This post made me realize how long it's been since I compared some mp3 encoders.

Most encoders do a pretty good job at the higher bitrates. Tested a few at 128 kbps to see what I thought was the best encoder for packing alot of songs into my 512MB iriver.

My older version of Blade still sounded better to me than LAME. And strangely enough, better than the newest release of Blade before the project was abandoned.

My new favorite encoder is the newer Fraunhofer encoder used in the latest versions of Musicmatch Jukebox. Can get it for free if you don't want all the bells and whistles. One of the few limitations on the free version is a slower CD ripping speed which will likely IMPROVE quality.

One thing became quite clear. 128 kbps mp3s just aren't going to sound like the CD. The Musicmatch ones didn't sound terrible though. No detectable "swishy, phasey" noises. Last time I did this comparison, (a long, long time ago) think Musicmatch was one of the worst.