I'm using --alt-preset extreme. I did not set the bitrate to 256k/s. Do I need to set it or by using the preset, that setting is ignored. My log files states :

Used output format : C:\Program Files\Exact Audio Copy\lame.exe (LAME MP3 Encoder)
128 kBit/s
Additional command line options : --alt-preset extreme

Thanks.

No need to set bitrate.

Thanks, hate to have to do them over.

You better pick 'user defined encoder'
Read this thread, look for 'Setting up EAC for LAME.exe with tagging'. Replace V 2 with V 0 if you wish to continu to use extreme.

Yes, you should use the User defined encoder profile. As far as I am aware, EAC will add a -b128 switch to your LAME command line the way you are currently using it; this switch will alter output results by limiting the lowest VBR bitrate to 128kbps.