Ripping of CD's is a very argumentative topic (for want of a better word; disputeable is the better word.) Lots of people have their own opinions & will swear by them. I don't go for the 128 kbps as being cd equivalent. I think it also depends on the exact music & its tonal qualities, frequency ranges, stereo separation, etc. I believe lossless formats like aiff, wav, apple lossless & another I can't remember off-hand are the audiophilist's dream. mp3's cap the top & bottom frequency ranges but if you're listening to music where those ranges are not so important or noticeable then fine. Just that I've been disappointed with some lame & ogg vorbis encoded at 128. I found the difference particularly noticeable. But as I suggested that was for particular music.

How can less bits of information (less than 1/12th) of the original when using 128 is going to be as good as cd?