So, with all I've learned recently, I'm very happy with LAME as my encoder using the --alt-preset extreme settings. I still don't understand why LAME stands for (LAME AINT AN MP3 ENCODER). Anyhow...

Now onto DEcoders... Does it matter? Are some better than others or do they all play to a set "standard" and it's all moot?

Can/does the iPod sound better than a Creative Nomad because of the decoder? Or is it the other electronics that make it better/worse and the MP3 decoding is equal?

Does WinAmp sound better than WMP or any of the other MP3 players for the PC? If so, how does the player that ships within Helium 2 rank?

I just ordered Helium 2 BTW and I haven't gotten too deep into it, but it sure looks like the mother of all MP3 tools.

Thanks again...

No, each decoder is different
Check http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~djmrob/mp3decoders/





Winamp is the best mp3 player.

Thanks for the link...

So then, what about hardware decoders, like the ones in iPods and Nomads, etc.

I can't imagine that there are too many different brands...