After trying a test listen in truck it appears as though the hi end is dulled compared to the CD version.I can't remember what songs i used with what encoders but i know i used a program called FREERIP encoded at 256CBR and also Easy CD Creator that came with the burner,also encoded at 256CBR.The Easy CD Creator used the FHG Professional dont know what the FREERIP used.Would i get better results with Audiograbber w/Lame because i have that too.Just means ill have to redo all my cd's(only 70) MIKE

256kbit/s CBR should be pretty good quality. Some encoders have high frequency cut offs to remove some of the higher frequencies that some people can't even hear anyway. These are above about 16kHz.

Perhaps there is something not quite right in your install? Try just ripping a .wav file and putting it on your empeg. Then you'll remove the encoder factor completely.

There could be something wrong with install but i currently have a pioneer cd player working fine.Ill try the .wav file, is that the same thing as the original CD file? Mike

Did you turn off the lowpass filter on the encoder?

Yes a .wav should sound identical to a CD. Remember there will be differences if you're using the empeg equaliser or the bass/treble controls on the pioneer CD player. I suggest you set all loudness/bass/treble/equaliser controls to flat/zero before trying to do any real comparos.

Didnt see any settings for a low pass filter.The only thing i needed to choose was the bitrate setting on either program. MIke

Im 99% sure that everything was flat or zero.But i will try a wav file ,wont be able to test till the weekend ,BTW nice job with the left/right delay thingy!! Mike

Check your EQ presets too.

Not all encoders are the same, and most don't give the option of enabling/disabling high freq. cutoffs. I'm not familiar what encoding engine is used in the application you state.