I give the benefit of doubt for mp3, since the format is simply flawed even with all the LAME magic (e.g. https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_swi

I give the benefit of doubt for mp3, since the format is simply flawed even with all the LAME magic (e.g. https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_switch https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=LAME_Y_switch). Though the differences mostly remain in the realm of ABX competition, especially with VBR (always use VBR). But for Vorbis, AAC and Opus with decent encoder/bitrate, I doubt it. Baring killer samples like castanets showing pre-echo issues inherent to some MDCT based codecs.