Obviously LAME is the best encoder to use for Mp3. My question is, which LAME version is the best to use with 192kbps? And don't call me an idiot for asking yet because I KNOW that 3.90.2/.3 are the most tested and with aps BUT it might be different for this setting. Any ways I'm just curious! Thanxx

I don't know which version is the best for 192cbr. I'm using 3.93.1 and I'm absolutly satisfied.
If you are such a perfectionist why don't you use VariableBitRate which gives you better quality @ less filesize ? Because the quality-difference is bigger between cbr and vbr as between different LAME-versions.
Don't forget to use the cbr/vbr presets when using LAME.

Kool! Nice reply. i guess it doesn't matter. But, I wasn't taking replies too seriously or looking for a theoritically correct answer as I said "i am just curious" lol!

OK. I apologize. I just think it doesn't matter, but of course I respect your inquisitiveness.

I would use 3.90.2 and the "--alt-preset cbr 192 -ms" parameter for a lame 192k/Stereo scenerip.

Oh GOD not you too, what's with all these "Full stereo" cultists this week? ABX a difference between -ms and the default (-mj) then we'll talk.

DO not use -ms it ruins audio quality

The standard preset will switch between full stereo and mid-side stereo for what ever gives the best quality at the giving frame (more or less).
Handicapping the presets with only full stereo will worsen the quality on 99.9% of the things you encode.

--alt-preset cbr 192 (if you needs CBR - and less quality)
--alt-preset 192 ( for a little more quality but lesse precise bitrate)
--alt-preset standard (the full blown vbr maximum quality at bitrates around 192)


and pleasae read the faq.

I have recently made my own test with 3.90.3.
"--alt-preset cbr 192" is better than "--alt-preset 192"
Try with fatboy sample, it's amazing, also with alt-preset 128
I'm aware that --alt-preset standard is so far the best but what's about compatibility?

My answer is --alt-preset cbr 192

Fatboy is a very atificial test samples. it doesn't really represent 99% of music out there.

anyway regarding compatibility vbr and cbr should be the same. If not, the players is not 100% mp3 compatibility.
VBR is in the mp3 specs.


however as long as there is --alt-preset in the beginning it will almost always be the best quality around.

He said "for a lame 192k/Stereo scenerip". Most ripping groups out there won't accept joint stereo. There is no way in hell you're gonna convince them that js is better, so either you release stereo-rips or no rips at all.

Your post will be disregarded unless you provide ABX results and back up your statements.

You do not have to convince some dumb people to use js instead of basic stereo.
Just do not release any rip.
Buy the cd, and only rip it for your own use. This is the easiest way to have the quality you want.

What's your problem?