I did a OGG (GT3B1) vs. LAME (3.90.3) vs. MPC (1.14 Beta) test the other day. I used FLAC files ripped from EAC, so source wasn't an issue. Music used was Schism (Tool), Them Bones (Alice in Chains), Lithium (Nirvana), Highly Evolved (The Vines), and 40 Live (dc Talk). The last is a very well recorded Live song, with applause, and as we all know, that's always fun to torture encoders with
Note that my test methods are very sucky; I just load 'em up in QCD, randomize, minimize and use tray controls to test 'em out. Then afterward, I look at which was which. Also note I'm using a SB Live! (albeit with KX drivers and using the rear-out) and HD 280 Pro's. So it's not nearly reference quality. Basically, my music, my tests, my ears.
All codecs were set at their transparency level for me. -q6 for Ogg, --aps for MP3, --quality 5 --xlevel for MPC, and then, of course, the original FLAC file. Again, this is the level where usually I cannot hear the difference on most tracks at these levels, with my current equipment. If I ever upgrade, hey, I've got the FLAC files, so I'll do 'er again
Results
40 Live:
All tracks were transparent to me, with the exception that the MP3's hi-hat and rhythm egg (or whatever it's called...) sound was a tiny bit harsher and less pronounced. This could be due to --aps's high frequency roll-off, I dunno.
Them Bones:
All the tracks were transparent. Then again, Dirt (the album it's on) isn't the best recorded album, but hey, it's grunge rock. On a side note, the Ogg Vorbis track seemed to have a bit more presence than the others. Only way I can describe it is maybe thicker. Not slow, but just like a few more frequencies were present, giving it a fuller sound. It didn't sound any better to me, so I'm not going one way or the other on this.
Lithium:
During the intro, with the bass line, Ogg Vorbis was lacking in bass punch. Also, the cymbals coming after that seemed to all run together, instead of being distinct different hits.
Schism:
The only place I ever found a difference was about 2:15 into the song, where Maynard starts yelling. MPC smoothed out the cymbal crashes more so than even the original FLAC file. I myself found this more pleasing, but this, of course, is subjective.
Highly Evolved:
Again, the only place anything was amiss were the cymbals, although these were near the beginning. The rest of the song, the vocals pretty much overpower everything else. (Not that it's a bad thing; I love The Vines) MP3 made the cymbals too harsh for my tastes. Not a smooth transition from one to the next, and overall, it was just more canned sounding.
Once again, this is all strictly IMO. Argue if you wish, but at least post your own findings
In conclusion, there's not all that much difference. MP3 still seems to have some trouble handing high frequences, (at least at --aps... --api doesn't have as much of a roll-off, so that may help) but Ogg Vorbis choked on a few as well. MPC seemed to do the best overall, but also remember, it has a much larger filesize, and no portable support, if that's your thing. Myself, I'm gonna stick with FLAC for home use and Ogg Vorbis for portable.
(-:Stephonovich