Based on trying a few songs on a blind basis, QT 6.3 160k mp4 is about the same as LAME 3.90.2 -aps, and both are signficantly better than LAME 128k

Why don't you join with us for AAC encoder testing?

Because the test is at 128 and only tests AAC encoders. What I'm really looking for is a replacement for Lame --aps, rather than determining which is the best 128 ACC encoder.

any idea about Nero AAC encoder 2.5.x at VBR preset normal (~150k) or extreme (~200k) ?

First of all note that my comment is totally subjective.

I found that Nero AAC Extreme (VBR) is almost -because there I can hear some glitches on high frequencies- transparent in same filesize that LAME -APS.

BTW: I found quite important type of music you listen to. Because with Metal music anything below APS in LAME sucks -including 192 kbits.

So I think the best way is that you listen yourself to your own encodings.

Cheers.