This is an interesting argument; two very good, very different bands. I don't think you can go wrong with either, still I'd give a slight edge to Zeppelin for consistency. I agree boo boo; Presence is an under appreciated album. It may not be "great" but it holds up very nice. The guitar riffs in "Achilles..." is vintage Zeppelin. "For your life", "Hots on for nowhere", "Tea for one" and "Royal Orleans" are all very good songs.
The Rock Operas are my favorite aspect of the Who, but "Who's Next" and "The Who Sell Out" are very good albums and I am a big fan of "A quick One" it was the first Who album I ever owned.
Above anything else, they are two of the best stage acts ever. Zeppelin's shows in the mid 70's were events. They started a day before the band went on and continues until their plane or bus departed. The Who's show were productions, effects, lighting, stage presence and energy unmatched in the mainstream of their era. It's a matter of personal preference and I actually lean towards the Who because while Zeppelin had moments of greatness there were also a lot of drawn out instrumentals that felt out of place in my opinion.
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