to work under Stalin's regime. Shostakovich worked with them towards this project.
The Kronos Quartet is great for promoting the latest music.
The Emerson Quartet made a beautiful recording of the Ravel.
There's a lot to say here but I don't have time now. Others? Budapest, Takacs.
Yes, the Takacs Quartet is thriving now and is one of the best active quartets in the world.
How many times have I used the word 'quartet'? I hope this is enlightening. Thank you for inquiring.