I think my ears are getting tired. I slowed down the rip speed since the .wav file didn't sound any better than the MP3. I have it set on dynamic synch width which did help out. I have tried --r3mix and --alt-preset standard internally and externally. The --r3mix sounds better to me at least through AudioGrabber using Lame externally. But it doesn't sound any better than it did using the settings I used to use internally, VBR, high quality and joint stereo. I'll try again later after my ears have rested.

Guess I'll buy a better CD-ROM drive when I can.