when should we be expecting a new lame version with both Takehiro's enhachments and the alt presets?

there are alpha versions of 3.94 floating around (search the forum). I don't think a official release will come any time soon though, seeing as the alpha version's alt-presets aren't significantly improved (and many times worse) from 3.90.2, according to testers.

it comes when it's ready. as always...

If I were you alfa156, I would just stick with 3.90.2. With Ogg Vorbis and Musepack available, minor improvements in MP3 aren't really even necessary; nor are they likely without Dibrom’s influence and help from the other knowledgeable people active in the forum.

I assume you ask the question in reference to having better sound quality for your portable player or something like that, I would just be patient, Vorbis support is around the corner and that is going to be continually worked on and improved.

If sound quality is your main concearn, Musepack is the way to go. It is a subband codec and it transcodes well to other formats such as MP3 for hardware support. Please search around the forum to find more information if you feel like it. Personally I can’t hear the difference with MPC q5 with most samples, I’ve tried ABXing some samples I’ve always used to with MP3, but it all sounds the same to me now.

Hmm... This seems like a disservice to the 'knowledgeable' people active in the forum that are helping with development. Sure, Dibrom isn't, but that doesn't automatically preclude any improvements to LAME.

good point. my mistake.. I apologize.. I didn’t mean it to come out like that..