unfortunately it's been quite some time. most of the tests done were to compare different encoders and settings for different types of music. some i did encode

unfortunately it's been quite some time. most of the tests done were to compare different encoders and settings for different types of music. some i did encode myself from CDs. search around online, it might take a bit of digging, but there's some stuff around still. here's a quicky: http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2009/03/mp3-sound-quality-test-128-320/ http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2009/03/mp3-sound-quality-test-1... i was surprised that more than 50% got this one wrong. i got it correct even on my single shitty LCD-attached speaker at work at safe-for-work volume levels. the difference between 128 and 320 can be discerned pretty much 97% of the time in all but the quietest, gentlest of music. 128 sounds flat, like you're listening through a wall, but unless you have the higher quality version for reference, even this can be hard to tell. kind of like "perfect pitch" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_pitch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_pitch