The same goes for a capella voices; it also shows that all encoders are not equal. (By definition decoders are supposed to be equal, except for mathematical rounding error.)
I disagree, in fact all MP3 decoders are not equal. Some may produce overbright output and some may produce more accurate but dull output. Whether this results from different reverse DCT algorithms or postprocessing, I can't say. Either way, the format is dated and I hate to see good music mangled by it. WMA uses a much sharper (if a bit overbright) algorithm. And the encoders/decoders will all be created equal, because there is only one. For better or worse, this algorithm is better suited to concertina music. Plus it does 24/96.
Don't they have equipment rentals in France
Good point.