Question,
I've started ripping my audio cd's using CDex to MP3 @ 192kbps, my CDex is using Lame version 1.3, engine 3.92, MMX. I'm using a fairly old Toshiba CD-Rom XM-1702BC.

Most tracks sound just great, but some have on the top of the louder notes and louder vocals what I would describe as sausages sizzling or a sound similar to that used by Microsofts recycle bin....I'm sure you've got a better technical term for it !

I use MP3Gain to reduce the volume (it's always too high) to around 90 dB, and this seems to improve it a bit - although that could be imagination...
It does not occur throughout the track, just higher volume areas of the track....I'm probably doing something wrong...

As I don't want my MP3's sounding like they were recorded at a Barbeque, I'd be grateful for some umm..... sensible sugestions, no I don't need tomatoe sauce !
Any ideas are welcome...Thanks.

Through what are you listening to those mp3's?

I listen to music at home on the computer using Sennheiser HD540 Reference headphones, and usually using WinAmp.
It is NOT all tracks...but probably always the louder ones.....
Thanks.

That sounds a lot like clipping distortion. If clipping already exists on your CDs, there's nothing much you can do.

If your CDs don't clip but your MP3s do, then mp3gain is your answer.

Yup, I'd say it's "clipression"

OK, I don't have the original CD with me right now, but I'll check it later to see what it sounds like.
I've tried with MP3Gain turning it down still further, but it's still there - at a lower volume of course...Thanks for now.