So what program CAN convert an MP3 stream into an MP3 file?

My favorite is Ultra Player. It allows you to open a URL to a MP3 stream and then record it at the same bitrate. So, if you're listening to a 128kbps stream, it'll record it to a 128kbps MP3 file. I think it basically just copies the bytes straight to a file.

As for the RA to MP3 conversion, I think the StreamRipper is faster than 1x. Everybody used it while it was still available. I'm just not too sure about the availability of it now. I'm still happy to email it to anybody that wants to give it a shot. The version I have only allows 10 trials. But, I'm sure you can probably find a crack for it. Of course, I'm not advocating piracy...I just don't think it's possible to buy the older version anymore.